Enshrined Research Articles

Protecting Sacred Sites

Protecting Sacred Sites

Ethnocratizing the “Holy Land” The Politics of Sacred Places: A View from Israel-Palestine Nimrod Luz. London, New York and Dublin: Bloomsbury Academic, 2023. pp. 223.

Ethnocratizing the “Holy Land” The Politics of Sacred Places: A View from Israel-Palestine Nimrod Luz. London, New York and Dublin: Bloomsbury Academic, 2023. pp. 223.

Visits to Sacred Places from Buddhist Perspective

Visits to Sacred Places from Buddhist Perspective

Approaches towards legal protection for holy places: The example of the Alexander Nevsky Church in the Old City of Jerusalem

Abstract Given the varying degrees of importance that a holy place holds for different parties and the variety of laws used to regulate them, laws pertaining to holy places integrate a broad array of legal, political, social, religious, and economic interests. Acknowledging the difficulty of capturing a singular standard of protection merits examining different existing modalities to discern the means of protection for holy places. A 2022 Israeli District Court case concerning ownership rights over a Russian Orthodox church in the Old City of Jerusalem shall provide the platform for scrutinizing the relevant laws and variety of interests at play for holy places in Israel, providing insights into the importance of accounting for divergent interests in the cultural heritage protection milieu. This article shall highlight the approaches used towards holy place protection in a difficult and complex context, Israel, to better understand heritage protection methods for unique or significant cultural sites in other regions.

The Tomb of Nabi Yusha’ in the Upper Galilee: The Evolution of a Sacred Place

Among the six sites regarded as the burial place of Joshua bin Nun, the one of Nabi Yusha’, located on the eastern slopes of the Upper Galilee highlands was regarded with great reverence by the "Matawila" or "Mutawalli" Shi'ites in Southern Lebanon and in the Galilee, including the inhabitants of the village Al-Nabi Yusha’. Jewish tradition tends to reject the identification of Joshua’s tomb at this site but rather identify it with a site in Samaria, and therefore this place did not become part of the traditional sanctified gravesites of saintly figures found throughout the Galilee. This article is related to the date and reason for the construction of the mausoleum in its present form, and of the two domes over it, as well as to the tradition of pilgrimage to the site and the cult of the local Shi’ite inhabitants. In its second part, the article refers to the cultic changes that occurred after the establishment of the State of Israel, and to the question of the location of the tomb today in the process of creating a sacred landscape in the Galilee. The main claim of the article is that tracing the changes in the cult of this site will show the geopolitical importance of this place on the one hand, and the changing social values of the surrounding inhabitants and of the sovereign authority on the other.

Factors Influencing Visitors' Desire to Visit a First Class Temple on Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok, Using Regression Tree

Visitors' desire to visit a first-class temple on Rattanakosin Island in Bangkok is analysed in this quantitative study. We used closed-ended questions along with Likert scales (1-5) to survey 974 respondents. The questionnaire served as a research instrument, and the sample was chosen randomly through accidental sampling methods. The data was analysed using computer programs. The pull factor analysis demonstrates that the model effectively predicts outcomes with significant predictive capacity (MSE: 0.48, RMSE: 0.219, MAE: 0.170, MAPE: 50.84%, R2: 0.952). The push factor analysis also shows high explanatory power (MSE: 0.040, RMSE: 0.200, MAE: 0.157, MAPE: 46.08%, R2: 0.962). The study identifies key pull factors, including place identity, sacred sites, and adherence to COVID-19 guidelines. Push factors comprise connecting with the divine, purifying the mind, and discovering new things.A key strategy for enhancing the appeal of Bangkok's royal temples is to preserve and promote significant landmarks, integrate educational and cultural experiences, prioritise health and safety measures during COVID-19, and provide exceptional customer service. Furthermore, the study recommends incorporating Dharma practices and preserving sacred sites to facilitate merit-making opportunities. By focusing on these recommendations, religious sites can increase their appeal to visitors and contribute to their overall well-being.

A revered place in the rural landscape: Whose heritage? On the history of the holy spring in Altai

The article examines the problems of the relationship between rural local communities and local landscape shrines. Drawing on fieldwork data, archival materials, local periodicals, and writings of Siberian Old Believers, I attempt to reconstruct the historical past of the Holy Spring, one of the most revered places in the Altai region, which bears the characteristics of both the cult and memorial place. I inquire into the conditions leading to transformations in the historical memory that is embodied in revered places and expound the methodology for studying such loci as functional zones of cultural landscapes, locations of memory, and objects of cultural heritage. I further specifically address the interesting case of overlapping vernacular practices of venerating holy places and collective memory of local events during the Civil War. Finally, I examine the most significant stages in the history of the revered place, as well as the reasons for its “reinvention” at the present time.

