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Publications

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The Historic Center of Salvador de Bahia: Contemporary Challenges in Conservation and Management

Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia — 2017 — WHE41CA28DB58

Salvador de Bahia's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, faces significant challenges in contemporary conservation and management. Despite the 1990s revitalization program aiming to transform it into a scenic space for cultural tourism, funded entirely by public resources, the area continues to struggle with social displacement and economic disparities. Recent policy shifts post-2007 have not adequately integrated sustainability or community participation, focusing instead on tourism-driven development while neglecting the needs of remaining residents. This study highlights the disconnect between heritage conservation goals and social equity, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive, sustainable management strategies that balance preservation with the well-being of local communities.

The History of Land Use and in Iriomote Island from the 1960s and Its Sociocultural Background

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2017 — WHEF750C87B57

A significant shift in land use on Iriomote Island, Okinawa, from the 1960s onward is primarily driven by demographic changes, which are closely tied to evolving lifestyles and cultural practices. This transition varies notably between the island's western and eastern regions due to distinct village histories. The study analyzed topographical maps and aerial photographs alongside field research and interviews to uncover these patterns. With Iriomote Island emerging as a potential World Natural Heritage Site, this research highlights how sociocultural factors influence land use dynamics, offering critical insights for conservation efforts.

The House of Open Gates: An Enclave Between the City of Graz as it is, and as We Imagine it Could be

City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg — 2017 — WHECE5F46E39E

During the migration crisis and amid rising neoliberal politics, artistic projects emerged as powerful tools for fostering inclusion and social cohesion. The House of Open Gates, a project within Graz's Steirischer Herbst festival in 2016, exemplifies this trend by creating a temporary space that challenged exclusionary narratives and empowered migrant communities. Through curatorial and artistic strategies, the project transformed Schloss Eggenberg into an enclave of openness and otherness, bridging the gap between Graz as it was and its potential for multicultural diversity. The study highlights how such initiatives can counter xenophobia and promote mutual respect through spatial tactics and critical discourse.

The Impact of Intangible Factors in Shaping the Identity of Ancient Cities and Architecture of China

Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing — 2017 — WHEF3DA8E4F31

Ancient Chinese architecture and urban planning, renowned for their unique character and influence on neighboring nations, were significantly shaped by intangible factors such as culture and beliefs. A study examining the Temple of Heaven in Beijing and other ancient capital cities reveals that metaphysical philosophies like feng shui, Yin and Yang forces, and the theory of five elements played a crucial role in defining the identity and layout of Chinese cities. The research highlights the emperor's guidance in unifying government and promoting regularity as another key factor. By analyzing these intangible influences, the study provides insight into the enduring character of Chinese civilization despite diverse ethnic groups and geographical conditions.

The Impact of the Attitudes towards Ecotourism Benefits on Destination Loyalty

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2017 — WHE4CE9F92212

A significant positive correlation exists between local attitudes towards ecotourism benefits—such as economic development, social progress, cultural preservation, community empowerment, and environmental protection—and destination loyalty in Wadi Rum, Jordan. The study, which analyzed responses from 297 residents using regression, T-test, and ANOVA analyses, found no significant differences based on gender, age, or educational level. These findings suggest that ecotourism’s perceived benefits strongly influence long-term community attachment to the site, regardless of demographic factors.

The Implementation of Tri Hita Karana on the World Heritage of Taman Ayun and Tirta Empul Temples as Tourist Attractions in Bali

Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy — 2017 — WHE41C0DC8329

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bali Province, recognized for its outstanding universal value rooted in the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, faces challenges in maintaining harmony and balance between religious, social, and environmental aspects due to touristification. While the temples of Taman Ayun and Tirta Empul are managed with proper environmental practices, there is a notable neglect in preserving their social and religious dimensions as tourist attractions. The study highlights that tourists are allowed entry without adhering to traditional dress codes or restrictions on sacred areas, undermining the authenticity of these sites. Additionally, essential information about shrines, ceremonies, and local guides is lacking, further eroding the cultural integrity. To sustain the site's value, a balanced implementation of Tri Hita Karana is crucial, ensuring that tourism development does not compromise its philosophical foundations.

