Dimensions Of Heritage Research Articles

The Territorialization of Cultural Heritage as an Opportunity for Its Adaptive Reuse From the Tourist Management

ABSTRACT Considering the territory as an expansive dimension of heritage offers a unique opportunity to promote both the conservation of assets and the development of the surrounding area. However, heritage often remains isolated from the holistic management of tourist destinations, failing to integrate as a “living” element. To address this issue, the study proposes a conceptual delimitation that takes into account the services provided by various facilities within the space and their uses. By analyzing the interdependencies between heritage and the territorial system, inspired by ecosystem service evaluation, a methodology is applied to the sculpture “Elogio del Horizonte” in Gijón, Spain. The results establish an initial delimitation for the case study, providing a foundation for identifying needs and generating proposals. This method aims to guide decision-making in heritage management in the tourism sector, going beyond mere economic profitability and prioritizing the community's needs.

The Heritage Dimension of Industrial Landscape. Methodological Keys for Its Analysis and Identification

Abstract The epistemological debate regarding the new industrial heritage paradigm from the landscape perspective has generated a number of uncertainties as well as new questions and challenges that need to be addressed, not only from a conceptual viewpoint but also via the definition of methodological approaches that facilitate the implementation in the territory in question of some of its axioms as an initial, unavoidable step towards the identification and characterisation of these landscapes. The purpose of this article is to develop a conceptual and methodological approach to the industrial landscape based on its heritage dimension. On a conceptual level, the article explores the study of these landscapes, addressing their heritage dimension and offering a synthesis of existent theories in this field with those practical instruments, regulations, recommendations, etc., that recognise their heritage value. On a methodological level, the article advances in the design of methodological keys for the analysis and identification of these landscapes by focusing on their specific nature and heritage dimension, a step that constitutes a priority task in terms of the enhancement and integrated management of the same in a manner that supports their protection and administration on the basis of heritage and cultural considerations.

Efeitos da gestão territorial no Índice de Desenvolvimento Rural da Agricultura Familiar nos Territórios da Cidadania do estado da Bahia

Abstract After the interruption of the Territories of Citizenship (TC) Program by the Brazilian federal government, Bahia was one of the few Brazilian states that maintained the territorial approach, the “Territories of Identity”. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of territorial management for the TC-Bahia (treatment group) in comparison to TC-Brazil (control group). A Rural Development Index for Family Agriculture (RDI-FA) was developed for two time periods to calculate its evolution for each group. The results showed that the RDI-FA had a significantly higher evolution for TC-Bahia in relation to TC-Brazil (p-value < 0.01). In ten years, TC-Bahia index increased by 0.07 while the rest of TC-Brazil grew by 0.04. We concluded that institutionalization and improvements of Bahian territorial approach has benefited family farmers, especially in the institutional dimension of territorial heritage.

CONCEPTUALIZATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE PROTECTION AS A SOFT POWER INSTRUMENT

The article examines the “transformation” of the concept of “protection of cultural heritage” in the context of current international relations. The development in modern political science discourse of such theories as securitization of cultural heritage, “geocultural” power, and diplomacy of cultural heritage allows us to talk about a change, or rather, an expansion of the meaning of the term field “protection of cultural heritage.” Based on an analysis of scientific works devoted to the study of the role of cultural heritage in international political processes, as well as specialized UNESCO reports on the connection between the UN sustainable development goals and culture in general, and reports of some specialized structures (for example, the British Council), the following conclusions can be drawn. First, in the last decade, the potential of cultural heritage for state foreign policy and international heritage management has attracted increasing interest among researchers from different countries. At the moment, there is no single or established definition of heritage diplomacy. In earlier studies, heritage diplomacy has generally been associated with multinational cooperation in international heritage management within the framework of UNESCO. More recent concepts of heritage diplomacy have expanded to include more policy areas, such as sustainable development policy. Secondly, the concept of cultural heritage for international cultural relations should be conceptualized as a present- and future-oriented process through which realities are constructed from selected elements of the past. Thirdly, the political dimension of cultural heritage acts as an arena for the manifestation and negotiation of (dissonant) meanings, values and identities.

