Pilgrimage Route Research Articles

More than one landslide per road kilometer – surveying and modeling mass movements along the Rishikesh–Joshimath (NH-7) highway, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract. The rapidly expanding Himalayan road network connects rural mountainous regions. However, the fragility of the landscape and poor road construction practices lead to frequent mass movements alongside roads. In this study, we investigate fully or partially road-blocking landslides along National Highway (NH-7) in Uttarakhand, India, between Rishikesh and Joshimath. Based on an inventory of >300 landslides along the ∼250 km long corridor following exceptionally high rainfall during September and October 2022, we identify the main controls on the spatial occurrence of mass-movement events. Our analysis and modeling approach conceptualizes landslides as a network-attached spatial point pattern. We evaluate different gridded rainfall products and infer the controls on landslide occurrence using Bayesian analysis of an inhomogeneous Poisson process model. Our results reveal that slope, rainfall amounts, lithology and road widening are the main controls on landslide occurrence. The individual effects of aggregated lithozones are consistent with previous assessments of landslide susceptibilities of rock types in the Himalayas. Our model spatially predicts landslide occurrences and can be adapted to other rainfall scenarios, thus having potential applications for efficiently allocating efforts for road maintenance. To this end, our results highlight the vulnerability of the Himalayan road network to landslides. Climate change and increasing exposure along this pilgrimage route will likely exacerbate landslide risk along the NH-7 in the future.

Heritage as a Driver of Sustainable Tourism Development: The Case Study of the Darb Zubaydah Hajj Pilgrimage Route

Heritage plays a pivotal role in sustainable tourism development along pilgrimage and historical routes, shaping the identity and character of these places. This study aims to investigate the relationship between heritage and tourism along the Darb Zubaydah pilgrimage route in Saudi Arabia, exploring strategies for developing sustainable tourism that preserves cultural and natural heritage while promoting local economies and community engagement. This research employs a mixed-method approach, integrating data collection and observational research along the Darb Zubaydah route, the main historic Hajj pilgrimage route connecting Kufa in Iraq to Makkah in Saudi Arabia. The chosen case study is analyzed through four heritage sustainable criteria: cultural, environmental, spatial, and economic development, through a cross-sectional analysis of the aspects related to safety measures and risk management. The results demonstrate that including the four criteria in the development of the pilgrimage route leads to defining strategic solutions to enhance this tourist trail for pilgrims, promoting the cultural landscape and heritage by strengthening the sense of identity via a sustainable approach. This study wants to contribute to Vision 2030 to enhance the development of tourism by revitalizing the Islamic, Arab, and national cultural heritage, offering insights into sustainable tourism practices that can be applied to other cultural routes globally.

Visiting the Sultan: Istanbul as a Part of the Pilgrimage Route from Russia

Visiting the Sultan: Istanbul as a Part of the Pilgrimage Route from Russia

Moving population is a challenge for malaria elimination in India: A cross-sectional study to assess malaria parasite infections in walking pilgrims in western Rajasthan, India

ObjectivesIndia is vigorously pursuing malaria elimination by 2030 and one of the key challenges is how to prevent the malaria risk associated with long-distance migrations of populations from endemic to non-endemic areas. Millions of pilgrims walking to the holy Ramdevra temple stay in temporary shelters along the route in district of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan state in western India. The main pilgrimage period coincides with the post-monsoon period with elevated vector densities. We investigated this situation to assess the potential risk posed by migrant pilgrims along the four highways in the temple district in disseminating malaria infections associated with their annual movements. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted for screening malaria in walking pilgrims from neighboring states at selected sites and a follow-up study for screening residents in Rajasthan from 2021 to 2023. The study comprises state entry routes, Ramdevra shrine, and pilgrimage route villages situated in western Rajasthan. Epidemiologic and entomologic surveillance was conducted during the “fair” period (August-September) and in pilgrimage route villages in three different seasons of the year to assess malaria in humans and the vector's infectivity. ResultsOf the 5251 individuals tested for malaria, a total of 76 (1.4%) tested positive for malaria, of whom 40.7% were infected with Plasmodium vivax (n = 31), 36.8% with P. falciparum (n = 28), and 22.3% with P. vivax and P. falciparum (n = 17). Anopheles density was highest during the fair season, peaking in August. An. stephensi exhibited a higher human blood index (0.65) than An. culicifacies (0.50). No mosquitoes were found positive for parasites. ConclusionsUp to 1.5% of pilgrims carried malaria parasites, posing a risk of spreading malaria to surrounding communities that otherwise would have low or no malaria burden. Moving populations pose the risk of local malaria transmission and reintroduction to the areas undergoing elimination. Sentinel point surveillance at the border of states will be helpful for states to share information on malaria and subsequently for the prevention of malaria transmission.

