Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex
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Virtual Reality (VR) technology, leveraging Head Mounted Displays (HMDs), offers transformative potential for the preservation and visualization of cultural heritage. This study demonstrates how VR, combined with 3D documentation and modeling tools, can provide immersive, interactive experiences that enhance scientific communication for historical monuments—even those damaged, destroyed, or geographically inaccessible. Through a collaboration between BİMTAŞ (Istanbul) and the Photogrammetry & Laser Scanning Laboratory (Hamburg), three Turkish landmarks—Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, Rumeli Hisarı fortress in Istanbul, and the Çatalca İnceğiz Caves—were reconstructed using the HTC Vive VR system. The resulting virtual environments allow first-person exploration, showcasing VR's capability to bridge gaps between physical preservation challenges and public engagement with cultural heritage.
Taxila
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A Vision Transformer (ViT) model achieved 100% accuracy in classifying Buddhist and non-Buddhist heritage sites in Taxila, Pakistan, outperforming conventional convolutional neural networks like ResNet and EfficientNet. The study curated a diverse dataset of images from sites such as Takshasila University, Sirkap, Giri Fort, and the Dharmarajika Stupa, captured under varying conditions to ensure robustness. By leveraging ViT's ability to generalize across different visual features, researchers demonstrated its superior performance in preserving cultural heritage analysis. This approach offers a promising tool for efficient classification of ancient sites, advancing digital preservation efforts.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
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A study of visitor behavior during emergencies at the Tabriz Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest covered markets and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals that competitive behaviors—such as pushing—dominate evacuations, with only 8.4% of participants showing strong willingness to help others. Over 90% followed others' lead, while 77.8% preferred less crowded exits, indicating high symmetry-breaking tendencies. No gender differences were observed, but marital status, education, and age significantly influenced evacuation strategies. The findings challenge assumptions in crowd simulation models by providing empirical data on real human behavior during emergencies.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
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A significant difference in visitor satisfaction with sustainable tourism practices exists among different demographic profiles at UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Madhya Pradesh, including Khajuraho. The study also found that perception of sustainability directly impacts overall satisfaction levels. Researchers used structured questionnaires distributed via online platforms to collect data from a random sample in April and May 2024, employing regression analysis to validate these findings.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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Aboriginal cultural heritage interpretation in Australian protected areas, such as Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, can either challenge or reinforce settler-colonial discourses about Indigenous peoples. Visitor responses to Traditional Custodian-led tours and camps reveal that certain forms of interpretation foster reconciliation by transforming visitor perceptions, while others perpetuate colonial assumptions. The study, based on extensive interviews with visitors, highlights the discursive features shaping these experiences and their implications for heritage interpretation, tourism, and Indigenous cultural heritage management.
Medieval Monuments in Kosovo
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A unique insight into Russian-Serbian ecclesiastical and cultural ties emerges from the analysis of the Visitors' Book of the Vysoki Dečani Monastery, revealing a rich tapestry of names, signatures, entries, and commemorative notes left by Russian visitors. This study highlights the significance of this lesser-studied historical document in understanding pilgrimage history and Russian emigration patterns in the Balkans. The research employs a meticulous examination of the Visitors' Book, contributing valuable data to the broader discourse on transnational religious and cultural connections during the medieval period.
