World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 21061 – 21080 of 30345 publications

The Role of Water in Persian Gardens

The Persian Garden — 2017 — WHEC64953CCB3

Persian gardens, epitomized by UNESCO World Heritage Sites like The Persian Garden, embody water as more than a functional element—it is a profound metaphor and artistic expression deeply intertwined with human culture. Water serves as an interface between architecture and emotion, symbolizing life while adhering to physical laws that govern its behavior. This study reveals that water’s role extends beyond sustenance; it is a creative force shaping residential complexes and reflecting the architectural spirit of Persian design. By analyzing historical resources and employing a descriptive-analytical method, researchers uncovered water’s hidden influence on human perception and architecture, demonstrating its paradoxical nature as both a source of life and a catalyst for artistic innovation.

The Roman Limes on the Lower Rhine: A European Border's Visibility in Landscape and Museums

Frontiers of the Roman Empire – The Lower German Limes — 2017 — WHEE7F45C1B3F

This study highlights the pivotal role of museums in enhancing the visibility and understanding of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, using the Roman Limes on the Lower Rhine as a case study. It demonstrates how interpretation frameworks, applied through storylines, can effectively communicate the historical significance of this European border in both Dutch and German museums. The research also explores the collaborative efforts between Dutch and German authorities during the World Heritage Site nomination process and suggests the potential for ICOM to further promote such sites globally. By analyzing cultural infrastructure initiatives along the former Roman frontier, the study provides insights into the intersection of heritage conservation, education, and international cooperation.

The Romanesque Screen at Canterbury Cathedral Reconsidered

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2017 — WHE12CD2278B0

A reassessment of the Romanesque sculpture found during the restoration of Christ Church Canterbury's west alley cloister challenges its long-standing association with an 1180 screen in Canterbury Cathedral. New historical and archaeological evidence suggests these sculptures, previously linked to the cathedral's screen, instead originated from a lavatorium—a ceremonial water feature—built by Prior Wibert as part of his extensive waterworks system within the great cloister. This reinterpretation hinges on a critical analysis of existing records and recent research, offering a significant revision to our understanding of medieval architectural and liturgical practices at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Royal Window (c. 1485) at Canterbury Cathedral and the Magnificat Window (c. 1500) at Great Malvern Priory (Worcs.): Dynastic Rivalry in Late Medieval England?

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2017 — WHE1F9F94F25B

Late medieval stained glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral and Great Malvern Priory, initially interpreted as symbols of dynastic rivalry during England's Wars of the Roses, reveal a more nuanced narrative about royal authority. The Royal Window (c. 1485) in Canterbury and the Magnificat Window (c. 1500) in Great Malvern share striking iconographic parallels, suggesting these artworks served as complex expressions of political legitimacy rather than mere propaganda. The study analyzes their visual elements to argue that both windows reflect broader concerns about the nature of kingship during a period marked by succession disputes and shifting dynastic loyalties.

The Ruins of the Buddhist Temples in the Progo Valley, Borobudur, Mendut and Pawon, Described by Isaac Groneman in his Book of 1912

Borobudur Temple Compounds — 2017 — WHE6B0BCF6B1F

Isaac Groneman's 1912 book, Ruins of Buddhistic Temples in Praga Talley, offers a meticulous and pioneering analysis of the Buddhist temple complexes at Borobudur, Mendut, and Pawon. Groneman's work stands out for its detailed observations on the temples' solar orientation and the symbolic significance of Buddha statues' mudras, providing critical insights into Javanese antiquity. His approach combines architectural analysis with cultural interpretation, making this book an indispensable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. Published by H.A. Benjamins in Semarang, Groneman's report remains a foundational text for understanding these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Sahara

Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus — 2017 — WHEC6530355B9

Archaeological research on Neolithic Saharan sites, including Tadrart Acacus and Tassili-n-Ajjer, reveals significant insights into the symbolic representation of pastoral life through figurines. The study highlights that zoomorphic figurines, particularly those depicting cattle, dominate this period (7000–4000 years ago), reflecting deep symbolic meaning within Saharan Neolithic ideology. Additionally, anthropomorphic figurines suggest a focus on human wholeness and identity. The research employs comparative analysis of two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations to explore manufacturing processes and their cultural significance, providing a nuanced understanding of Neolithic art and its pastoral context.

The sculpted epitaph

Monastery of Batalha — 2017 — WHE3662320D5C

A groundbreaking translation and photographic documentation of the longest sculpted epitaph on a medieval tomb in western Europe reveals a 1,700-word Latin inscription commemorating João I, King of Portugal, and his wife Philippa of Lancaster at the Monastery of Batalha. This 15th-century monument challenges traditional perspectives by straddling the intersection of text, image, art, and literature, offering new insights into the evolving status and function of epitaphs during a pivotal period in European history when attitudes toward written and sculpted words were undergoing radical transformation. The study complements ongoing initiatives at Batalha, including the exhibition 'Places of Prayer' (2015) and the interpretation project 'Revealing Medieval Colours,' providing a comprehensive analysis that bridges historical, artistic, and literary disciplines.

