Cultural Landscape Research Articles

Christianity in Tang China: Texts and People

Christianity-jingjiao along with Manichaeism and Zoroastrianism is one of the so-called ‘three barbarian teachings’ san yi jiao, which were introduced in mediaeval China almost simultaneously. All three teachings were able to adapt to the Chinese cultural and socio-political milieu and became part of the Chinese religious and cultural landscape. The fragmentary character of the Chinese jingjiao documents, which were found in Dunhuang, and a very obscure social and political status of this doctrine, however, make it very complicated and difficult to reconstruct the place of jingjiao in mediaeval Chinese society as much as its ideological and doctrinal features because of the vast absorption of the Taoist and Buddhist elements. Such an obscure and very ‘fuzzy’ character of this teaching makes its impact on studies resulting in highly improbable and erroneous conclusions. In this paper, an attempt has been made to classify periodically the steps in the studies of the Tang China jingjiao phenomenon, highlighting three basic periods in it, to characterize each of them and to single out the most important authors and their works and to pose or re-formulate some questions, which can appear in the process of the investigation of this problematic religious teaching, e.g. linguistic and philological problems, including textological and palaeographical ones; problems of historical context, given the wide cultural and political aspects of Tang China’s connections with Sasanian Iran and Silk Road states; questions of ethnic and religious identity, which seems to be very ambiguous matter; problems of decline and disappearance of jingjiao in later period.

"The sort of design sophistication we were all in need of," Ernst Plischke’s design for Paul’s Book Arcade (1949), Hamilton

In 1949 a remarkable interior design for a Hamilton bookshop by Ernst Plischke was, according to the client, "the sort of design sophistication we were all in need of." Paul's Book Arcade played a pivotal role in Hamilton social circles in the 1940s, with the owner David Blackwood Paul (aka Blackwood) and his wife Janet Wilkinson, forming their own "centre of human enlightenment." The Blackwood group of friends included painter Margot Phillips, who like Plischke, was a European refugee, painter, critic, and a writer for The Listener, Geoff Fairburn and his wife Jean (also an artist), as well as writer Alexander Gaskell Pickard. Paul's Book Arcade was established in Hamilton in 1901 by Blackwood's father William Henry Paul. In 1933, Blackwood took over the management of the bookshop, reportedly as the result of a disagreement with his father, who by then was a powerful community leader. Paul's local services were a more pressing concern, and so Blackwood inherited what was a "modest emporium" with the atmosphere of a general store. Blackwood would later transform Paul's Book Arcade to such an extent that in 1949 the visiting English publisher Sir Stanley Unwin numbered the bookshop among the fourteen best in the world, and one of the two best in New Zealand. So successful was the bookshop that in 1955 a further two stores were opened, each in Auckland. The first was located on Shortland Street, and the second on High Street, also designed by Plischke. The Blackwood social circle would have a lasting and far‐reaching influence on the mid‐century architecture of Hamilton. Connections with local artists and groups such as the Waikato Society of Arts, allowed a seamless flow of European‐inspired modernist ideals to inform Hamilton's new architecture, interior design, and cultural landscape. The first built manifestation of this movement was the 1949 interior design for Paul's Book Arcade by Austrian architect Ernst Plischke. This presentation will look at the relation between Blackwood and Plischke, the architect's design for the Book Arcade, and how the Blackwood's informed design sensibilities would influence Hamilton's modernist landscape for years afterwards.

Otherness as a Commodity: Rethinking Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in Central and Eastern Europe from the time of ‘Global Socialism’

This article investigates the phenomena of contemporary Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in Central and Eastern Europe by tracing out the genealogy of far-right tradition from the time of ‘global socialism’. It precisely explores how Communist Bulgaria’s and Communist Poland’s rhetoric of internationalism and unity was instrumentally exploited to deploy eugenic policies against the Muslim and Jewish population, respectively. The article is organised into three parts. First, it discusses how socialist authorities reordered domestic heritage and cultural landscapes to enhance ruling ethnic majorities. Second, it shows how the reaction of the Bulgarian Communist Party and the Polish United Workers’ Party to the international turmoil in the Mediterranean region was strategically performed to scapegoat internal dissidents and ascribe them to Turkish nationalism or Zionism. Third, it postulates how such an instrumentalisation became the Party’s ideological commodity during the decolonisation age, in turn provoking a decoupling from the Global South even before 1989. As a result, this investigation shows how extreme far-right cultures have penetrated the postsocialist predicament and continue to operate culturally by dismissing otherness from the Polish and Bulgarian national identity.