Classical Gardens of Suzhou
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Classical Chinese gardens in Suzhou, China, demonstrate significant microclimate regulation effects through their design elements. Water bodies and lush vegetation effectively reduce air temperature and increase humidity, while architectural structures and rocks influence heat distribution and retention. This study, using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) spatial interpolation method, analyzed three representative gardens: the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Lingering Garden, and the Canglang Pavilion. The findings highlight the role of traditional garden design principles in climate adaptability, providing valuable insights for modern urban park design and sustainable urban planning. This research underscores GIS-based spatial interpolation as a powerful tool for visualizing thermal comfort and optimizing urban green spaces.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
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A novel approach to visualizing the spatial network of cultural heritage, grounded in the concept of spatial genes, reveals the evolutionary trajectory and cultural significance of Kulangsu, a historic international settlement. By analyzing 51 core heritage elements across four dimensions—construction period, architectural function, stylistic features, and spatial layout—the study constructs time-series and spatial distribution maps that uncover the underlying characteristics of Kulangsu's transformation from an indigenous settlement to an international community. A hierarchical 'point-line-plane' identification method further demonstrates the integrity and diversity of its heritage network, encapsulating historical, social, and cultural values. This multi-dimensional visualization not only elucidates Kulangsu's historical evolution but also provides a robust framework for future heritage conservation and revitalization efforts.
Mogao Caves
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A groundbreaking interpretation of the Medicine Buddha tableau in Mogao Cave 220 (642 CE) reveals that Buddhist art from the early Tang dynasty visually encoded states of consciousness and spiritual transformations, particularly those of the transmigrating spirit consciousness (shenshi). The study suggests that lighting devices, dancers, and bodhisattvas were strategically integrated to depict this intangible entity, bridging physical objects with spiritual representations. This approach offers a novel cognitive framework for understanding Buddhist murals as visual expressions of ritualistic transformations, advancing the interpretation of Mogao Cave 220's pictorial program.
Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte)
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Researchers have identified a new genus and species of chelid turtle, <em>Wabanbara ringtailensis</em>, from mid-Miocene deposits at the Ringtail Site within Australia's Riversleigh World Heritage Area. This discovery is notable for its unique skull morphology, which combines features not seen in modern Australian short-necked or long-necked chelids, suggesting an aquatic omnivore with potential gape-suction feeding behavior. The fossilized skull exhibits distinctive traits such as a long, broad trochlear process and posteriorly extended squamosal, among others. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that <em>Wabanbara ringtailensis</em> represents an early diverging member of the chelid radiation in Australia, possibly closely related to another extinct Miocene taxon, <em>Birlimarr gaffneyi</em>. The study sheds light on the evolutionary history and ecological adaptations of fossil turtles in Australia.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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Urban regeneration efforts in Rome demonstrate that walkability can significantly increase over time, particularly in districts undergoing targeted rehabilitation. A composite index methodology combining 12 indicators—ranging from urban functions and use to safety, urbanity, and attractiveness—was developed to quantify walkability on a 0 to 1 scale. Applied across three distinct Roman districts with varying characteristics, this approach revealed that areas with enhanced social activities, landmarks, and pedestrian appeal saw measurable improvements in walkability scores. The study underscores the potential of walkability as a catalyst for sustainable mobility patterns, even in car-centric environments, while addressing methodological challenges in assessing such factors in less attractive urban settings.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park
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A segment of the international pilgrimage and cultural trail Romea Strata, spanning from Strzegowa to Groń Jana Pawła II near Wadowice in Małopolska, Poland, has been identified as a high-potential tourist and cultural route with a score of 741 points. This assessment, conducted using Armin Mikos von Rohrscheidt's point-based bonitation method, highlights the trail's strong appeal, coordination, and infrastructure while also revealing areas needing improvement. Researchers from the 'European Cultural Trails: Space and History' team evaluated the route's organization, thematic focus (centered around Sts. Peter, Paul, and John Paul II), tourist attractiveness, accessibility, and service quality between May 2023 and September 2024. The study combines cartographic, descriptive-analytical, and dynamic-comparative methods to provide actionable insights for future development.
Ogasawara Islands
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Sand tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus) in the Ogasawara Archipelago exhibit a unique vertical migration strategy, avoiding warm-season surface temperatures by diving to depths of up to 206 meters. Unlike their counterparts in Australia or the USA, which undertake long-distance horizontal migrations, these sharks exploit temperature stratification in the water column, remaining year-round residents of the region's continental shelf (30–200 m). Acoustic tracking and archival tagging revealed significantly higher detections in cooler months, with deeper habitat use during warmer periods. This study highlights an adaptive behavioral strategy tailored to the insular oceanic conditions of the Ogasawara Islands.
Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago
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Submarine caves and marine karst lakes in Vietnam's Cat Ba Archipelago exhibit distinct water quality characteristics, with caves showing higher and more stable salinity but lower dissolved oxygen levels compared to lakes. Research conducted in 2019 revealed that water self-purification improves during the rainy season, though pollution by ammonium was detected in several lakes (Ang Vem, Ba Man, Ba Mat, Ang Gay) during this period. While no evidence of organic contamination was found, elevated nitrate and phosphate concentrations were recorded, along with the presence of H2S gas, which may impact aquatic organisms. The study highlights seasonal variations in water quality, emphasizing the need for monitoring to preserve these unique ecosystems within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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Despite significant efforts by authorities, current wayfinding signage in Jeddah's historic district (Al-Balad) fails to fully reflect the region's cultural and historical identity. A comprehensive study analyzing six key directional sign elements reveals a lack of visual cohesion that hinders both heritage preservation and visitor experience. The research suggests implementing a unified, durable design system that integrates traditional aesthetics with modern wayfinding principles—enhancing cultural representation while ensuring long-term functionality. This approach could transform Al-Balad into a more intuitive and culturally resonant destination for tourists.
Surtsey
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A new maximum air temperature record of 22.6°C was set on Surtsey, Iceland's southernmost island, on 14 July 2025, breaking the previous record of 18.6°C from 11 July 2023. This study analyzes weather data from 2020 to 2024, highlighting significant variations, including a notably cloudy and cool summer in 2022 and a winter (2022–2023) marked by alternating warm/windy and cold/calm months. The research also identified extreme sea level pressure records of 1050.4 hPa and 932.3 hPa on 28 March 2020 and 15 February 2020, respectively. While temperature and wind data were robust, precipitation measurements faced considerable failures. The study aims to provide insights useful for understanding ecological processes on the island, which serves as a scientific laboratory for flora and fauna development.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
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Qing dynasty port cities, particularly Xiamen and Kulangsu, were not merely passive gateways but active agents in early globalization, shaping transoceanic exchanges between China and Latin America. This study reveals that these ports facilitated the influx of Spanish American silver in the late 17th and 18th centuries and later became central to the export of Chinese indentured laborers ('coolies') to Cuba and Peru during the mid-19th century. By comparing Xiamen and Kulangsu with other coastal hubs like Guangzhou and Macao, researchers demonstrate how these cities integrated overseas silver into local economies and adapted to global transformations despite imperial constraints and unequal treaties. The findings highlight the agency of local actors—officials, merchants, and intermediaries—in negotiating these exchanges, offering a nuanced perspective on China's role in early globalization.
Wadden Sea
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A strong link exists between students' connectedness with nature and their environmental knowledge of the Wadden Sea. Subject interest in biology also significantly influences this knowledge. While school-based experiences contribute to learning, informal out-of-school activities show an even stronger correlation with environmental understanding, highlighting the potential of non-formal education. Local proximity to the Wadden Sea has minimal impact on knowledge levels. The study surveyed 251 secondary school students (average age 15.5 years) using a validated diagnostic tool, measuring factors like nature connectedness, subject interest, and varied experiences with the ecosystem.
Historic Centre of Macao
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Language significantly influences the perception and projection of tourism images in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as demonstrated by a study on Macao Historic Centre. The research reveals that while official projections in English emphasize 'Social Function' and 'Cultural Value,' Chinese projections focus more on 'Architectural Features' and 'Basic Information.' Tourists' perceptions also vary: English-speaking tourists prioritize 'Cultural Value' and 'Tourism Value,' whereas Chinese tourists value 'Architectural Features' and 'Historical Value.' Notably, the consistency between official projections and tourist perceptions is higher in the Chinese context but more pronouncedly discrepant in the English context. This study introduces a dynamic tourism destination image (TDI) model that bridges human geography and psychological perspectives, offering empirical evidence to optimize bilingual promotional strategies and enhance interactive experiences in heritage destinations.