An Analysis of Climate Change Threats to Cultural Practices: A Case Study of the Dikgale Community, South Africa

Scientists and policymakers are failing to account for the influence of climate change on many facets of cultural life. Much emphasis is placed on the effects of climate change on agriculture, with less emphasis placed on how low crop and livestock output may affect socio-cultural activities. The current study investigated the effects of climate change on the socio-cultural practices of the Dikgale community in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 150 participants purposely selected in a rural community. The study’s findings revealed that cultural activities that foster communities’ cohesion are already under threat from the effects of climate change. Temperature fluctuations and irregular rainfall negatively impacted cultural festivities such as the First Fruit Rituals, Rain-making Rituals, Cultural Entertainments, and bride price payment. To complete the rites and meet marital requirements, subsistence crops and cattle are used. Poor subsistence crop and livestock production has left the rituals obsolete, and as a result, these customs are rarely practised and have been supplanted by western practices. If this cultural heritage is lost, rural communities will lose significant social, cultural, and economic values. The study contributes to the less documented intangible cultural heritage dimensions impacted by climate change. Keywords: Climate Change, Socio-Cultural Practices, Cultural Heritage, Limpopo Province

Assessing current use and visions for sacral complexes in a landscape: An example from Central Europe

Abstract A significant phenomenon of sacral complexes in a landscape is their cultural heritage dimension. They are part of historical landscape structures, representing a type of cultural landscape. In addition, they are often perceived as important landscape landmarks and symbols. In Slovakia (Central Europe), most such complexes are abandoned and deteriorated. In this context presented paper deals with the assessment and possible future human use of Calvary in Hliník nad Hronom (Slovakia) in order to preserve it for future generations. A central aspect of our research work presented in this contribution is to elaborate a sustainable and feasible concept for the Calvary following the integrated approach of its revitalization. Firstly, we analyzed Calvary´s historical and regional setting with the help of a thorough review of literature, historical maps, and pictures. Then we evaluated architectural, landscape, and vegetation values, as well as landscape structure changes using relevant methodologies. Based on this evaluation, much fieldwork, and social survey we were able to identify the current problems of the place connected with abandonment and use, evaluated values, socio-economic factors, and preservation policies. Subsequently, we prepared a future concept for the Calvary following the selected criteria and distinguishing features and looking at the Calvary as a result of collective work. Finally, recommendations were formulated for legal framework and spatial planning procedures in order to enforce better preservation of values of sacral complexes in the country.

The queering of monuments: Hauntological remembrance in Vienna

This article examines entanglements between past, present and futures of queerness visible in monuments as materialized forms of memory. We distinguish between queer monuments (i.e. positioning, and potentially imposing reified representations of queer history or memory) and the queering of monuments (i.e. challenging heteronormative or otherwise reductionist historical discourses, practices or memorial cultures of remembrance). By reflecting on oscillations between institutionalization, recognition, commodification and counter-memorial practice, we suggest the queering of monuments as an unfinished conceptual trope that embraces the non-conclusiveness of the past and future. Queering monuments nuances underlying tensions about the meaning and aesthetics of queer-themed heritage sites, objects and subjects, which emerge from multi-stakeholder arrangements of monument-making. Our approach chimes with critical heritage and monument studies that emphasize performative, affective-emotional and ghostly dimensions of heritage. By pulling hauntology into queer memorial discourse, we discuss queerness as an embodied and epistemological appearance that can challenge presentist, monolithic and thus potentially exclusive understandings of both heritage and monuments. Through queer temporality we situate our reflections in the public monument ARCUS – Shadow of a Rainbow – Memorial for Homosexuals Persecuted during the Nazi Era in Vienna, Austria (2023). We unpack the conflictual constellations of past and present voices, materialities and memories around the sculpture, using the rainbow motif (which became a symbol for queer people in the 1970s) to remember the persecution of queers during the Nazi Era. The monument begs the question how Vienna seeks to brand itself as a ‘rainbow city’, while continuously displacing queer practices from urban public space. Queering, in sum, embraces ghosts of past and present complex histories, trauma and joy instead of squeezing them into smooth or unambiguous narratives. Queering monuments thus outline a conflict-attuned approach to queer(ing) art, curation and collaboration.