The importance of cultural dimensions in the design process of the vernacular societies

Old Walled City of Shibam — 2017 — WHE8BED250007

Cultural dimensions play a crucial role in designing for vernacular societies, offering a remedy to the unintended consequences of modern architectural theories. This study highlights that integrating communal psychological patterns and local cultural characteristics into design processes can lead to structures that are both culturally and environmentally adapted. The research focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Shibam (Yemen), Edfu (Egypt), and Draa (Morocco)—to analyze how vernacular prototypes and patterns can inform sustainable and contextually appropriate designs. By reconsidering modernity's impact on architecture, the study advocates for a design approach that prioritizes cultural specificity over universal modernist principles.

The influence of community factors on the engagement of residents in place promotion: Empirical evidence from an Italian heritage site

Costiera Amalfitana — 2017 — WHE6593F13091

Residents' engagement in promoting the Amalfi Coast, an Italian UNESCO World Heritage Site, is significantly influenced by their community commitment, environmental attitudes, and perceptions of existing place marketing communications. This study highlights how these factors shape residents' willingness to act as ambassadors for tourism, offering critical insights for destination management and policy makers. The research employed empirical methods to analyze the relationships between these community factors and resident engagement, contributing to a broader understanding of effective collaboration in heritage site promotion.

The influence of invasive mongoose on the genetic structure of the endangered Amami rabbit populations

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2017 — WHE4BD2CB2295

A study on Amami-Oshima Island reveals that the invasive small Indian mongoose has fragmented endangered Amami rabbit populations, leading to distinct genetic structures between a north-isolated (NI) and south-large (SL) group. The NI population exhibits lower genetic diversity, likely due to its smaller size post-fragmentation. While no clear ancestral clustering was observed, isolation-by-distance rather than habitat fragmentation appears to have maintained the genetic differences between the two populations. Researchers analyzed mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci from rabbit feces across the island's habitat, providing insights into the impact of invasive species on native biodiversity.

The inscription of Qhapaq Ñan on UNESCO’s World Heritage List: a comparative perspective from the daily press in six Latin American countries

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2017 — WHE8F6AA21993

Latin American newspapers largely misinformed the public about the complexities of inscribing Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean road system, on UNESCO’s World Heritage List (WHL) in 2014. A study analyzing 90 articles from six countries revealed that media coverage prioritized official and expert discourses over local community voices, often overlooking controversies or conducting independent investigations. This market-driven journalism approach emphasized monumentality and tourism commodification while sidelining technical conservation concerns and grassroots participation. The research highlights a global trend where heritage narratives are shaped more by authorized sources than diverse perspectives.

The international law of holy places in the Old City of Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2017 — WHEF50E2CD938

Archaeological excavations near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem uncovered significant remnants from the First Temple period, including preserved walls, an ornate seal, and pottery with ancient Hebrew script. These findings provide tangible evidence of the site's historical layers, contributing to our understanding of its complex past. The study also examines the legal framework governing holy places in the Old City, particularly the 1878 Treaty of Berlin and the 1954 Hague Convention, which aim to preserve the status quo. It highlights the tension between archaeological discovery and international law, especially concerning access and administration, as demonstrated by the 1994 Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty.

The Ironbridge Gorge Heritage Site and its local and regional functions

Ironbridge Gorge — 2017 — WHE8202F0F007

Heritage sites, such as the Ironbridge Gorge in the United Kingdom, play multifaceted roles that extend beyond cultural preservation. This study confirms that such sites fulfill significant local and regional functions, including educational, economic, socio-cultural, and sustainable development impacts. The Ironbridge Gorge exemplifies these functions through its influence on inhabitants, tourists, and the local economy. It generates income for heritage management, conservation, tourism-related businesses, and job creation while fostering educational engagement with school youth and visitors. Additionally, it contributes to socio-cultural cohesion and sustainable development, reinforcing its broader societal value.

The Jerusalem Old City Initiative

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2017 — WHEB64363064D

A proposed dispute resolution mechanism (DRM) for the Old City of Jerusalem and its surrounding historic area aims to address civil disputes across the region while maintaining independence from involved parties. This model envisions a voluntary system with a panel of permanent members appointed through a governance board, excluding criminal matters from its jurisdiction. The DRM's effectiveness hinges on its broad scope and appeal, ensuring impartial resolution for disputes rooted in the site's significance as a global religious, cultural, and political focal point.

The Jerusalem Old City Initiative Discussion Document

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2017 — WHEA0D46E4710

A discussion document outlines the complex challenges and potential solutions for managing the Old City of Jerusalem, a focal point in the Arab-Israeli conflict. It highlights the need for distinct entry-exit criteria at various gates based on their functions, ensuring controlled movement between Israeli and Palestinian territories with proper documentation. The study estimates that three million annual tourists could generate 13,500 new jobs, while also addressing the impact of potential embassy relocations on land demands in Jerusalem. This approach combines political, social, and economic perspectives to propose practical strategies for sustainable administration and development.

