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Publications

Showing 1341 – 1360 of 15962 publications

Weathering of Granite-Based Stone Cultural Heritage: A Multianalytical Review of Mineralogical Alteration, Microcracking, and Decay Patterns

Jongmyo Shrine — 2026 — WHE7CBF6BD5E4

Granite, though long considered durable, undergoes universal yet regionally distinctive mineralogical and microstructural alterations that drive its decay in cultural heritage sites. This review reveals coupled processes such as feldspar hydrolysis, biotite oxidation, and iron transformations, which collectively govern macroscopic decay patterns. By integrating multianalytical techniques—ranging from non-destructive to laboratory-based methods—the study provides a mechanistic framework for understanding granite weathering, illustrated through case studies like the 10th-century rock-carved Buddhas of Gyeongju Namsan and Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul. The findings underscore the importance of environmental controls and conservation strategies while identifying key research gaps, including standardization, climate projection, and machine learning applications for heritage science.

Weichselian history of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet centre, Kvarken archipelago, western Finland—flow shifts, thermal regime and deglaciation

High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago — 2026 — WHEBE6417ECF9

A rapid collapse of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet (FIS) occurred during the Early Holocene, triggered by abrupt warming and intense meltwater activity. This study reveals a sequence of six ice-flow stages in the Kvarken archipelago where postglacial uplift exposes well-preserved glacial landforms. Striation data from 700 sites indicate minimal bedrock erosion during stable ice sheet phases (MIS 4 and MIS 3/2), but a <400-year pulse of subglacial activity around 10.7–10.5 ka led to widespread erosion, flow shifts, and the formation of new landforms like megaflutings and drumlins. The ice margin retreated at unprecedented rates (200–1000 m/year), leaving De Geer moraines in deep water before final deglaciation. This case study highlights centennial-scale changes at the ice sheet bed, offering insights into past ice sheet instability and its response to climate shifts.

Welche Praktiken? Welche Forschung? Perspektiven auf praxisgeleitete Forschung zum (Musik)Theater der Frühen Neuzeit

Margravial Opera House Bayreuth — 2026 — WHECBA0E3C2F9

Practice-led research in opera and theatre studies of the Early modern period can benefit from leveraging the distinct approaches of music and theatre studies, particularly through 'historically informed performance.' A recent study demonstrated that integrating scholarly work with artistic practice—such as a 2024 performance of L’Huomo (1754) by Wilhelmine von Bayreuth at the Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth—enhances understanding of musico-theatrical works while navigating economic and institutional constraints. The research highlights the value of feedback loops between academic and artistic endeavors, offering a model for future practice-led studies that balance historical simulation with contemporary feasibility.

What Ifugao farmers, locals and the youth want: beyond tokenism in UNESCO heritage tourism and activities

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras — 2026 — WHE3538B61C75

Heritage tourism at the UNESCO-listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, while fostering cultural pride and economic opportunities, often fails to deliver meaningful participation or equitable benefits for local communities. A study involving 250 individuals across four Ifugao municipalities revealed that while transparency in governance was highly valued, issues of fairness, accountability, and inclusivity persisted. Benefits disproportionately favored those directly tied to tourism, leaving farmers, community members, and youth with modest satisfaction. The research advocates for a non-traditional approach to tourism governance, emphasizing open planning and decision-making processes to ensure sustainability, shared benefits, and the preservation of community values without compromising authenticity for visitors.

When to stop? A visual impact assessment framework for incremental urban and community expansion in rural heritage landscapes

Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder) — 2026 — WHE47EFE57486

A new Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) framework provides a transparent, replicable method to determine acceptable thresholds for incremental urban and community expansion in rural heritage landscapes. Applied to the Beemster Polder, the framework integrates point cloud-enhanced GIS analysis, multi-temporal Key Observation Point (KOP) data from Street View Imagery (SVI), and 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) visualizations to quantify cumulative landscape change. Public acceptability, gathered through questionnaires and expert interviews supported by VR eye-tracking, informs decision-making alongside spatial character metrics and visibility diagnostics. The framework offers case-calibrated reference bands for review, ensuring heritage-sensitive development while supporting stage-comparable assessments in similar rural-urban fringes.