Pilgrimage Route Community: The Shaping of Vernacular Landscape in Village Clusters Along the South Road of Miaofeng Mountain

Pilgrimage Route Community: The Shaping of Vernacular Landscape in Village Clusters Along the South Road of Miaofeng Mountain

Kontinuita, proměna, zánik nebo obnova poutní tradice v České republice pohledem etnologie

The study deals with the phenomenon of pilgrimages after the year 1989. Except for the traditional pilgrimage festivities associated with the confession of faith, such as in Žarošice in South Moravia, where a pilgrimage ritual with many Baroque relicts is still practised on the so-called Golden Saturday, we can notice the disappearance of pilgrimages. At the same time, the traditional form of pilgrimages is transformed, and we can observe innovative trends after 1989. Pilgrimage tourism is developing significantly, professional and association pilgrimages (e.g. these of firefighters, gamekeepers, beekeepers, and teachers) are being organised, and cycling pilgrimages are becoming popular among all age groups. In contrast to Western Europe, the phenomenon of longdistance pilgrimages, not only to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, but also to Mariazell, Roma, Assisi, and the Holy Land, has arrived in the Czech Republic with a certain delay. After the year 2000, pilgrim routes have been replicated and trucked, modern pilgrim routes are being built. Last but not least, we try to answer the question of what role a pilgrimage site, a pilgrimage or a pilgrimage tradition plays in the Czech society of the twenty-first century.

Egyptian Pilgrimage Route (Darb Al-Hajj Al-Misriy). A Key Link in the Sacred Geography of the Islamic World (17th–18th Centuries)

Egyptian Pilgrimage Route (Darb Al-Hajj Al-Misriy). A Key Link in the Sacred Geography of the Islamic World (17th–18th Centuries)

Exploring pre-service primary teachers’ emotions in a geometry project with 3D design

This study explores the emotions that pre-service teachers (PSTs) experience when they interact with geometric knowledge and 3D design in a project focused on the way of Saint James pilgrimage route. The sample was made up of 101 PSTs from the University of Santiago de Compostela, the final point of the pilgrimage path. An emotional questionnaire, together with a participant observation notebook and a rubric, served as data collection instruments. The analytical frameworks included the didactical suitability criteria for mediational and affective facets, and SAMR (substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition) model for the effective integration of technology in schools. The results show a greater presence of pleasant emotions, highlighting the emotions of curiosity and cheerfulness. Despite this, less pleasant emotions such as brain-taster or bewilderment were notable. Pleasant emotions shown, as well, higher correlation rates. In conclusion, 3D design seems to indicate great potential for working on emotions with this group of students.

Pilgrimage Routes to Mecca in the 10th-15th Centuries and Timurid Revival Efforts

Pilgrimage Routes to Mecca in the 10th-15th Centuries and Timurid Revival Efforts

Conservation of Buddhist Heritage in Afghanistan, 2016–2022

This article describes activity at two Buddhist sites, Topdara (Parwan province) and Shewaki (south-east of Kabul) in Afghanistan undertaken by the Afghan Cultural Heritage Consulting Organisation (ACHCO) between 2016 and 2022. It entailed documentation, excavation, conservation and partial reconstruction of stupas and other structures associated with Buddhist monastic orders. The sites are part of a string of religious institutions situated along trade and pilgrimage routes that traversed the region, some of which have been the focus of previous surveys, archaeological excavation and analysis. The primary objective of this work was to document and conserve the surviving physical fabric of the stupas and adjacent buildings, while examining their siting and similarities in form and architectural style with other Buddhist monuments in the region. The interventions also provided an opportunity to observe the attitudes of both the Afghan work-force and members of the Afghan public towards their Buddhist heritage, for which there seems to be a degree of curiosity and respect that tends to be lacking in recent accounts of such sites being “endangered.”