White City of Tel-Aviv – the Modern Movement
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Contemporary architectural preservation efforts have inadvertently perpetuated the racialized legacy of early 20th-century settler colonialism, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Tel Aviv. The study reveals how preservation narratives, including documentation and inscription on the World Heritage List, often reinforce the notion of 'white cities'—originally designed to exclude Indigenous zones. Through ethnographic research with local preservationists and analysis of primary sources such as World Heritage Committee notes and nomination files, the book exposes the geopolitical and spatial politics embedded in modernist architecture. This work challenges scholars and policymakers to reconsider the ethics and consequences of preserving built environments that carry colonial histories.
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
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Research on Bridgetown and its Garrison, Barbados' UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals that diverse narratives—ranging from official colonial heritage to lived experiences and intangible traditions—enrich the site's significance for both locals and visitors. The study, involving participatory workshops and stakeholder interviews, demonstrates that incorporating multiple storytelling perspectives can better reflect Barbadian identity while enhancing visitor engagement. This approach bridges tangible and intangible heritage, advocating for narrative plurality over a single coherent storyworld to create more inclusive and meaningful experiences at the site.
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
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A diverse range of narratives, including both official and lesser-known stories, enrich the experience and value of Bridgetown and its Garrison, Barbados' UNESCO World Heritage Site. This study reveals that incorporating multiple storytelling perspectives can better reflect Barbadian identity and enhance visitor experiences, demonstrating a potential synergy between tangible and intangible heritage. While acknowledging the importance of a coherent storyworld, the research advocates for narrative plurality in destination storytelling to bridge these domains effectively.
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
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King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty made unusually frequent visits to Hwaseong, his father's tomb, compared to other kings. While most kings visited ancestral tombs once or twice a year, Jeongjo made three visits annually during his 24-year reign, totaling 66 visits—half of which were to Hwaseong. After the relocation of his father’s tomb to Mt. Hwasan in 1789, he consistently visited in the first or second month of each year with officials to pay respects. This pattern suggests a unique personal and political significance attached to these visits during Jeongjo's reign.
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
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A novel video self-supervised learning-based network, Wild ActionFormer, achieves 95.09% Top-1 accuracy in recognizing actions of 11 endangered species in the Wolong Nature Reserve, marking a significant advancement over baseline models. This breakthrough leverages UniformerV2 as its backbone and incorporates differential dispersion regularization loss to enhance feature extraction robustness while mitigating interference. The Focal Loss reweighting strategy further optimizes performance for long-tail classes, addressing data imbalance biases. Validated on the LoTE-Animal dataset—comprising 10,000 videos of species like giant pandas and Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys—the study demonstrates the potential of automated action recognition in conservation research, offering precise insights into wildlife behavior without manual annotation.
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
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Despite long-term reintroduction efforts, the wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris) remains critically endangered in Germany's Upper Middle Rhine Valley, with only 16% of planted individuals showing high vitality and reproductive potential by 2018. A survey revealed that 55% of plants introduced since 2012 had died, primarily due to unsuitable light conditions caused by canopy cover. The species faces persistent threats from habitat degradation, hybridization, and slow establishment, exacerbated by its dioecy and late reproductive age. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted renaturation measures, such as restoring natural flooding dynamics, to create viable habitats and ensure long-term survival. Regular monitoring is crucial to assess reintroduction success and protective measures.