POTENSI CULTURAL LANDSCAPE UNTUK PENGEMBANGAN ATRAKSI WISATA DI DESA BONGKASA PERTIWI, BALI

This research aims to identify the potential of the cultural landscape in Bongkasa Pertiwi Village, Badung Regency, Bali, and how these elements can be developed into sustainable tourist attractions. Bongkasa Pertiwi Village has various rich cultural landscape elements, such as rice fields with subak irrigation systems, temples, and springs (beji), which have not been optimally utilized as tourist attractions. Observations and data analysis were carried out by dividing the village area into three village area segments to evaluate the development potential and existing challenges. The results of the study show that: Segments 1 and 2 are dominated by rice field cultural landscapes, and there are springs (beji) and temples Segment 2, while Segment 3 is dominated by tourist attractions and residential areas where there is no cultural landscape whose potential has not been utilized The obstacles faced develop cultural landscapes as tourist attractions are limited infrastructure and lack of measurable data on cultural landscape elements in Bongkasa Pertiwi Village.

Adaptasi Strategi Pemasaran Global Starbucks di Indonesia

Starbucks Corporation, a global leader in the coffee industry, has successfully adapted its global marketing strategies to meet the needs of the Indonesian market. This study aims to analyze how Starbucks integrates product innovation, customer experience, technology utilization, strategic location selection, and loyalty programs to align with local preferences. Using a qualitative approach, this research examines the challenges and opportunities in adapting global strategies within Indonesia’s unique cultural and consumer landscape. The findings reveal that localization and cultural sensitivity are key drivers of Starbucks' success in Indonesia, enabling the company to maintain market leadership amidst increasing competition.

Determination of Shoreline Variability for Adaptation of Maritime Built Heritage to Climate Change: A Case of Southern Kenya Coast

ABSTRACT Erosion, shoreline retreat and accelerated beach loss at maritime heritage sites in Southern Kenya, is on the rise. Consequences ranging from gradual decay, collapse to outright catastrophic loss of pillars, mosques, tombs, wells and historic ruins are indicative of absent coastal management and climate adaptation plans. Unfortunately, the susceptibility of this heritage to suffer damage remains high due to its location, age, material and methods of construction. The archival research method, was selected to establish shoreline movement based on multi-temporal Landsat images from 1994–2023. Shoreline positions of the study area were analysed using geo-spatial statistical techniques executed in the GIS environment. These include Net Shoreline Movement, End Point Rate and Linear Regression Rate. Results of total shoreline change between 1994 and 2023 were −96.47 m. A mean erosion rate of −3.57 m/year with a maximum of −6.18 m/year reveals that erosion trends are significant in the cultural landscape. Short-term priorities include: physical stabilisations and relocation of built heritage from vulnerable zones. Long-term priorities include: restoration of mangroves, preservation of salt marshes and protection of seagrass beds. This paper contributes to the promotion of coping capacities and priorities for adapting maritime heritage to climate change.

Intra-Regional Alliances

This article examines intra-regional Buddhist patronage networks, particularly those connected with Kŭmgangsan 金剛山. Through a multidisciplinary approach combining historical records, archaeological findings, and art-historical evidence, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the formative period of Kŭmgangsan’s patronage history. From late Unified Silla onward, Buddhist monks and nuns actively constructed an image of the mountain to establish its reputation as a site with soteriological potency, thereby securing funding for temple construction and expansion. After the Mongol invasions, Kŭmgangsan residents succeeded in attracting prominent patrons from Kaesŏng and Dadu to fund reconstruction endeavors, which ultimately resulted in the mountain’s transformation into a transregionally recognized Buddhist pilgrimage site. By examining how Buddhist monks strategically cultivated politically powerful patrons such as eunuchs and empresses, utilized Buddhist-inspired narratives to enhance the standing of their temples, and actively contributed to the prosperity of their temples, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of Buddhist patronage networks in the broader cultural and historical landscape of medieval Korea.