The Search for an American Architecture, Thomas Jefferson, A Romantic Rationalist, North And South

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville — 2017 — WHE8BE12C5B1F

While Thomas Jefferson's architectural designs, including Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, are celebrated as masterpieces, they did not contribute to the development of an original American architecture. The study highlights that it was primarily in the North, driven by merchant, entrepreneurial, and nascent nouveau riche classes, that American architecture began to exhibit individualism. Jefferson's work at the University of Virginia illustrates the inherent struggles within Classicism, while buildings in the deeper South did not significantly influence the creation of an original American style.

The Selimiye Mosque of Edirne, Turkey – an Immersive and Interactive Virtual Reality Experience Using HTC Vive

Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex — 2017 — WHEC7B3195E18

A groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) experience of the Selimiye Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Edirne, Turkey, showcases how advanced VR technology can immerse users in a digital recreation of historic monuments with unprecedented realism. This study demonstrates that high-fidelity 3D modeling combined with interactive VR visualization—enabled by systems like HTC Vive—can effectively simulate multi-dimensional documentation and navigation of cultural heritage sites. The project, a collaboration between BİMTAŞ (Istanbul) and the Photogrammetry & Laser Scanning Lab (HafenCity University Hamburg), highlights the potential for such tools to engage users in virtual exploration while preserving physical access limitations. Additionally, it explores the feasibility of multi-user VR environments for collaborative heritage experiences.

The Servants of Khonsu in Thebes Neferhotep and its Hierarchy of ḥm-nṯr Priests during the Twenty-First Dynasty

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2017 — WHEE115997249

A new prosopography of Khonsu's cult personnel reveals that by the Twenty-First Dynasty, a subordinate clergy—active across Karnak’s multiple sanctuaries but central to Theban religious life—emerged, significantly expanding administrative and ritual roles. This hierarchy, led by the newly contextualized office of Third ḥm-nṯr priest, sheds light on Thebes’ cultic and bureaucratic evolution during this pivotal transition from Ramesside prominence to the later period. By analyzing biographical and genealogical records, the study uncovers how Khonsu’s worship became increasingly institutionalized while remaining subordinate to Amun’s clergy.

The socio-economics of artisanal mining and bushmeat hunting around protected areas: Kahuzi–Biega National Park and Itombwe Nature Reserve, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Kahuzi-Biega National Park — 2017 — WHE76F491121A

Artisanal mining in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo significantly threatens large mammal species, including Critically Endangered Grauer's gorillas and Endangered eastern chimpanzees, while providing short-term economic gains for miners. A survey of 14–16% of the population—8–10 million people—revealed that miners earned higher revenues than non-miners but preferred transitioning to other sectors due to instability and risks, often linked to armed groups controlling mines. Bushmeat hunting, driven by lack of alternative protein sources, was widely acknowledged as a major cause of wildlife declines. Respondents indicated they would reduce bushmeat consumption if sustainable meat alternatives were accessible. The study recommends targeted interventions, including improving access to domestic meats, micro-financing for miners transitioning out of the sector, and demilitarizing mine sites to enhance law enforcement effectiveness in protected areas like Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

The Solitary Shaman: Itinerant Healers and Ritual Seclusion in the Namib Desert During the Second Millennium ad

Namib Sand Sea — 2017 — WHE19DB385787

New evidence from the Namib Sand Sea reveals that specialized shamans may have practiced ritual seclusion and sensory deprivation, possibly as itinerant healers, during the second millennium AD. This behavior is linked to hunter-gatherer responses to the introduction of pastoralism and the rise of specialist rainmakers and healers in southern Africa. The study identifies anomalies in rock art and archaeology, providing insights into the religious practices of these communities. Kinahan's research combines archaeological and ethnographic methods to reconstruct the social and spiritual dynamics of this period.

The Spatial Identity of Historic Cairo, Part one: Typology, Geometry, and Geographic Distribution

Historic Cairo — 2017 — WHE39F64D96A9

Historic Cairo's urban spaces, particularly in the early 19th century, exhibit a distinct spatial identity characterized by a quantitative dominance of linear and irregularly shaped footprints, with central spaces being notably scarce. This pattern reflects underlying sociocultural and economic identities, while the rarity of central spaces underscores their role in power demonstration. The study, based on a quantitative inventory derived from historic maps and indexes, reveals that linearity and irregularity are key geometric features shaping the city's trajectory of evolution.