Central Amazon Conservation Complex
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A comprehensive analysis of wildfires in Brazil reveals that 80% of fires from 1999 to 2024 occurred in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes, primarily driven by agricultural expansion during dry seasons. These fires significantly impact ecosystems by altering soil properties, hydrological processes, carbon stocks, and erosion, with effects varying by vegetation type and burn severity. Despite efforts like Integrated Fire Management (IFM) incorporating prescribed burning and traditional knowledge, fragmented policies and resource shortages hinder effective fire management. Future strategies must prioritize coordination among science, policy, and local communities, alongside expanded remote sensing and region-specific solutions to address illegal fires and promote conservation.
Aachen Cathedral
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A groundbreaking analysis reveals that Willigis, Archbishop of Mainz and Archchancellor of the Holy Roman Empire, constructed the Willigis Cathedral to serve as a coronation church, following his exclusion from conducting coronations at Aachen Palatine Chapel due to ecclesiastical disputes. This study proposes that Willigis incorporated iconographic and topographical references to the Empire, drawing inspiration from Old St Peter’s in Rome, where imperial coronations were traditionally held. The research sheds light on the strategic architectural choices made by Willigis to assert his authority within the Holy Roman Empire, while also suggesting a new original location for the Willigis doors, further enriching our understanding of medieval ecclesiastical and political dynamics.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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Archaeological research at the Catarpe Túnel site in northern Chile has uncovered a series of pyrometallurgical furnaces used during the Late period (AD 1400–1536) to produce unalloyed copper prills from local ores, including atacamite and chrysocolla. This discovery marks the only major archaeometallurgical site in the Atacama oasis and salt flats, offering insights into advanced metallurgical practices of the region. The study employed archaeometric analysis to determine ore types, metallic composition, and fuel characteristics, revealing a sophisticated local tradition. Notably, the proximity of these furnaces to a documented section of Qhapaq Ñan and an Inka administrative center suggests potential Tawantinsuyu influence on regional metallurgy.
Golestan Palace
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A notable finding from the Golestan Palace Archives reveals the complex social dynamics and photographic culture within the Qajar harem during the late 19th century. The study highlights how photography, already a staple of court life, shaped relationships among women, including the shah’s temporary wife, Khanom Bashi, and Anis al-Dowleh, the 'Queen of Iran.' By analyzing these photographs through Ariella Azoulay’s framework, which treats photography as an act rather than a mere document, the research demonstrates how visual representation influenced courtly behavior and hierarchy. This approach offers a unique lens to understand the agency and ontology of women in Iranian court life during this period.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
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Despite being crucial contributors to revenue generation, women entrepreneurship remains underdeveloped in rural areas of Manas National Park, a key wildlife tourism destination. This study highlights significant barriers preventing women from establishing and running enterprises in the region, while also identifying motivations for those interested in venturing into entrepreneurship. The research employs a dual approach: analyzing existing women entrepreneurs' challenges and examining factors that inspire aspiring female business owners. Findings underscore the untapped potential of women-led businesses in supporting sustainable tourism growth within protected areas like Manas National Park.
Mount Wutai
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Mount Wutai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Chinese Buddhism's four sacred mountains, has seen significant transformation in its temple architecture and practices since the implementation of China's Reform and Opening-up policy. A recent study highlights how women have played a pivotal role in this reconstruction process, challenging traditional gender norms within Buddhist institutions. The research explores the evolution of temple spaces, from their historical significance to their modern adaptations, emphasizing the agency of women in shaping religious and architectural landscapes. Through qualitative analysis, including interviews and archival research, the study reveals how women's involvement has influenced the preservation, renovation, and spiritual revitalization of Mount Wutai's temples. This work contributes to a broader understanding of gender dynamics in Buddhist communities and the intersection of culture, religion, and heritage conservation.
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
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During the Sunga Age (c. 185–73 BCE), women navigated a complex social landscape shaped by competing Brahmanical and Buddhist influences, retaining visible roles despite patriarchal constraints. Archaeological evidence from Sanchi and Bharhut reveals women as active participants in religious life, depicted as donors, worshippers, and central figures in art, contrasting with Brahmanical texts that emphasized domestic subordination. This study highlights the tension between Brahmanical revival and Buddhist institutions, which offered greater spiritual mobility for women. By analyzing textual, legal, and archaeological sources, it illuminates how tradition and transition coexisted, defining women's status during this pivotal period in Indian civilization.