The cultural landscape of the Hyblaean Mountains between the 3rd century BC and the 2nd century AD in the light of multidisciplinary research

Power in Syracuse was taken by Hiero II in 270 BC. Then the Hyblaean Mountains, much of which belonged to Syracuse, underwent changes and entered a period of transformations. When the First Punic War began Hiero II signed a treaty with Rome, which ensured long-term stabilization, economic growth and thorough development of the kingdom. His reign was the last period in which Syracusan territory flourished and enjoyed independence. After his death in 215 BC and the fall of Syracuse, the Romans confiscated Syracusan lands and annexed the towns allied with metropolis, also in the Hyblaean Mountains. It should be emphasized that this region represented a deeply-rooted Hellenistic heritage –evident in a variety of public and private buildings associated with developed culture, art, the self-confidence of the inhabitants. But new architecture, everyday objects, inscriptions and other components present already new influences. It is associated with the Roman migration to the newly conquered lands. Later, this region played a role during the conflict between Sextus Pompey and Octavian with its long-term consequences. Thanks to the archaeological sources can be assumed that the result was an influx of Roman veterans as settlers and new material culture, agriculture, breeding and know-how here

Exploring Women's Roles, Contributions, and Challenges in Medieval India from the 10th to 18th Century

This paper explores the roles that women portrayed, the contributions they made, and the obstacles encountered during the medieval period in India, from the 10th to the 18th century. Drawing light on the status of women and the complex forces in that life, the analysis done above tries to unfold the socio-political, cultural, and economic background of the period under consideration. This research studies the social and cultural landscape, assessing how the caste system, religious practices, and gender norms have affected the roles that women have played out in various diverse places. Added to this in the study is further looking into the various ways through which the very significant dynasties of Rajputs, Mughals, and Deccan Sultanates were influencing the experiences of women. Therefore, a special focus would be placed on the roles women assume in political and administrative roles, particular to their involvement in specific positions like being rulers, regent moms, military leaders, and ambassadors. In addition, the influence of royal women in courts and assemblies and their contributions to governance and strategy is also probed, which essentially provides a comprehensive knowledge of the agency that the royal women possessed throughout this period and the problems that they encountered.

Aesthetics and the processual nature of landscape

The main subject addressed in this essay is the idea of landscape approached from a new perspective, namely the aesthetic category of the sublime, as opposed to the historical category of the picturesque. I argue that landscape is something more than an image and a phenomenon, and we should consider it and define anew, since its meaning is both aesthetic and cultural. The re-reading of the sublime as a kind of common sensory experience free of metaphysical connotation offers an insight into the kind of experience accompanying the relationship with the landscape and redefines its essence. In the optics of the sublime, the landscape assumes the nature of a process in which one sees the overlapping of certain socio-cultural relationships and the natural world, as well as the meaning of the surrounding reality, the living, current environment and its sensual perception. We may assume that the significant difference emerging when we try to approach landscape, appears between the landscape as an idea (aesthetic landscape) and the landscape as a process (cultural landscape). Thus landscape is seen as a cultural space of human activity, not a pictorial part of the reality. As such, landscape is related to surroundings. Surroundings are a space of life and activity, while landscape is the space experienced, but both are two aspects of our living-in-the-landscape. Dwelling as the creation of the surroundings is nothing but practice to make landscape present. The article was first published in Aesthetics of Human Environment.VIIIOvsiannikov International Aesthetic Confe-rence, ed. by. S. Dzikevich, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 2017, p. 7-19.