3D Modelling for the Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims

A 3D simulation model is generated that can be used for a virtual representation of people who are performing Hajj and Umrah so that future travelers can gather the necessary information to perform religious ceremonies and be well prepared before arrival to the holy places. Traffic and pedestrian management in the areas is also presented. The purpose is to speed up the calculation of all events of interest to the authorities in a simulator, such as the behavior of vehicles, pedestrians on the streets, and worshippers. Two GPU solution alternatives and one CPU solution alternative are proposed, and the performance of the proposed solutions is also compared.

Vernacular Catholicism in Ireland: The Keening Woman

The relationship between popular vernacular Catholicism and the more official liturgical variety has varied over centuries. Following the subjugation of Ireland by the late 17th century, and the institution of anti-Catholic proscriptions, the number of priests available became more restricted. Religious observation subsequently centered on holy days and local sacred sites including healing wells, many of them dedicated to saints. Always central figures in death rituals, women who mourned the dead—“keening women”—were so called because they lamented the dead through a combination of voice and song. We will show how the songs relate to a deep liminal spirituality that existed semi-independently of official Church norms, and how the voice served to establish their position. In the Catholic revival of the late nineteenth century, such forms were ousted by European modes of worship, but persisted at the margins, allowing us insight into their previous vigor.

Constructing Sacred Sites as a Form of Collective Memory: The Sacrificial Stone on Toomemägi Hill in Tartu

Sacred natural sites retained their relevance in Estonian culture during and after the shift from mainly oral to mainly literary culture. However, the framework for conceptualising sacred natural sites has changed. Premodern sites have acquired new meanings and functions (notably those associated with national identity) and new sites have been taken into use. The article will present a typology describing the different ways of conceptualising the sacred natural sites that is current in Estonian culture and will offer a case study of a sacred site with a pivotal role in Estonian national identity, the sacrificial stone on Toomemägi hill in the city of Tartu.

The Reasons for the Differences in Interpretations of Some Orientalists and Commentators on the Hadiths About Jerusalem and al-Masjid al-Aqsā

Jerusalem and al-Masjid al-Aqsā are among the most sacred places that are considered sacred by the divine religions. So much so that it is emphasized in the Qur'an that al-Aqsā and its surroundings have been blessed, and Jerusalem and its environs are described as “a sacred land”. In addition to the Qur'an, the virtue of these places has also been declared in the hadiths. As a matter of fact, narrations about these two holy places are found in hadith sources; al-Masjid al-Aqsā is the second masjid built on earth after the Kaʻba, it is the place where the prophets lived and carries their memories, prayers and other acts of worship performed in al-Masjid al-Aqsā are rewarded more than those performed in other masjids except al-Masjid al-Harām and al-Masjid al-Nabawī, and al-Masjid al-Aqsā is one of the three masjids that can be traveled to for the purpose of worship, and the conquest, reconstruction and reconstruction of these two places are encouraged. However, there are deep differences of approach between commentators and orientalists in interpreting the narrations on the issue of al-Aqsā and Jerusalem. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine and evaluate how commentators and orientalists evaluate a hadīth on the same subject, on what evidence and justifications both groups base their views, and what are the main reasons for the differences in their approaches. As a method, the subject and the relevant hadīths will be taken as the basis, rather than a particular orientalist or commentator, and the interpretations of the commentators and the different approaches and evaluations of the orientalists in their own works will be identified and compared with each other, focusing on the differences between their views and their reasons.

ASSESSMENT OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF USING SACRED SITES AND THE NATURAL AND RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THE NORTH KAZAKHSTAN REGION FOR THE FORMATION OF TOURIST ROUTES