City of Quito
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A significant gender gap persists in Quito's urban design, with 81% of women experiencing sexual or offensive remarks and 69.8% encountering obscene gestures within a month, highlighting routine harassment that shapes their mobility and behavior. This study reveals how poorly lit corridors and weak institutional presence amplify violence against women, despite the city's 'Safe City' program. The research combines constitutional analysis, survey data (n=736), in-depth interviews, and participatory observation to demonstrate that Quito’s public spaces fail to uphold women’s right to safety and participation. The findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive urban planning, intersectoral resources, and substantive female involvement in policy-making to transform legal principles into lived realities.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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A significant discovery from the Liangzhu culture, one of East Asia's earliest urban societies (5000–4550 cal BP), reveals that worked human bones—previously thought to symbolize ancestor worship—were instead likely used for practical purposes. The high proportion of unfinished items suggests bones were not rare or ritually significant materials. This challenges conventional interpretations and indicates a shift in social practices tied to urbanization, population growth, and increasing complexity. The study, based on canal and moat deposits at Liangzhu City, proposes that the emergence of such practices may reflect changing interpersonal relationships and cultural views of 'others' and the dead, providing new insights into the rise of urban society in Neolithic China.
Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe
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Sardis, the former capital of the Lydian civilization (7th–6th centuries BC), and the Bin Tepe Lydian Tumuli were recognized for their 'Outstanding Universal Value' as part of UNESCO's World Heritage Temporary List in 2013. This significance stems from Sardis' pivotal role in global economic history—it was the birthplace of coinage, a development that rapidly spread across civilizations—and its layered architectural heritage spanning Lydian, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. The site's multi-tiered structures, including monumental tombs, city walls, theaters, temples, bath-gymnasium complexes, and synagogues, reflect its continuous cultural evolution under successive empires. This assessment highlights Sardis' universal importance by evaluating it against UNESCO's criteria, positioning it as a candidate for permanent World Heritage status.
Historic City of Yazd
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A surviving eco-lodge in Yazd, Iran, demonstrates resilience through innovative sustainability practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key strategies included collaboration with local entrepreneurs, promotion of local handicrafts via social media, and partnerships with universities and NGOs. The study highlights adaptive reuse of traditional architecture to blend tourism with local culture while providing economic support for women and youth. Semi-structured interviews and owner contributions provided data, revealing how such eco-lodges can thrive by integrating sustainability principles into their operations.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek, harbors significant geologic heritage that informs park management decisions regarding visitor safety, infrastructure planning, resource protection, and interpretation. The Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI) report by Lanik and Loso (2025) provides a comprehensive analysis of the region's geological history, features, and processes, offering actionable insights for conservation efforts. The study integrates geologic data to address management challenges while contributing to broader understanding through accompanying GIS datasets and visual aids. This work serves as a critical resource for balancing development with the preservation of natural and cultural resources in one of the largest protected areas in the U.S.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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A Swedish-Ukrainian collaboration has successfully employed visual archaeology techniques to digitally preserve over 2,000 historical graffiti inscriptions within Saint Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyiv. This groundbreaking effort, conducted under the challenges of ongoing conflict, utilized Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), Structure from Motion (SfM), and terrestrial laser scanning to capture intricate details while preserving spatial context. The project not only demonstrated the feasibility of high-quality digitization in war zones but also established scalable protocols for future heritage documentation. Stakeholder engagement across disciplines ensured relevance and adaptability, highlighting the importance of contextual adaptation in digital preservation efforts.
Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan
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X-ray Computed Tomography (X-CT) emerges as a transformative tool for assessing the conservation state and decay processes of cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Japan's Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group. This non-invasive technique allows for detailed internal analysis without altering artifacts, making it invaluable for monitoring deterioration and guiding restoration strategies. The study demonstrates its versatility through diverse case studies, from an 18th-century writing cabinet to a Roman glass fragment, and notably, presents the first µ-CT investigation of a bronze arrowhead from Japan's Kofun period (3rd century CE). By providing digital models that aid in conservation efforts, X-CT not only supports the analysis of complex artifacts but also helps track the long-term effects of time and historical events on their preservation. Its adaptability across different setups further underscores its potential as a cornerstone for heritage management.
Via Appia. Regina Viarum
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A scalable methodology for integrating multi-scale, multi-temporal stratified layers into interactive Extended Reality (XR) platforms shows promise for enhancing cultural heritage engagement. By leveraging geoinformation systems and high-quality models derived from LiDAR, Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), Mobile Mapping Systems (MMS), and photogrammetry, researchers propose a geoXR framework that correlates informational nodes in geographic space. This approach enables users to navigate narratives within shared geospatial contexts, amplifying the impact of digital heritage efforts while supporting continuous future implementation by diverse subjects.
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
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A deep-rooted, linguistically enriched Yadav (Ahir) community persists across Nepal's Terai to Himalayan regions, with strong ties to both Nepal and India. This study reveals the Yadav dynasty's ancient origins tracing back to the Indus River, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance in Lumbini—Lord Buddha's birthplace—and other key sites like Janakpurdham. Despite modern educational advancements, over 99% of Yadavs remain illiterate due to reliance on ancestral property, highlighting a persistent social gap. The community's identity is marked by shared titles, sub-titles, and profound proverbs, yet societal neglect persists without clear explanation. The research employs historical and geographical analysis to uncover the Yadavs' enduring legacy in Terai culture.
Studenica Monastery
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Saint Sava, the first Serbian legislator, established a comprehensive legal framework for the autocephalous Serbian Archbishopric and monastic life, including three typika (monastic rules) for Hilandar and Studenica Monasteries. The Karyes Typikon (1199), based on an unidentified Greek model, and the Hilandar Typikon, adapted from the Constantinopolitan Monastery of Evergetis, governed monastic organization and daily life. The Studenica Typikon (1210) mirrored the Hilandar version but reflected distinct political and ecclesiastical contexts. Additionally, Sava compiled the Nomokanon (1215–1220), a canonical codex synthesizing Byzantine legal sources, which became foundational for Serbian Orthodox practices and influenced Bulgarian and Russian churches. Though no original texts survive, copies from the 13th to 17th centuries provide insight into his systematic approach to canon law and secular legislation.
Medina of Tunis
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Zawiyas, Sufi lodges in the Medina of Tunis, played a pivotal role in structuring urban, social, and spiritual landscapes from the Hafsid dynasty (13th–16th centuries) to contemporary times. These institutions were not merely religious spaces but acted as catalysts for neighborhood organization, brokerage between rulers and communities, education, charity, and spiritual governance. Their strategic positioning near gate-markets, cemeteries, and key neighborhoods underscored their deep integration into civic life. The study traces the modern patrimonialization process, highlighting tensions between spiritual authenticity, community custodianship, and cultural tourism. Comparative analysis with cities like Fès and Tlemcen reveals regional variations in heritage governance that influence conservation strategies. Zawiyas exemplify a continuity between spirituality and city-making, offering critical lessons for sustainable urban policy in North African medinas. This interdisciplinary research advances understanding of Islamic urbanism, heritage governance, and cultural resilience.
Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad
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This study reveals how landscapes shaped by historical trauma and suffering can be both mutable and enduring, with their perception influenced by cultural narratives. Focusing on the Drina River, particularly around the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad, it demonstrates that rivers, inherently ephemeral due to their dynamic nature, serve as repositories of hidden wickedness while literature plays a pivotal role in solidifying the permanence of their perceived image. The research employs a geobiographical approach, integrating literary analysis—such as Ivo Andrić’s <em>The Bridge on the Drina</em>—with sensory experiences to construct an individually perceived landscape. This interplay between real and imagined landscapes highlights how cultural texts like Saša Stanišić’s <em>How a Soldier Repaired the Gramophone</em> and Ed Vulliamy’s reportage collection shape our understanding of contaminated riverine environments, offering a nuanced perspective on the intersection of history, memory, and place.
