Assembling heritage: investigating the UNESCO proclamation of Bedouin intangible heritage in Jordan

UNESCO's recognition of Bedouin intangible heritage in Jordan, particularly around Petra and Wadi Rum, reveals how cultural categories are reshaped to align with contemporary narratives. The 2005 proclamation highlighted the tension between preserving traditional Bedouin culture and modern settlement policies, showing that heritage designation often reflects multiple, sometimes contradictory discourses rather than a unified vision. This process of 'assembling heritage' demonstrates how global institutions like UNESCO interact with local communities, creating images of Bedouin culture that serve both cultural preservation and political agendas.

Bille, M. (2012). Assembling heritage: investigating the UNESCO proclamation of Bedouin intangible heritage in Jordan. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 18(2), 107–123. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2011.599853