Cultural landscape transformations in the "Prosecco hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene" UNESCO World Heritage Site in the context of terrain morphology

The "Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene" has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2019 under the category “cultural landscapes”. The study analysed land use and landscape changes in the last six decades through spatial analyses and landscape metrics, identifying main changes and comparing similarities and differences between the Core and the Buffer Zone. The main aims were to identify the main drivers that contributed to the preservation of the traditional cultural landscape and to provide data and indications for landscape planning and conservation, with particular attention to the opportunities/threats due to the expected increase of tourism resulting from the recent UNESCO recognition. The study was conducted in the framework of the UNESCO site Management Plan.Results demonstrated that the Core Zone traditional landscape has a higher level of integrity compared to the Buffer Zone, due to the different terrain morphology that represents the main driver. The rough morphology of the Core Zone contributed to the preservation of traditional vineyards interspersed with small woods, linear tree formations and forest patches, as it was not possible to introduce mechanisation in viticulture due to steep slopes that oblige farmers to cultivate vines on ciglioni (earth terraces). Core Zone's main change was due to forestation (21% of the surface) on steeper slopes and higher altitudes, caused by the abandonment of pastures that occurred in the last decades. The main transformations in the Buffer Zone were agricultural intensification (29% of the surface) due to the replacement of traditional mixed crops, meadows, and arable land with modern and mechanised vineyards, and urban sprawl (average rate of 10 ha/year). The study highlighted that despite land use changes the Buffer Zone still contributes to the conservation of the overall UNESCO site landscape quality. Buffer Zone can also have a potential key-role in mitigating the increasing tourist flows, but additional urban sprawl or the spread of other modern vineyards should be avoided. The main long-term objective should be the preservation of the cultural landscape and the peaceful coexistence of farmers, local population and tourists, with mutual benefits, by applying a participatory approach.

The Role of Big Data Analysis in Fashion Design

Today, as the contemporary, economic and cultural landscape becomes increasingly volatile, the dynamics of the fashion industry are becoming less predictable. The fast-changing fashion industry is constantly generating data. Big data is a powerful tool that offers new and exciting opportunities for fashion designers. It is used for different purposes such as understanding consumer behaviour, predicting trends and creating more personalized products. Design processes that were previously driven by intuition and instinct have become more fluid, data and goal-oriented with the opportunities offered by big data. This article aims to reveal the purposes of using big data by investigating fashion design models based on big data in the fashion industry in recent years. For this purpose, the current models of big data in fashion design, its limitations and development direction are discussed. While many of the areas of use of big data in the fashion industry (trend analysis, demographic, geographical analysis, age and gender, etc.) have been intensively researched, the number of purely design-oriented research is only recently increasing. This study is unique in that it focuses on the design phenomenon and applications of big data in fashion. In this context, there is no academic study in the national literature. It is expected to contribute to the discussion on the effects of big data and big data-based digital technologies in fashion design.

Editorial: When Theological Landscapes Shift: Reimagining Church and Society

This issue of Theology in Scotland begins with an article based on the 2024 D. W. D. Shaw Memorial Lecture delivered by Prof David Fergusson, examining the historical partnership between the church and universities in Scotland.The remainder of the issue reflects on the swiftly changing religious and cultural landscape of contemporary Scotland: ● How do we make sense of the dwindling number of people professing a Christian commitment in contemporary Scotland? ● How do structures enable or stifle creative organic developments?● What future shapes of the church can we discern from both our engagement with Scripture and recent experiments in church practice?

Radio Malaysia in 1978: Broadcasting Nationalist and Patriotic Ideas in Primary Schools Through Songs

Patriotic songs serve as symbols and catalysts of national identity. These songs, ranging from the national anthem "Negaraku" to a diverse repertoire of unofficial anthems, have played a crucial role in shaping the nation's cultural landscape and fostering a sense of unity among its diverse population. The popularity of these patriotic songs can be traced back to the nation's independence in 1957, when citizens had to learn the newly composed national anthem. The newly formed nation would require symbols that function as a catalyst for the realisation of Malaysia. The introduction of radio music education in Malaysian public schools in 1946 marked a significant milestone, as it allowed for the systemic dissemination of patriotic songs through the Radio Pendidikan (Radio Education) program. This program broadcasted songs to primary school students, exposing the younger generation to expressions of nationalism and patriotism through song. Through a thematic content analysis of the songs featured in the Radio Pendidikan 1978 program, the objective of this article aims to explore how the underlying themes of nationalism and patriotism were reflected in these musical compositions. The findings contribute to the understanding of the intersection between music, education, and nation-building; implicating the powerful influence of patriotic songs in uniting a diverse population and fostering a strong sense of national pride.