Chitwan National Park
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A comprehensive study of gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) in wild mammals of Chitwan National Park, Nepal, reveals a significant prevalence of 85.7% infection rates, with helminths being more common than protozoans. Nematodes were the most prevalent helminth group, followed by trematodes and cestodes, with multiple infections observed more frequently than single infections. The findings highlight a major health concern that could impact species survival and conservation efforts, emphasizing the need for proactive strategies to monitor and address these zoonotic risks in the park.
Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California
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2025 —
WHE821C230907
Zooplankton communities in Bahía de Los Ángeles (BLA), a biodiversity-rich marine protected area within the UNESCO-listed Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California, exhibit strong seasonal variability. Copepods and cladocerans dominate year-round, accounting for 93% of zooplankton abundance, while meroplankton taxa—including bivalve, gastropod, and barnacle larvae—peak during warmer months (summer–autumn). Notably, copepod nauplii surged in January, coinciding with colder temperatures. Among cladocerans, <em>Penilia avirostris</em> emerged as the most abundant species, contributing significantly to zooplankton composition from spring to autumn. This study, based on 81 monthly samples collected between 2017 and 2019, provides critical baseline data for ecological management and contextualizes BLA’s zooplankton dynamics within broader temperate and tropical coastal regions of the northeast Pacific.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
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2025 —
WHEF249229B8F
Excavations at the Heraion of Samos in 1989 provided definitive stratigraphic dating for two ancient temples, Dipteros I and II. Uninterrupted strata across four trenches in Dipteros II's pronaos yielded key artifacts that pinned down the construction timeline of their foundations. Notably, a complex of finds beneath Dipteros I's foundation allowed its dating as well. Additional trenches examined the substructure of Dipteros II's foundation, offering deeper insights into its architectural development. This study resolved long-standing questions about the chronological sequence and construction phases of these significant structures within the UNESCO-listed Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos.
Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey
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2025 —
WHEB16A3EEB61
Historical library conditions and developments can be successfully reconstructed through research, library holding indexing, notifications, and digitalization. This study examines the divergent fates of two libraries: the Princely Abbey of Corvey, which faced dispersion, destruction, and reconstruction, and the Court Library of Arolsen Castle, which retains an ensemble of holdings but has experienced significant losses during the Reformation, binder’s waste, or the Thirty Years War. The research approach involves leveraging historical records, inventory analysis, and digitalization to trace the evolution of these collections over time.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
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2025 —
WHE07A5120E26
A distinct Nymph type, characterized by intricate draping with broad hollow hems and long fringes, has been identified through multiple replicas from the Pythagoreion of Samos. This type, likely originating around the mid-2nd century BCE, represents a significant artifact of Samos' Nymph cult. The study connects this type to earlier references in the Heraion's 346/345 BCE inscription and draws parallels with the fringed mantle of the Knidian Aphrodite, providing insight into the cultural and artistic practices of the region during the Hellenistic period.
Hatra
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2024 —
WHE03A72B3DFB
A recent study challenges the notion that 'Europaean' soldiers mentioned during the Severan siege of Hatra were Syrians from Dura-Europos, instead supporting the traditional view that they originated from Europe. The research argues that this force was substantial and included troops experienced in siegecraft, providing a fresh perspective on Roman military strategy in the Second Parthian War. By re-examining known Roman military dispositions and the aftermath of the war, the study suggests that soldiers from Moesia would have been particularly useful for assembling an assault force. This work offers new insights into the composition and tactics of Roman armies during this critical period.
