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The bridge on the Neretva: Stari Most as a stage of memory in post-conflict Mostar, Bosnia–Herzegovina

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2016 — WHEFCF075D0D9

Stari Most, a UNESCO-listed Ottoman-era bridge in Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, serves as a powerful symbol of post-conflict reconciliation. The study conceptualizes its reconstruction as a 'stage of memory,' where the institutional narrative of rebuilding acts to bridge social divides in a city still divided along ethnic lines. Stari Most's destruction during the Bosnian War (1993) and subsequent restoration (2004) reflect UNESCO's mission to foster peace through cultural solidarity. The research identifies two key dimensions: the physical reconstruction as a structural metaphor for reconciliation, and the symbolic role of the bridge in institutional narratives that emphasize unity amid division. This approach highlights how heritage conservation can function as both a material and discursive tool for healing post-conflict societies.

The Byzantine bell-tower in Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos (1427). The Sculpted decoration and its significance (with 24 figures)

Mount Athos — 2016 — WHE7EAB20C785

A detailed analysis of the marble architectural members within the Byzantine bell-tower at Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, dating to 1427, reveals significant insights into the sculpted decoration of the middle and late Byzantine period. The study highlights the unique nature and organization of marble decoration in a non-ecclesiastical Athonite building, constructed shortly after the Ottoman occupation of Mount Athos. Additionally, the presence of reused spolia raises intriguing questions about their provenance, though these remain unresolved due to limited evidence. The research employs a thorough examination of architectural elements to enrich our understanding of Byzantine art and craftsmanship during this transitional period.

The Camisard Uprising: War and Religion in the Cévennes

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2016 — WHE08F7B3FE95

The Camisard Uprising (1702–1705) was a violent religious and political conflict in the Cévennes region of southern France, marked by brutal clashes between Protestant rebels, known as Camisards, and French royal forces. This study highlights the uprising's complex interplay of religious fervor, regional identity, and military strategy, drawing parallels with historical conflicts such as the Albigensian Crusade, Jewish persecution under Nazi rule, and French Resistance during World War II. The research leverages David Crackanthorpe’s deep familiarity with the Cévennes landscape and his expertise in comparative historical analysis to provide vivid character sketches of key figures, including rebel leaders like Jean Cavalier and royal officials such as Nicolas de Lamoignon de Basville. Additionally, it incorporates contemporary accounts to contextualize the Camisards' motivations, blending humor and irony into a nuanced narrative that challenges simplistic interpretations of their actions.

The Carving Technology of the Handle-Shaped Artefacts from Yinxu (c .1300-1046 bc ) in China

Yin Xu — 2016 — WHED9A4354FD7

A groundbreaking analysis of handle-shaped jade artefacts from Yinxu (c.1300–1046 BCE) reveals that these objects were likely crafted through a four-step process—rough shape cutting, edge reforming, handle making, and single-side polishing—contradicting earlier assumptions about their manufacturing techniques. The study, employing digital microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, also challenges the notion that these artefacts served as hairpins or handles, instead suggesting they were used as sacrificial offerings during the Shang Dynasty period in China. This finding provides new insights into the functional and ritual significance of jade objects from this era.

The Casbah of Algiers: Cultural Heritage as a Political Tool

Kasbah of Algiers — 2016 — WHE1FDB626044

The Casbah of Algiers serves as a potent example of how cultural heritage can be weaponized politically. Unlike much architectural history literature that focuses on colonial conflicts or distant pasts, this study highlights the paucity of post-independence construction in the Casbah, particularly in its immediate aftermath. By drawing from James D. Le Sueur's broader historical analysis and Çelik's work on material-world conflicts, it underscores the political dimensions embedded in the preservation—or neglect—of this iconic site. The research approach combines historical and architectural perspectives to reveal how power dynamics shape heritage narratives, offering a nuanced counterpoint to dominant discourses.

The challenges on spatial continuity of urban regeneration projects: The case of fener balat historical district in istanbul

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2016 — WHEFAB70B661E

Urban regeneration projects in Istanbul, including those targeting historic districts like Fener and Balat, risk spatial fragmentation, degeneration, disidentification, alienation, and gentrification due to weak governance, socioeconomic disconnection, and inadequate modern conservation principles. The study analyzes the 'District Fener Balat Rehabilitation Program,' initiated post-1996 Habitat II Conference, and examines its challenges based on technical expertise reports from administrative court proceedings and graduate theses supervised by the authors over a decade. Findings highlight the tension between urban regeneration goals and heritage conservation in historic urban environments, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that balance development with the preservation of unique cultural and urban patterns.

The Challenges on Spatial Continuity of Urban Regeneration Projects: the Case of Fener Balat Historical District in Istanbul

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2016 — WHEB4FDE608A7

Urban regeneration projects in Istanbul, particularly those targeting historical districts like Fener Balat, face significant challenges that risk spatial fragmentation and the loss of cultural identity. The study highlights weak governance, disconnection from socioeconomic contexts, and a lack of modern conservation principles as key obstacles to maintaining spatial continuity. These factors contribute to risks such as degeneration, disidentification, alienation, and gentrification in the district. The analysis is based on technical expertise reports from administrative court proceedings and graduate thesis research conducted over the past decade.