To analyze the potential of sacred places as well as natural and recreational objects within the borders of the North Kazakhstan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the development of complex tourist routes. We examined archival data and documents and assessed the results of a sociological survey using statistical and mathematical processing, with tourist routes mapped out. The material under analysis and the results of the sociological survey enabled us to evaluate the touristic appeal and relevance of sacred places, as well as that of natural and recreational objects, in the North Kazakhstan region. A number of complex routes characterized by cultural, historical, pilgrimage, archeological, and environmental diversity were proposed. The cartographic material at hand enabled us to display a spatial plan of routes and accurately reflect the development potential of the region's tourism sector. The land of North Kazakhstan has the potential to expand the tourism industry. The demonstrated sacred places and diverse natural sites enable the creation of complex routes. We assessed the sacred places’ properties and determined the degree of attractiveness exhibited by complex routes, thus confirming the tourist opportunities offered by the region. These routes were designed to promote various directives such as historical, patriotic, and cultural education, natural world exploration, pilgrimage, spiritual awakening, and archaeology. Their use will contribute to the preservation of cultural and historical values, the expansion of international and domestic relations, and the developmen t of the economy and sustainability in the region. Skillful management in planning complex tourist routes in the North Kazakhstan region will facilitate the strengthening of ties between different communities and cultures, which is of great relevance for the multinational and multicultural country that is Kazakhstan.

Socio-Religious and Cultural Perspectives of the Sacred Place in Bastar, Chhattisgarh

Acursory observation of the religious traditions of the tribes of Chhattisgarh, particularly in the Bastar region of the state would draw attention to the presence of a combination of traditional and Hindu features. Such an intermixture has been taking place from historical times in response to tribes’ close contact with the Hindus. Traditionally, in this region, tribes believe in Gods and goddesses and the practice of witchcraft. They have their places of worship, considered very sacred, and they worship these Gods and Goddesses in various forms and places. One of the sacred places in the villages of the tribes is called Devgudi and in some regions as Matagudi and Gaondevi. In Devgudi the presiding deity of the village is enshrined. Other associate deities like Higanlajan Mata, Pardeshi Mata, Guje Dokri, Dongri Mata, Bhandarin Mata, Jalni Mata, Jharandpurin Mata, Aanga Devbelonging to their belief system are also worshiped in the shrine. In most of the Devgudi Iconographies represent Deities /Gods and Goddesses; any rough stone, wood, iron, a piece of any other metal, or any object like conch, cowry or bell are worshipped in these shrines. Traditional faith, beliefs and practices have responded to several forces of change over the years. Nevertheless, Devgudiin each village shows continuity of its religious significance in the belief system of the tribes even in the present time. In view of this, the paper is designed to study structural and functional elements of village Devgudi with reference to Bastar region of Chhattisgarh and delineate its place in changing situation.

Space of Conflict in the Reproduction of Hindu Sacred Places into Spiritual Destination

Holy places used as spiritual tourism destinations are considered to have more value than merely holy places since they can produce economic benefits. Visiting holy places builds a positive tourist experience and often a positive vibe for the local community. However, in the case of Bali, various complaints have arisen regarding the arrival of spiritual tourists, resulting in overcrowding and long queues. This study reveals the use of religious shrines as spiritual tourism destinations and the entailed conflict regarding the division of space between the locals and the tourists to achieve a middle-way solution to this conflict. This study collected data through observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGD). The collected qualitative data were then analysed. The findings reveal that people use religious holy places as spiritual tourism destinations because they get economic benefits. Conflicts of interest, of course, arise due to crowding and long queues. This conflict is mediated by various proposals for dividing space between the two interests. The study contributes to the need for limits on the use of religious holy places as tourist destinations to ensure the destination's sustainability.

From Spatial Domination to Virtual Space Solidarity Tactics: Perjuangan Bersama Untuk Mengatasi Ketidakadilan Terhadap Penghayat Agama Lokal Minahasa

Many studies have explored indigenous religious believers struggle against world religions domination. However, studies on the employment of virtual space to heighten indigenous believers' tactical solidarity from the Global South remain understudy. This paper explores indigenous religious followers' struggles through access to virtual space as a tactic of everyday solidarity against world religions spatial domination and the state politics of religion in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. It focuses on the efforts of Minahasa indigenous religious believers to advocate for their existence through virtual media collectively. Indigenous religious believers have experienced various forms of spatial domination, such as destroying ancestral sites and ritual places that they consider sacred to realize their beliefs. The single truth perspective has produced the domination of the world religions monotheistic paradigm and the state politics of religion. The single truth has resulted in hate speech, stigmatization, and physical destruction of indigenous religious sacred sites. Through click activism, indigenous religious believers employ virtual media to advocate Minahasa indigenous religions/beliefs. The concept of tactical media is used in this study to analyze how the tactics of indigenous religious believers collectively produce a discourse of resistance critique and discourse on the importance of their places of belief to the public. This study uses qualitative research: observation, in-depth interviews, and literature review to argue that indigenous religious believers have tactically used virtual media as a critical discourse of resistance to the spatial domination constructed by world religious relations and state religious policies.