Canvas of Culture: Public Art’s Role in Reinvigorating Pekan Parit

Public art is instrumental in enhancing tourism in Pekan Parit, Perak, by enriching the area cultural landscape. This study explores the multifaceted influence of public art on community perceptions, emotional responses, and its potential to attract tourists. We employed a mixed-methods design to collect data from 103 respondents through surveys, evaluating community attitudes towards public art and its role in fostering a cohesive community and boosting tourism. Key findings reveal that public art not only enhances Pekan Parit’s aesthetic appeal but also significantly influences both residents and visitors. However, community engagement is closely linked to the effectiveness of public art in attracting tourists, so artistic initiatives must resonate with both locals and tourists. This underscores the critical role of public art in reflecting and preserving the town's cultural identity while involving the community in the planning and execution of these projects. The research concludes that public art can be a powerful catalyst for sustainable tourism growth, facilitating deeper connections to the area’s cultural heritage and enhancing the overall visitor experience. These insights are essential for policymakers, urban planners, and cultural practitioners seeking to leverage public art as a strategic tool for revitalising tourism in Pekan Parit, Perak.

Evidence of Vedic Sanātana Hinduism as a Global Dharma

This research explores the spread-out influence of Vedic Sanātana Hinduism, postulating that it once served as a foundational spiritual and cultural tradition with a reach that extended well beyond the Indian subcontinent. By looking into key aspects of Vedic culture, such as meditation, ritual practices, and Ārcavigraha (deity worship) as expressions of the divine, this study presents a multifaceted view of Hinduism’s spread and adaptation across diverse ancient civilizations. Evidence of Hindu deities and symbols found globally in archaeological excavations—ranging from Southeast Asia, Europe to the Americas and Canada, —demonstrates that elements of Hindu spirituality were not confined to any one region. Rather, they appear to have permeated a variety of cultures and belief systems over time, often integrating with local customs and symbols. Moreover, this research examines Vedic Hinduism’s contributions to scientific knowledge, literature, governance, and technology, highlighting the sophistication and cultural advancement of early Hindu society. Ancient Hindu texts like the Mahabharata and the Vedas depict Bhāratavarṣa, a concept of a unified Earth or global empire under Vedic values, which is reflected in historical records describing interactions with regions beyond South Asia, including the Mleccha, Yavanas, and other international groups. Stories and references from these texts suggest a thriving network of trade, communication, and diplomacy between India and other parts of the ancient world, where Vedic influences may have taken root. Furthermore, the principles of Vedic literature continue to shape modern philosophy, science, ethics, and governance, underscoring the enduring relevance of Hindu thought across multiple fields. Further, Vedic texts trace humanity's origins to Rishi Kashyapa and his descendants, with references to various tribes and races like the Yavanas and Mleccha crossing oceans to establish their own cultures. The enduring legacy of Vedic philosophy in science, literature, ethics, and governance underscores its universal appeal and lasting impact on modern disciplines. This study demonstrates that Vedic Sanātana Hinduism, in its scope and influence, was more than a regional faith; it served as a global dharma, profoundly shaping the course of world history and spirituality. Through a combination of historical documentation, scriptural analysis, and contemporary scholarship, this research contends that Vedic Sanātana Hinduism not only shaped Indian civilization but also left an indelible mark on the religious, intellectual, and cultural landscapes of many regions across the globe. This convergence of ancient evidence and modern insight reinforces the idea that Vedic Sanātana Hinduism once operated as a truly global dharma, offering a comprehensive and profound framework for understanding the interconnectedness of human society.

When China Met Rock and Roll: Globalization and Localization in the 1980s’ Post-Mao Era

This paper explores the emergence of Chinese rock music in the 1980s, emphasizing its complex interplay with American rock influences and the socio-cultural transformations in post-Mao China. Pioneering Chinese rock musicians not only embraced and imitated American rock but also adapted its themes and styles to resonate with local realities, reflecting a unique process of globalization. Drawing on Arjun Appadurai’s concept of cultural “scapes”, the analysis highlights how the reform and opening-up policies initiated by Deng Xiaoping facilitated the flow of Western music and ideas into China, paving the way for a new cultural landscape. The disillusionment with Maoist ideologies and the desire for individualism among the youth fueled a distinct rock movement characterized by a paradoxical relationship with both traditional Chinese culture and Western influences. Through the works of artists like Cui Jian, the paper illustrates how Chinese rock music became a powerful medium for expressing the aspirations and frustrations of a generation navigating the complexities of modernization and identity. Ultimately, this study underscores the localized adaptation of a global genre, showcasing how the Chinese rock music scene emerged as a reflection of the country’s unique historical and cultural context.