The changing ethnoecological cobweb of white truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico) gatherers in South Piedmont, NW Italy

Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato — 2016 — WHE107E0E5B5F

A sophisticated ethnoecological knowledge among white truffle gatherers (Tuber magnatum Pico), or 'trifulau,' in South Piedmont, Italy, highlights a complex and intimate relationship between humans, dogs, and the environment that has sustained truffle hunting for centuries. This traditional environmental knowledge (TEK) is now under threat due to climate change—marked by hotter, drier summers—and socio-economic shifts, including the expansion of viticulture. The study, based on in-depth interviews with 34 gatherers between 2010 and 2014, reveals that truffle hunting success depends heavily on the synergy between gatherers' ecological perceptions, their dogs' training, and specific environmental conditions. The research underscores the urgent need for sustainable gastronomy initiatives to preserve this cultural heritage while raising awareness about the interdependence of locals, truffles, and their natural habitat.

The changing role of historic town of Rhodes in the scenario

Medieval City of Rhodes — 2016 — WHE568AF0DB7D

Rhodes' historic town underwent significant shifts in symbolic and geographic significance, reflecting changes in urban and architectural evolution under Ottoman and Italian rule. Iconography until the twentieth century reveals a transition from a medieval stronghold to a travel destination, marked by the search for medieval souvenirs and a new attitude towards built heritage. The study traces how Turkish and Italian ideologies and practices influenced this transformation, highlighting the city's evolving role in historical narratives.

The Cistercian glazed tiles of the Monastery of Alcobaça: characterization of the colour palette

Monastery of Alcobaça — 2016 — WHE36852A2536

A rare medieval color palette was identified in the glazed tiles of Alcobaça Monastery, representing some of the earliest examples of tin-opacified glazes in Christian Portugal. The study found that the variety of colors—white, turquoise, brown, and shades of green—arose from different proportions of CuO, Fe2O3, and SnO2 within a lead-glazed matrix, combined with a K-feldspar-rich slip layer. This technology reflects a fusion of Cistercian traditions and Islamic tin-glazing techniques introduced to the Iberian Peninsula in the 10th century. Analytical methods including µ-PIXE, µ-Raman spectroscopy, and optical microscopy were used to characterize the tiles' chemical composition, providing insights into their historical significance.

The Classic-period pictographs at Juliq’ Cave, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala: an interdisciplinary approach to cave art as organizing principle

Rock Art of Alta — 2016 — WHE26EE99A814

Research at Juliq’ Cave, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, reveals that Classic-period Maya pictographs—comprising simple lines, handprints, and shapes—served as a spatial organizing framework for ritual movement within the cave. These pictographs, rather than depicting complex iconography, structured human presence and transitions through the alien Underworld landscape, linking it to the surface world via sacred processions. The study employs an interdisciplinary approach, prioritizing context over iconographic content to interpret the art's function as a means of ordering space and marking moments of ritual significance.

The Classification of Rural Settlements in Gjirokastra Region

Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra — 2016 — WHEDED24CC4C3

Rural settlements in the Gjirokastra region exhibit distinct economic orientations shaped by terrain, with agriculture and livestock dominating in lowland areas, while petty farming prevails in mountainous regions. Historical land-use policies, particularly those limiting agricultural expansion pre-1990, have significantly influenced settlement patterns. Post-1990, the absence of structured rural development policies has left these areas vulnerable to unchecked urbanization. The region's cultural and architectural heritage, marked by shared Albanian-Greek traditions, offers a unique model for sustainable cross-border rural development. This study leverages real estate registry data to classify settlements based on land-use categories, providing insights into the interplay between topography, economic activity, and historical policy legacies.

The cold-adapted population ofFolsomia manolachei(Hexapoda, Collembola) from a glaciated karst doline of Central Europe: evidence for a cryptic species?

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst — 2016 — WHE0BD776D6E7

Research on the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst reveals evidence suggesting that Folsomia manolachei, a common European springtail, may represent a complex of cryptic species adapted to extreme karst environments. Genetic analysis using mitochondrial COI barcoding identified significant intra- and interspecific genetic differentiation in populations, with the cold-adapted population from Silická ľadnica Ice Cave showing exceptional resilience to low temperatures (LD50 of −7.8°C), outperforming other F. manolachei and related species like F. penicula. The study highlights a potential cryptic speciation event in harsh karst microhabitats, supported by a distinct barcoding gap and survival data. These findings challenge the notion of phenotypic plasticity in F. manolachei, offering insights into its evolutionary adaptation to glaciated karst ecosystems.