Challenges of the modernization and industrialization of the manufacture of Ndop fabric from Cameroon

The Ndop fabric is part of the material witnesses of Cameroonian living culture like the Faso Dan Fani of Burkina Faso, like the shuka of the Massai of Kenya and Tanzania. These symbolic fabrics have a highly significant cultural and heritage dimension in their community. The promotion of these traditional African garments and the modernization of ancestral manufacturing techniques have for several decades contributed to the development of the continent's textile industry. The proliferation of ancient and modern traditional styles testifies the impact of the industrialization of the sector on the economy and on local cultures. These transformations certainly bring added value to the economy, but they have a strong impact on the value and cultural dimension of the fabric. In a global context where it is necessary to develop this sector of the local African textile industry, it is necessary to find means and possibilities which promote the emergence of African fashion by giving pride of place to the conservation and preservation of originality of these fabrics which are elements of the national cultural heritage. The decline in the symbolic and cultural value of these fabrics prompts profound reflections on the manner and means of its production and of its current use.

Is the ecosystem services concept relevant to capture the multiple benefits from farming systems using livestock biodiversity? A framework proposal

Local breeds are key components of livestock farming systems. They are part of livestock biodiversity and this diversity has been threatened since the second half of the 20th century by their replacement with animals from specialized breeds. The multiple benefits of farming systems using local breeds – provision of goods, landscape and environmental management, and uses related to cultural and heritage dimensions – have long been recognized and used to argue for their conservation. However, the notion of ecosystem services is rarely used to analyze those benefits. This article presents a qualitative approach to the provision of ecosystem services by farming systems that use livestock biodiversity. Based on diverse case studies of breeds from several species, we propose an analytical framework that accounts for how a service is qualified, who is concerned by the services identified, the role of the breed in the process of service provision, and interactions between services. Finally, the framework considers the links between the provision of services and the management of the breeds. We discuss to what extent the notion of ecosystem services is useful in dealing with the multiple benefits from farming systems using local breeds.

COMPUTING HERITAGE VALUES: A CASE FOR GEORGIA AND MALTA

Value criteria and dimensions of heritage are two aspects on which the heritage value is calculated. The Heritage Value Calculation is effectively a computation whereby the heritage value for given site is established. This method was applied to two seminal contemporary architectural case studies, namely, the Palace of Rituals (Georgia) and the Manikata Church (Malta). The heritage value computed for each provides insight into their essential features whilst allowing a comparison of the sites – Georgia and Malta are spiritually linked through the same religious faith. Although the Palace of Rituals scored slightly higher in the dimensions of materiality, function, and spirit and memory, the Manikata Church obtained considerably higher scores for design, location and context, and traditions and techniques, thus ending up with a higher overall final heritage value score.

Characterisation of the tensile performance of bonding agents for the restoration of heritage dimension stone from southeast Australia

Through this research, we measure the direct tensile strength of three important southeast Australian heritage dimension stones and compare the results with published values. The three stones are Sydney Sandstone, Victorian Bluestone and South Australian Black Granite. This information is crucial for stone masons when they are selecting and cutting stone for construction projects, as they need to ensure that the stone they use and the repair will be strong enough to withstand the loads and stresses it will be subjected to in its final location. Results show that direct methods of testing provide tensile strengths that are 30–63% of the indirect methods. When the direct tension to compressive strength ratio is considered, results of 2–7% are calculated for these stones. This is significantly less than the typically assumed 10% for intact rock. Three masonry bonding agents have been selected to determine their capacity to re-bond the dimension stone. Highly variable results were achieved, with re-bonded tensile strengths ranging from 6% to 104% of the intact strength. This variability is most likely related to the heterogeneity of the stones and the surface preparations. Based on these outcomes, it is recommended that stone masons carefully consider the product that is used for restoration works and that test samples be prepared to confirm capacities.