The Jesuit-Guaraní Confraternity in the Spanish Missions of South America (1609–1767): A Global Religious Organization for the Colonial Integration of Amerindians

Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil) — 2017 — WHEB19C311F7B

Research reveals that Jesuit-Guaraní confraternities served as pivotal tools for integrating Guaraní Indians into Spanish colonial society between 1609 and 1767. Analyzing annual Jesuit reports, the study demonstrates how these religious organizations fostered 'civility' (policía) among indigenous communities, effectively transplanting Christian values while aligning them with Spanish colonial governance in the Río de la Plata region. The findings highlight the confraternities' dual role: as vehicles for cultural assimilation and social control, ensuring both spiritual conversion and political integration.

The Jewish Ghetto and the Visual Imagination of Early Modern Venice

Venice and its Lagoon — 2017 — WHE2B1F5D6A34

Dana E. Katz's study reveals that the marginalization of Venice's Jewish ghetto in 1516 paradoxically amplified its visibility, shaping urban space and Christian-Jewish relations through discourses of sight. The research demonstrates how nocturnal curfews, intended to reduce Jewish presence, instead embedded the ghetto in the sensory imagination of both Christian and Jewish inhabitants. Katz's approach combines historical analysis with spatial and visual discourse studies, uncovering complex, contradictory ways the ghetto influenced urban perceptions and social dynamics.

The Last and Most Developed Naṣrid Palace in the Alhambra: The Alijares and Its Country Estate (Fourteenth Century)

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2017 — WHEA3538A799D

A significant earthquake in 1431, coinciding with Castilian military pressure, led to the abandonment of the Alijares palace and its country estate (al-munya) near Granada's Alhambra. Despite severe damage and limited reconstruction efforts post-Naṣrid defeat, extensive historical analysis reveals the Alijares as a pioneering architectural innovation in al-Andalus during Muhammad V's reign (1354–1359 / 1362–1391). This study reconstructs its design, marking it as the final evolution of Naṣrid palace styles before political and natural disasters halted its development. Research leverages surviving sources to uncover its lost features, offering insights into the dynasty's architectural ambition during its final flourishing phase.

The last ten years of research at Tarquinia

Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia — 2017 — WHE59A263EFC5

A decade of interdisciplinary research at the UNESCO-listed Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia has uncovered significant insights into the material culture and territorial connections of the ancient city. The study, led by the Università degli Studi di Milano in collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano, utilized an integrated system of tools and services, supported by ICTs (ArchMatrix), to analyze over 6,000 tombs, including 400 painted ones. This holistic approach, combining archaeological analysis at multiple scales—from small mobile finds to large-scale landscape studies—has produced the complete corpus of the painted tombs of Tarquinia. The research also explored the Civita plateau's monumental complex, sanctuary, and fortifications, revealing intricate connections within the Tarquinian heritage. Additionally, it introduced a bilingual Virtual Museum, offering innovative solutions for cultural heritage preservation.

The legacy of aleppine ottoman houses

Ancient City of Aleppo — 2017 — WHE3D492F6805

Aleppine Ottoman houses represent a fusion of local architectural techniques and Ottoman design, embodying the cultural heritage of Aleppo during its peak as a Silk Road hub. This study highlights their significance through historical and descriptive analysis, revealing that affluent neighborhoods outside the city walls contained the most intricate decorations and materials. While UNESCO recognized Old Aleppo City as a World Heritage Site in 1986, ongoing conflict has severely damaged these structures. The research underscores the urgent need for conservation strategies to preserve this architectural legacy for future generations.

The Legal Framework for a Special RegimeThe Old City of Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2017 — WHE88729995FE

A proposed legal framework for the Old City of Jerusalem suggests a special regime with its own police force, composed equally of Israeli, Palestinian, and international members, to maintain public order. This specialized unit would oversee holy sites, ensuring representation from diverse religious communities, such as Christians, Muslims, Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals. The framework also addresses public services like health, education, and utilities, while examining legal aspects such as applicable laws, courts, and executive offices. Additionally, it proposes a Palestinian curriculum delivered through schools managed by Christian churches, the Islamic Waqf, and the Jerusalem municipality.