The Columns of the Heraion at Olympia: Dörpfeld and Early Doric Architecture

Archaeological Site of Olympia — 2016 — WHE104F10BD3C

A groundbreaking re-evaluation of the Temple of Hera at Olympia challenges long-held assumptions about Doric architecture. Contrary to the traditional belief that its columns were initially wooden and later replaced with stone, archaeological evidence, historical testimony from Pausanias, and recent fieldwork suggest the peristyle was likely constructed with stone from the outset. This finding undermines the 'tectonic theory' of Doric origins, which posits a progression from wood to stone in temple construction. The study integrates comparative site analysis and textual sources to reshape our understanding of early Doric architectural development.

The combined effect of transient wind‐driven upwelling and eddies on vertical nutrient fluxes and phytoplankton dynamics along Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2016 — WHEF95BDB9CC9

Research reveals that coastal mesoscale eddies significantly influence nutrient fluxes and phytoplankton dynamics along Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, often overriding the effects of wind-driven upwelling. A 3-D hydrodynamic model coupled with a biogeochemical NPZD model was used to simulate currents, temperatures, and chlorophyll a concentrations during austral spring-summer 2010. While wind stress and stratification primarily controlled shelf currents and biogeochemical variables in individual upwelling events, the presence of an anticyclonic eddy introduced complex spatial and temporal variations in nutrient profiles, independent of wind stress. This highlights the need to account for mesoscale and submescale processes to accurately predict coastal phytoplankton dynamics in eddy-intensive regions like Ningaloo Reef.

The consideration of Lut desert potential in the production of electric energy from solar energy

Lut Desert — 2016 — WHE62EF7AE2B6

Efficient utilization of just 10% of the Lut Desert's area, one of Iran's largest salt deserts and among the world's driest regions, could generate significant solar energy to meet the electrical demands of Kerman province and Iran. This study demonstrates that harnessing solar power in this underutilized landscape offers substantial potential for energy supply, cost reduction, and socio-economic benefits, including job creation and improved living standards for local residents. Additionally, the region shows promise for wind and geothermal energy, though further research is needed to quantify these resources. The findings underscore the strategic importance of renewable energy development in Iran, particularly as a means to mitigate international sanctions on traditional fossil fuel-based industries.

The correlation between the characteristics of seismic wave propagation in Western Caucasus and the geological–tectonic features of the region

Western Caucasus — 2016 — WHE4B77D226FA

Research reveals that seismic wave propagation in the Western Caucasus is significantly influenced by the region's complex geological and tectonic structure, with distinct variations observed between Sochi and Anapa. The study identifies a correlation between the Q-factor (a measure of seismic energy absorption) and local tectonic features, such as fault structures, thrusts, and sedimentary cover thickness. Specifically, the Q-factor behaves differently in low frequencies near Sochi (Q(f) ~ 55f^0.9) compared to Anapa (Q(f) ~ 90f^0.7), suggesting that tectonic dislocations play a key role in seismic wave attenuation. Additionally, the study highlights local variations in seismic radiation and propagation parameters, likely tied to geological features like shatter zones and oblique seismic boundaries. This work provides critical insights for forecasting seismic behavior in mountainous regions with intricate geological structures.

The Costs of Paradise: Temporalisations of Place in Pasargadae

Pasargadae — 2016 — WHED148B1AC3B

A little-known and unfinished museum at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pasargadae, southern Iran, exemplifies local adaptation and appropriation, meriting recognition as part of the site's heritage. The Pasargadae Museum uniquely combines ancient Achaemenid and Islamic-era architectural motifs, such as the Ayvan (Iwan) and pointed arch, while its tower reflects the traditional Persian garden's axial crossing point. Unlike Persepolis, this museum stands out as one of the first site museums in Iran designed by a locally-trained architect, adding layers of historical and cultural significance to Pasargadae's landscape.

The counterinsurgency/conservation nexus: guerrilla livelihoods and the dynamics of conflict and violence in the Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Virunga National Park — 2016 — WHE9CFD305662

Strict conservation enforcement and joint military operations in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo, paradoxically intensify armed mobilization by fueling guerrilla livelihoods. These unauthorized activities—such as cultivation, fishing, and logging—often occur under the protection of armed groups, creating a complex interplay between resource exploitation, conflict dynamics, and insurgent resistance. The study demonstrates that traditional conservation strategies may inadvertently exacerbate violence rather than mitigate it, highlighting the need for nuanced approaches that address both ecological preservation and local livelihood security.

The countryside

Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev — 2016 — WHE9CFE18722D

A unique concentration of ancient settlements, numbering one every two square kilometers in the densest regions, has been identified across northern Syria, Jordan, and the Negev Desert. These 'dead cities'—more accurately described as towns or villages—exhibit remarkable preservation of architecture, reflecting high levels of security without defensive walls. The study highlights the density and variety of these settlements, with administrative and market centers distinguishable by their size and public buildings. Surveys from the Plain of Antioch to semi-desert areas reveal a previously underappreciated pattern of rural development in antiquity.