„Szlak św. Ottona”. Koncepcja trasy pielgrzymkowej jako forma upamiętnienia misji chrystianizacyjnej św. Ottona z Bambergu na Pomorzu (1124-1128)

The area of Pomerania was Christianized 900 years ago as a result of the missionary activity of Saint Otto of Bamberg. Otto undertook two missionary expeditions, in 1124 and 1128. The road that Bishop Otto traveled became the inspiration for the present inhabitants of these areas to undertake research and work on setting out Saint Otto’s Route. This article aims to examine whether the itinerary designed in this way fulfils the formal requirements to be classified as a pilgrimage route. Using the analytical method, the state of historical research is first presented, based on which it has become possible to reconstruct the route taken by Saint Otto in Pomerania in the 12th century. It then presents the criteria that, in the light of Church documents must be met to recognize the route marked as a pilgrim itinerary. The following part of the study shows places where the memory of the Apostle of Pomerania is cultivated today, and which can be stages of the pilgrimage itinerary. In the light of the analyses carried out, it was shown that the “Saint Otto’s Route” can be classified as a pilgrimage route, becoming part of pastoral activities that will bring closer the present inhabitants of these areas to the person of the Apostle of Pomerania and his heritage, inspiring them to deepen their Christian identity.

On the concept of the regional religious brand: The veneration and pilgrimage of Saint John Vladimir and new pathways for religious tourism

AbstractBuilding on the concept of regional branding, the paper seeks to pave new ground by delving into the novel concept of a ‘regional religious brand.’ As a new term in religious tourism, the ‘regional religious brand’ defines the function of distinguishing a spiritual value offered in a region as a concept and reality, containing a name, an iconography, a set of images, a pilgrimage, narratives, a slogan, visions, and symbols. After arguing that the territory of the former Archdiocese of Ohrid still qualifies as a region, we engage in one of the region's spiritual symbols, the veneration and pilgrimage of Saint John Vladimir and suggest a concrete pilgrimage route stemming from this regional religious brand.

A pilgrim but a tourist too: re-examining the contemporary links

ABSTRACT The discussion about the definition of ‘tourism’ and ‘pilgrimage’ has been intensified over the time. This paper has as its main goal to understand how pilgrimage routes are perceived and experienced by contemporary pilgrims. The Camino de Santiago has been taken as a case study, as it is one of the main European pilgrimage routes. The methodological strategy applied is quantitative through a structured questionnaire carried out with 414 pilgrims. The model proposed for the analyses allowed to characterise the pilgrims who do the Camino de Santiago. The study identifies and evaluates four main motivations that lead to the Camino de Santiago and that could predictably be extrapolated to other pilgrimage routes: well-being and pleasure; spirituality and avoidance; socialisation and entertainment; and religious motives.

The developmental role of tourism in rural areas

Rural areas in the Republic of Serbia occupy about 85% of the territory, where about 55% of the total population lives, while in the Republic of Srpska rural areas occupy about 95% of the territory and about 83% of its population lives in them. Rural tourism is a common name for various activities and forms of tourism that occur outside cities, ie urban areas and those areas where mass tourism has developed. It is conditioned by the tourist attractions that are located in these rural areas. The importance of rural tourism is reflected, above all, in the very important interaction of agricultural production, traditional agri-food products, presentation of traditions, traditional gastronomy and tourist services, and the use of already existing resources. Considering that the statistics of rural development capacity in Serbia and Republic of Srpska are based on estimates, it is assumed that a significant part of overnight stays, which are realized in spa and mountain areas, can also be treated as realized overnight stays in the field of rural tourist offer. Observing the general state of rural development in the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, it can be noticed that there are a number of limiting factors that condition the unenviable position of the rural tourist product on the tourist market. Some of them are as follows: low level of achieved quality of services provided, insufficient knowledge of new approaches to rural economy development in both competitive domestic and foreign tourism markets, lack of adequate institutional framework to ensure the coordinating role of the state and greater involvement of local authorities. in integrated rural development, poorly developed infrastructure, inadequate diversification of activities, dominance of sectoral policies. Respecting the census of agriculture and the statistical definition of agricultural holdings, the importance of a rural tourist household, ie a household located in a rural area and engaged in tourism, or as a more appropriate name for a tourist family farm must be mentioned. In addition to tourism in rural tourist households, in rural areas we encounter many special forms of tourism. Tourism in rural areas equally includes the activities of tourists (multi-day visitors) and excursionists (one-day visitors). Rural tourist households are generally considered to be basic rural tourism. However, for the development of rural tourism, not only rural tourist households are sufficient, but also other facilities on the rural tourist household itself and in the rural area. Other catering infrastructure is also needed: rooms and canopies for serving food, rooms for wine tasting, brandy, fruit and vegetable products, arranged approaches to the rural tourist household and parking lot, arranged tourist attractions (real, tourist available), restaurants, defined wine and brandy roads, marked bicycle and hiking trails, pilgrimage routes, receptive tourist agencies, ie designed and organized rural tourist destinations are needed, with all possible feasible contents of the tourist rural product. The quality of the rural tourist offer is affirmed as an important factor only in the new age, after it has been in the background for a long time, ie in the shadow of quantitative values. For each destination or company, it is important to be competitive in order to successfully sell their products on the market, and enable loyal tourists. In order for the quality to achieve its true level of development, certain specific circumstances should be determined, and that, along with modern technological development, is a very intensified competitive competition, especially pronounced on the global market.