Possibilities of Legal Regulation of the Conservation of Sacred Places within the Cultural Landscape: The Case of the Republic of Kazakhstan

In recent years, there has been growing attention to the preservation of sacred sites and understanding their significance within the cultural landscape of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This renewed interest is driven by a revival of national historical and cultural values. The study is relevant since sacred spaces affect the formation of objective historical memory, which is an important component of the national identity. This, in turn, contributes to the consolidation of the people and ensures the national security of the state. The article aims to propose measures (recommendations) to improve legal regulation and preserve the sacred places of the cultural landscape of Kazakhstan. To achieve these objectives, the authors employed methods of theoretical generalization, structural-logical analysis, and synthesis, as well as the method of expert survey. The paper identifies the main problems in the implementation of legal norms for the conservation of cultural landscapes and suggests potential solutions to overcome these challenges. It also outlines measures to increase public participation in the preservation of the cultural landscape. This study concludes that it is necessary to popularize knowledge about the specific features of sacred places in a particular region, develop a program for the preservation of the cultural landscape, and advise residents on the methods and means of preserving sacred places.

Eastern Udmurt Sacred Places, Yesterday and Today

Abstract Most Udmurt living in the Bashkortostan Republic and in the Perm’ region of the Russian Federation are followers of a traditional ethnic religion. In their spiritual life, a huge place is occupied by sanctuaries and other places in which their ritual practices take place, such as the worship of deities, spirits and ancestors. We can identify different types of such places in this Udmurt regional group: the sanctuary dedicated to the cult of the clan protector deities, groves dedicated to the god Lud, places dedicated to personal and family cults, sacred places of agrarian sacrifices, territories where funerary and commemorative rituals take place, places dedicated to the propitiation of evil spirits. Depending on their social status, the sanctuaries are regional or general and can be related to a family, clan, village, or multiple villages. In this article, which relies on the authors’ ethnographic fieldwork and published sources, we analyse the present state of the sacred places. We show that the transformation of cultural patterns has led some types of sanctuary to cease functioning, while others have remained as relics and the places of agrarian sacrifices have undergone an active revitalisation.

“...Wishing to Go to Worship the Holy Places”: a Social Portrait of a Pilgrim in the second half of the 19th – early 20th centuries (based on materials from the Penza Province)

“...Wishing to Go to Worship the Holy Places”: a Social Portrait of a Pilgrim in the second half of the 19th – early 20th centuries (based on materials from the Penza Province)

Protection of sacred traditional cultural expressions: a perspective from Taiwan

In international debates regarding the protection of traditional cultural expressions (TCEs), some propose legal instruments with stronger sui generis protection for secret and/or sacred TCEs. But what would constitute stronger protection responsive to the needs of the holders of sacred TCEs? This article takes the Lalu case in Taiwan as a starting point for considering the sui generis protection of sacred TCEs, including what should be regarded as a protectable TCE and what is the proper scope of protection of sacred TCEs. The Lalu case reveals the difficulties of protecting Indigenous peoples’ essential sacred knowledge if a strict definition of TCEs is adopted. Therefore, this article reconsiders the idea–expression dichotomy and traditional knowledge (TK)–TCEs distinction by observing the characteristics of Indigenous peoples’ sacred culture and analyzing different international instruments related to TK/TCEs protection. Criticism of these dichotomies highlights the importance of the moral right, on the basis of which TCEs can be protected as a whole and the integrity of sacred culture can be maintained. Finally, this article discusses the possibility of supporting the protection of tangible sacred places or sacred objects by enhancing the sui generis right to sacred TCEs.

Promoting health and wellness through Indigenous sacred sites, ceremony grounds, and land-based learning: a scoping review

This study analyzes the literature on Indigenous sacred sites within the larger topic areas of land-based education and healing, as per the guidance of Anishinaabe (a group of Indigenous Peoples from the Great Lakes and the Great Plains areas of contemporary Canada and USA) Elders and community leaders in eastern Manitoba, Canada. A scoping review was conducted to identify the size, scope, nature, and key themes of existing research in seven databases, inclusive of gray literature which is a key source for Indigenous organizations. In total, we analyzed 35 articles and documents. The emerging themes included: (1) sacred sites and the promotion of health and wellness; (2) sacred sites as places of knowledge; (3) the desecration and protection of sacred sites; and (4) legal battles between Indigenous Peoples and the state. Recommendations to advance understandings and correct colonially imposed imbalances are discussed, and health and legal implications are outlined.