Heritage and the Regeneration of Urban Brownfields: Insights on Public Perception in Tehran, Iran

Brownfields particularly in old city centers reveal the story of abandonment and concealment, shaping the identity and collective memory of urban areas. Therefore, research and practice must prioritize both reutilization and heritage values. This study centers on the regeneration of historical brownfields in Tehran, the capital of Iran, and assesses public perceptions of redeveloped historical brownfields. Based on their approach to patrimony, the study categorized reclaimed brownfields as interpretive, cultural, or ecological sites. A questionnaire was administered to citizens who visited three sampled sites (n = 385) to collect data. According to the results of principal component analysis (PCA), women preferred the non-economic component, which includes environmental, social, heritage, and aesthetic dimensions, while men and older, highly educated respondents preferred the economic dimension in relation to brownfields. Despite positive attitudes towards brownfield regeneration, environmental and heritage dimensions, especially intangible heritage, are less well-known. However, heritage justifies and determines brownfield redevelopment. Increasing commitment to preserving heritage during brownfield regeneration has a positive effect on the perception of respondents.

Exploring the heritage dimension of vineyard landscapes based on a critical approach to their inscription on the World Heritage List

ABSTRACT Vineyard landscapes are an excellent example of cultural landscapes that represent the interactions between nature and culture, providing many of them with a unique heritage value. This study takes a critical approach to the nomination processes of World Heritage vineyard landscapes, focusing on the practical application of the eligibility criteria and the key concepts of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), authenticity and integrity. A detailed comparative study of the nine specific vineyard cultural landscapes included in the World Heritage List has been conducted based on three primary sources: the Nomination Files, the Advisory Bodies Evaluations and the minutes of the World Heritage Committee meetings with the decisions to inscribe or not to inscribe the sites. A systematic analysis of the many recommendations issued by ICOMOS to the States Parties and their comparison with the Committee’s decisions has provided insight into the evolution of perspectives. In turn, these have given rise to a discussion regarding several aspects: inscription categories, names and surface areas of the properties, duration of the process, OUV and attributes that embody said value, authenticity and integrity, boundaries and management plans. Thus, this paper will shine a light on the difficult subject of identifying outstanding heritage specificities and linking OUV to the territorial conservation and management of living rural landscapes.

Defining ecological liabilities and structuring ecosystem accounts to support the transition to sustainable societies

Harnessing reliable and relevant information on ecosystems requires focusing and prioritising information acquisition on dimensions of interest. As a boundary object between ecosystem monitoring, research and public decision-making, ecosystem accounting can serve this purpose. We develop an argument in favour of a set of accounts, consistent with the statistical standard part of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA-EA), that explicitly links monetary accounts to ecosystem extent and condition accounts. The ecosystem condition account is structured in three categories reflecting the main values motivating integrated ecosystem management targets and notions of «good ecological status». These categories are: (i) the maintenance of their heritage dimensions, (ii) their capacity to sustainably provide ecosystem services and (iii) the maintenance of their overall functionality. We discuss how such ecosystem accounts and associated monitoring can form the basis both for assessing an ecological debt by using a cost-based approach and for designing an action-orientated information system suitable to support the transition towards sustainable societies.

Cultural heritage in early childhood education: a systematic review

ABSTRACT This study aims to reveal the status of cultural heritage in early childhood education and its content through a systematic literature review. A search of major databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) was performed to identify related articles. Eighteen articles were identified and analysed, considering their topics, countries, methods, techniques, pedagogical practices, and suggestions. The articles highlighted the types or dimensions of cultural heritage commonly developed in preschools and the relevant pedagogical practices in the early childhood context. Though not many studies were found, the topics, countries, methods, techniques, pedagogical practices, and suggestions of cultural heritage studies in early childhood vary. Furthermore, a research agenda was provided for future studies on the subject.