ГАСТРОНОМІЧНА СПАДЩИНА ЯК МЕХАНІЗМ ЗБЕРЕЖЕННЯ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ІДЕНТИЧНОСТІ УКРАЇНЦІВ

The article examines the concepts of "identity" "national identity", "European identity", gastronomic heritage. In the conditions of transformation of global economic relations international trade in services offers research and implementation of tourist services to meet the demand of various categories of consumers. Gastronomic tourism is one of the options for recreation in modern conditions. The catalog of the gastronomic heritage of the cultural and pilgrimage route "Camino Podolico" of the cultural and educational route from Vinnytsia to Kamianets-Podilskyi similar to the Ways of St. James leading to the city of Santiago de Compostela. The route connects 13 points of Vinnytsia and Khmelnytskyi regions. It allows you to plan a walking or cycling trip with the necessary infrastructure for food and overnight stays every 20–25 kilometers. The uniqueness of the Camino Podolico lies in the fact that it passes through the most picturesque places of eastern Podillia. In the first part of it travelers have the opportunity to walk along the picturesque banks of the Southern Bug and Riv rivers. The route popularizes communities in Vinnytsia and Khmelnytskyi regions as a tourist attraction among domestic and foreign tourists and creates the necessary conditions for the development of local businesses. Moreover an electronic track of the route which is constantly being improved. Everyone who completes the route on foot or by bicycle will receive a passport for markings at the beginning of the route and a certificate of completion. "Camino Podolico" is implemented by territorial communities of Vinnytsia and Khmelnytskyi regions and DART. The catalog is a bilingual edition containing 22 recipes of unique dishes collected in 11 communities of Vinnytsia and Khmelnytskyi. Kamianets-Podilskyi is the final point on the Camino Podolico where we explored the intangible cultural heritage of communities. It is also planned to study and prospects of the development of tourism during the war and the mechanisms of the post-war recovery of the industry which were determined at the 1st National Tourism Summit.

THE EMERGENCE AND IMPORTANCE OF PILGRIMAGE ROUTES IN THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE: FROM THE STEPPE REGION TO MECCA

The article examines the process of the formation of the pilgrimage of Muslims from different re-gions of the Russian Empire to the holy places of Mecca and Medina, emphasizing the imperial policy toward Muslims and their pilgrimage routes. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pilgrimage was important to Muslims, but it also aroused suspicion and apprehension on the part of the authorities. The main purpose of the work is to analyze the conditions of the pilgrimage movement, its problems and the characteristics of the routes. The Russian Empire tried to strengthen its control over the Muslim peoples by creating a consular network and approving official routes. Nevertheless, the growth of rail and sea transportation led to an increase in the number of pilgrims, thanks to a temporary reduction in travel and security. In addition, the article examines in detail the importance of obtaining special Hajj passports for traveling on special state roads, which indicates the moments of bureaucracy of the pilgrimage process at that time. The article clearly shows how Muslims, including Kazakh pilgrims, were able to take advan-tage of new opportunities to fulfill their religious duty.

