World Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis and Conflict: Close-up View

World Cultural Heritage sites, including Medieval Monuments in Kosovo, face significant threats during crises and conflicts, such as violent repurposing, deconstruction of meaning, and negation of historical significance. The study highlights the vulnerability of these sites despite international legal protections under the 1972 Convention on the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. It examines contemporary examples—such as the destruction of monuments in Afghanistan and Syria, and the reinterpretation of Hagia Sophia—in demonstrating how social factors exacerbate risks to heritage integrity. The research underscores the need for stronger maturity and enforcement of protection services to safeguard sites critical to global cultural identity.

Pavličić Šarić, J. Z. (2023). World Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis and Conflict: Close-up View. Thematic Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference Educational Programs — the Future of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 340–361. https://doi.org/10.18485/arh_whc50.2023.ch17