Learning from the past: old and new ksour in the M’Zab Valley (Algeria)

Most World Heritage Sites in the Maghreb region are threatened by numerous natural and anthropic hazards, the latter usually due to complex economic, social and cultural dynamics. Because of changes in ways of life and housing models, traditional building cultures are often not recognised by inhabitants as heritage and are becoming unable to resist the spread of modern standardised technologies. These changes put at risk the conservation status and consequently the Outstanding Universal Value of the sites. The World Heritage Site of the M'Zab Valley in Algerian desert is a rare example of the preservation of both tangible and intangible dimensions of heritage and their transmission to new generations through the construction of the new settlement of Tafilalt, built interpreting the traditional techniques. The contribution analyses the case of the M'Zab Valley in order to show the role of community involvement in safeguarding the authenticity and integrity of this World Heritage Site.

Exploring the academic dimensions of Nizami Ganjavi's heritage

Exploring the academic dimensions of Nizami Ganjavi's heritage

The (Non)Memory of “Ethnic Childhood” as a Dimension of Cultural Heritage

Today, ethnic minorities have entered the second wave of emancipation. They are fighting for the right to cultural autonomy, the right to have their own past, history and social memory. The aim of the article is to learn how ethnic minorities “recover” lost social memory in the area of childhood memory and how they work to create ethnic identity again. The text is composed of four parts. The first presents selected aspects of childhood culture. The second is presents Pierre Nora’s concept of memory. The third is presents the results of research on selected ethnic literary texts (Kashubian and Silesian). The author’s conducted semantic and structural analyzes (in the approach of Roland Barthes and Paul Ricoeur). The analyzes allowed us to recognize ethnic childhood as a space of existential suffering and a time of loss of ethnic identity. The answer – in childhood and adulthood – are specific identity strategies. they are aids in constructing a new ethnic identity. The fourth part is Summary and reflection closing the text.

Cultural Heritage and Human Rights

The safeguarding of cultural heritage and the protection of human rights constitute separate branches of international law, with different origins and different historical development. However, the far- reaching development of international cultural heritage law in the past half century has progressively infiltrated the field of human rights, developing what we may call ‘the human dimension of cultural heritage’. This article reconstructs the process of mutual influence of these two branches of international law by way of an analysis of the most representative sectors on international cultural heritage law, including protection of cultural property in war time, restitution and return of stolen and illegally exported cultural objects, the protection of cultural heritage of outstanding universal value (‘world heritage’), and the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage and of cultural diversity. At a time when armed bands and terrorists deliberately destroy cultural property of great importance for humanity and angry crowds demolish monuments memorializing controversial figures of the past, connecting human rights and cultural heritage becomes an ever more necessary condition for a dialogue among the peoples and, in the end, the foundation for international peace and security.

Continuity and Change: Socio-Spatial Practices in Bamberg's World Heritage Urban Horticulture

The German city of Bamberg offers lessons in how continuity and change interact within the context of the inner-urban land use of commercial horticulture, thereby informing sustainable urban transformations in historic cities. The case of Bamberg shows that urban food production is not just well-established, but a consistent and centuries-old cultural structure that influences the fabric of today’s city. In this article, we discuss what forms of urban horticulture (and thus also food production) are evident from Bamberg’s past and which may prevail in the future. Two questions structure our analysis. First, how are historical sites and spatial structures of horticulture shaped in the tension between continuity and change? Second, which practices/forms of urban horticulture are taken up and how are they updated by which actors? Both the heritage and contemporary practices of urban horticulture, it is argued, can be conceived of as a resource to create sustainable places and ways of life for citizens. Two new contributions result from this work. First, the article highlights the ongoing cultural heritage dimensions of urban horticulture in a field still dominated by eco-technical contributions associated with post-industrial innovation in urban planning; in this respect, heritage should be recognised as a dynamic that shapes urban change. In addition, secondly, the application of Luhmannian concepts of evolution in social systems reinforces the interdependence of continuity and change in urban settings.