The effect of Covid‐19 depression on spirituality and psychological well‐being through the perceived environmental restorativeness of a pilgrimage route: Focusing on pilgrims on Seoul Catholic Pilgrimage Route

AbstractDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, policies adopted by various countries to prevent the spread of the disease exacerbated social isolation among people, and their prolonged implementation has had a negative effect on people's mental health, leading to increased anxiety, stress, and depression. Group religious activities were prohibited, so believers continued their faith practices through individual pilgrimages. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between depression caused by COVID‐19 and its impact on spirituality and psychological well‐being, through the perceived restorative environment of the Seoul Catholic Pilgrimage Route. The results confirmed that COVID‐19 depression had a negative effect on perceived environmental restorativeness and psychological well‐being but perceived environmental restorativeness had a positive effect on Spirituality, and Spirituality had a positive effect on psychological well‐being. These results imply that pilgrims who have experienced depression due to the pandemic can improve their spirituality and psychological well‐being through nature‐based pilgrimages.

The effect of the authenticity of the Catholic pilgrimage site on spiritual well‐being and quality of life of pilgrims

AbstractWith the growing interest in spirituality, there has been a corresponding rise in the number of pilgrimages. Modern pilgrims embark on pilgrimages not only for religious purposes but also for their own mental peace and health. To enhance our understanding of this trend we conducted an empirical survey of pilgrims visiting Saenamteo Catholic Martyrs' Shrine, a representative martyrdom site in Korea located on the Seoul Catholic Pilgrimage Route, the first Vatican‐designated international pilgrimage site in Asia. The analysis showed that the authenticity of the pilgrimage site impacts both the religious and the existential aspects of spiritual well‐being. However, while the existential aspect of spiritual well‐being impacted on quality of life, the religious well‐being was insignificant. These results indicate that modern pilgrims feel that their happiness and health, rather than their religion directly affects their quality of life.

Economic Aspects of Pilgrimages of The People of Central Asia (1500-1860)

Objectives: In this section, the primary goals of the article are outlined. The focus is on identifying and understanding the key objectives that the author aims to achieve through their scientific analysis of pilgrimage travel from Central Asia to Mecca during the first half of the XVI-XIX centuries.
 
 Methods: Here, the methods employed by the author in conducting their research are detailed. This includes a description of the sources utilized, such as writings by Central Asian authors, travelogues of foreign tourists, and information extracted from the archives of Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Russia. The methods section provides insight into the research process and the tools used to gather and analyze data.
 
 Results: This section presents the outcomes of the scientific analysis, revealing the findings derived from the author's examination of pilgrimage travel from Central Asia to Mecca. It may include information on the economic costs associated with the journey, the factors influencing the choice of pilgrimage routes based on financial capabilities, and the role of patronage, religious, and ideological foundations in shaping these pilgrimages.
 
 Conclusion: The conclusion section encapsulates the key takeaways from the study. It summarizes the significant findings, discusses their implications, and potentially suggests avenues for further research. This part of the article serves as a culmination of the author's analysis, offering a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in pilgrimage travel during the specified historical period.

The Challenge of Accessibility to Heritage around the Via Francigena: The Potential of Thermal Heritage for Accessible Tourism

The Via Francigena stands as a European Cultural Route recognized by the Council of Europe, serving as a link between Northern and Southern Europe, extending from Canterbury through France and Switzerland to Rome in Italy. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights underscores the right of all individuals to partake in the cultural life of their communities, which entails ensuring that heritage sites remain accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical, cognitive or sensory abilities. To achieve this, the ‘rurAllure’ project has been initiated to promote and disseminate the cultural and natural heritage along this pilgrimage route in an inclusive manner. This paper reviews the existing resources regarding accessibility in the Italian segment of the Via Francigena, comparing them to initiatives undertaken on other European Cultural Routes. This serves as an initial step to comprehend the measures required to guarantee that everyone can fully engage with and comprehend these cultural experiences. The analysis revealed that most of the limited accessibility efforts along this route have primarily focused on physical accessibility. Regrettably, cognitive and sensory accessibility has received considerably less attention. In this context, this paper proposes the thermal heritage located along the Val d’Orcia section in Tuscany, Italy, as particularly promising for the development of accessible experiences due to its tactile characteristics. The future efforts to enhance accessibility along this route should consider approaches like Universal Design for Learning and the geography of perception to create resources and new experiences that cater to a wide range of individuals.