The Spiritual Economy of Nightclubs and Raves: Osho Sannyasins as Party Promoters in Ibiza and Pune/Goa

Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture — 2017 — WHEEC0BB5E43E

A study reveals that Osho sannyasins, followers of countercultural religiosity, play a significant role in shaping the socio-economic landscape of global club and rave scenes, particularly in Ibiza, Pune, and Goa. This research highlights how nomadic spirituality intersects with leisure industries, influencing digital dance culture through transnational networks. By comparing four types of dance parties—exotic, up-market, underground, and resort—the study demonstrates that these communities anticipate emerging social trends linked to globalization. The findings suggest that the commodification of alternative lifestyles by tourism and entertainment sectors reflects mainstream society's ambivalent attraction to utopian ideals while providing a critical lens for understanding complex global dynamics.

The stratigraphy of the Upper Greensand Formation (Albian, Cretaceous) of the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Dorset and East Devon Coast — 2017 — WHE4EA5A556EA

The Upper Greensand Formation, prominent along the Devon coast, exhibits significant lateral and stratigraphic variations in its composition, including sandstone, calcarenite, carbonate cement, glauconite, and chert. These variations are linked to shallow-water marine environments and penecontemporaneous fault movements, particularly evident in the Isle of Purbeck. The formation is divided into three members—Foxmould, Whitecliff Chert, and Bindon Sandstone—each bounded by erosion surfaces that extend across the Wessex Basin. While much of the fauna lacks age-diagnostic features, diverse ammonite faunas at specific levels enable correlation with other regions in east Devon and west Dorset. This study provides critical insights into the stratigraphic complexity and geological history of this Cretaceous formation.

The structural behaviour of the masonry vaults of the Cathedral of Modena

Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena — 2017 — WHEC64A6AABA3

The masonry vaults of Modena Cathedral demonstrated significant vulnerability to seismic activity during the 2012 Emilia Earthquake. This study reveals that such historical structures, while integral to cultural heritage, are highly susceptible to earthquake damage, posing challenges for structural interventions that must balance preservation with safety. Researchers employed Finite Elements and Discrete Elements models to analyze the dynamic response of these vaults, providing critical insights into their seismic behavior. The findings underscore the need for non-invasive strengthening techniques that respect architectural integrity while enhancing resilience against natural disasters.

The study of water bug fauna (Insecta: Hemiptera) in My Son Sanctuary, Quang Nam Province

My Son Sanctuary — 2017 — WHE07AB38FA4A

A comprehensive inventory of water bug fauna (Insecta: Hemiptera) in My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, identified 36 species across 13 families. The study, conducted along Khe The stream in 2016 and 2017, highlights the dominance of Gerridae with 14 species, followed by Veliidae (4 species), and Nepidae/Naucoridae (3 species each). This baseline data aims to support ecological and irrigation conservation models for the sanctuary, addressing ongoing human impacts. The findings mark the first detailed documentation of water bug diversity in this culturally significant area, providing critical insights for ecosystem-based preservation strategies.

The Sustainable Well-Being in the Medina of Tunis and Its Environmental Values

Medina of Tunis — 2017 — WHEA71F2A8A92

The Medina of Tunis, a historic center of Muslim civilization, exemplifies sustainable urban planning through its architectural and environmental design. This study reveals that the city's built environment, from streets to courtyards, plays a crucial role in enhancing cultural and social values rooted in Islamic tradition. By analyzing the settlement structure and referencing 14th-century master builder Ibn Al-Rami's studies, researchers demonstrate how vernacular planning integrates sustainability with participatory design, offering insights into long-lasting urban well-being.

The Teotihuacan Anomaly: The Historical Trajectory of Urban Design in Ancient Central Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2017 — WHE888AB508BE

Teotihuacan stands out as the most anomalous urban design in ancient Mesoamerica, defying established Preclassic planning principles. While other cities adhered to traditional layouts, Teotihuacan introduced radical, unconventional concepts that were later abandoned until the Mexica of Tenochtitlan revived them for specific purposes. This study identifies the historical trajectory of urban design in Central Mexico, highlighting how Teotihuacan's unique approach deviated from and influenced subsequent urban planning. The research compares Teotihuacan’s design with other Mesoamerican cities to underscore its anomalous character within the region's urbanism traditions.

The Theatre of the Bauhaus

Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau — 2017 — WHE8CB1331338

This volume introduces the 'theatre of space' as a pivotal concept in modernist performance, highlighting its emphasis on visual, aural, and plastic stage qualities over narrative or character. Focusing on Oskar Schlemmer's work within the Bauhaus Theatre Workshop, it explores how this approach challenged traditional theatre norms while influencing contemporary ethics, aesthetics, and society. The study connects Bauhaus innovations to twentieth-century practitioners like Robert Wilson, Tadeusz Kantor, and Robert Lepage, offering a framework for understanding avant-garde performance in Weimar-era Germany and beyond.