Overview of the Siwa Oasis Study in Egypt

The Siwa Oasis in the western desert of Egypt has attracted the attention of academic circles at home and abroad because of its long history, mysterious culture, and unique natural landscape. The research covers many fields such as history, anthropology, linguistics, environment and ecology, and economic development. The foreign research is thorough and comprehensive, and has many achievements on the historical status of Siwa, modern cultural conflict and change, language and society, ecological system and its sustainable development, while the domestic research is still superficial, mainly on the introduction of the humanistic style and historical overview. Through a comprehensive analysis of these research results, this study can have a more comprehensive understanding of the multiple values of Siwa and the problems faced by traditional culture represented by Siwa in the era of globalization.

COVID-19 impacts on residential preferences for parks and green-blue spaces: A case study from Miami-Dade County, Florida

While the pandemic has enhanced positive perceptions of parks and green-blue spaces, there remains ongoing debate about whether this has translated into increased usage of these areas and a higher valuation of such proximities in the real estate market. Simply desiring more time in parks does not necessarily equate to a readiness to pay more for homes nearby. By analyzing housing transaction data, we investigated changes in residential preferences over a seven-year span, segmented into three phases: pre-pandemic (2015–2019), pandemic (2020−2021), and post-pandemic (2022). We focused particularly on the evolving attitudes toward parks, green-blue spaces, and their associated sports and social amenities during and after the pandemic, linking these shifts to trends in COVID-19 cases. Our findings revealed dynamic changes in homebuyer preferences toward parks, urban greenspaces, and coastal amenities. Notably, there was a decline in the willingness to pay for proximity to parks in 2021 and 2022, whereas the value assigned to homes near natural or designed walking trails significantly rose from 2020 to 2022. Coastal and beachfront properties continued to positively impact housing prices, a trend that the pandemic appears to have reinforced. These changes in preferences also showed significant geographical diversity, suggesting that the pandemic's influence on residential preferences is closely tied to local culture and urban landscapes. Our study suggests that while the pandemic may temporarily alter preferences not deeply rooted in a city's culture, only those preferences that are intrinsic to a locality are likely to persist.

Mapping Australian Culture and Society in the Animated Series Bluey—The Use of Audiovisual Material in Early EFL Learning

Bluey stands as the current pinnacle in children’s television series, lauded and adorned with multiple accolades for its educational and social merits. It stands out for its portrayal of childhood social learning within familial settings, offering a realistic depiction of everyday challenges. In addition, Bluey is based on the everyday life of Australian society, clearly reflecting the country’s customs, social values, and natural environments, making it an invaluable resource for enriching the cultural learning of the English language and culture from an Australian point of view, an issue that is rarely addressed in the specialist literature. Thus, this study seeks to identify the cultural and societal facets of Australia depicted in it, with the aim of assessing its pedagogical value in teaching English to non-native learners within the context of primary education. Thirty evaluators analyzed the 52 episodes of the first season of Bluey, endeavoring to identify elements across nine thematic areas. To mitigate variances among evaluators, elements were verified only if agreement was reached by at least three evaluators. In total, evaluators identified 3327 elements representing Australian culture, comprising these categories: (1) Childhood; (2) Devices; (3) Lifestyles; (4) Food; (5) Language; (6) Sports; (7) Animals; (8) Nature; and (9) Places. A total of 1223 elements received verification by the requisite number of evaluators. The resulting catalog of Australia-specific elements per episode serves as a valuable tool in selecting the most instructive episodes for English-language and Australian cultural education for non-natives. This compilation facilitates a nuanced approach to teaching English, rooted in the diverse and culturally rich Australian context, thus breaking away from strictly British and American cultural associations and embracing a broader linguistic and cultural landscape.