Where the wolf roams: ecological preferences and wild prey association in a changing Mediterranean landscape

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2026 — WHE375A8B523F

A recent study reveals significant shifts in wolf (Canis lupus) ecological dynamics within the Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni National Park, Southern Italy. Over the past five decades, the park has witnessed a dramatic recovery of wolf populations—surge from fewer than 10 to over 200 individuals—coinciding with substantial increases in wild prey, particularly wild boar, roe deer, and red deer, following reintroduction efforts. The research highlights how changes in forest cover, the establishment of protected areas, and rising ungulate populations have reshaped predator-prey relationships in Mediterranean ecosystems. This study provides critical insights for future conservation strategies, balancing large carnivore protection with sustainable forest management and human-wildlife coexistence.

White Paternalisms, Authenticities, and Deficits: Visitor Responses to Indigenous Cultural Tourism in Australia’s Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — 2026 — WHE0FC91412DF

A study reveals that visitor perceptions of Aboriginal cultural tourism at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park are shaped by racial stereotypes, with whiteness often dictating narratives of authenticity and deficits. While some visitors hold paternalistic views that classify Aboriginal peoples in culturally damaging ways, the concept of authenticity can also serve a decolonizing purpose when it empowers Indigenous peoples to control their own cultural narratives. The research used ethnographic methods, including visitor interviews, to explore these dynamics, highlighting both the challenges and potential of Indigenous-led tourism in protected areas.

Witnessing the Colonization of a Biodiversity Stronghold by Coyotes Using Local People’s Knowledge

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2026 — WHEE2C150CA7F

Research reveals that coyote colonization in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, a critical biodiversity hotspot, has accelerated significantly over the past decade. Using local ecological knowledge (LEK) from 272 and 461 participants across 30 communities, the study mapped spatio-temporal patterns of coyote expansion, showing nonlinear range growth. Notably, 88% of respondents reported coyote-related knowledge, with 38% acquiring it outside Calakmul through migration, underscoring LEK's dynamic and translocal nature. The findings highlight parallel yet asynchronous progression of colonization and knowledge development, emphasizing the need for early detection to manage coyote-ecosystem interactions. Conservation efforts should prioritize community-based monitoring strategies in collaboration with local communities.

Wood as Cultural and Biodiversity Heritage: a case study at Fazenda Dois Rios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2026 — WHE7820A87C48

A study of the 18th-century warehouse at Fazenda Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, Brazil, reveals that seven wood species were used in its construction, six of which align with the local Atlantic Forest formation. This finding expands the understanding of both cultural and environmental heritage at Paraty and Ilha Grande, a UNESCO Mixed Heritage Site. The research employed the InsideWood database for preliminary taxonomic identification, followed by detailed anatomical comparisons using databases, literature, and reference collections. Species were selected based on anatomical similarity, commercial relevance, geographic distribution, and local floristic records. This analysis underscores wood's potential as an analytical tool for reconstructing environmental history.

Wooden beams from Talayot 1 of Sant Agustí Vell (Menorca): Taxonomical identification and radiocarbon dating

Talayotic Menorca — 2026 — WHE1146085312

A groundbreaking discovery at the UNESCO-listed Talayotic settlement of Sant Agustí Vell, Menorca, reveals that wooden beams from Talayot 1—dated between 1259–1123 cal BC—were crafted from olive trees (Olea europaea L.). This marks the first radiocarbon dating of construction elements in a Menorcan talayot, providing critical insights into prehistoric architectural practices. The study analyzed samples from three well-preserved beams and two partial fragments, confirming their species origin through taxonomic identification. These findings not only advance our understanding of ancient timber sourcing but also offer a rare glimpse into the chronology of Menorca’s talayotic period.

Woody Plants in Dialan and other Ritual Practices within the Biocultural Landscape of Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal

Niokolo-Koba National Park — 2026 — WHEDAD704B1BD

Ritual practices within the Dialan belief system in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal, involve 41 woody plant species, with Khaya senegalensis, Piliostigma thonningii, Daniellia oliveri, and Anogeissus leiocarpa being the most prominent. These plants are used for various rituals, including baths, drinks, fumigation, amulets, mask rituals, sacrifices, offerings, and incantations, often performed in specific areas within villages or the park. The study highlights the significance of these practices among isolated Bassari communities, contributing to a deeper understanding of human-environment interactions and emphasizing the need for integrating spiritual and biocultural factors into conservation efforts.

World Heritage law, Indigenous Peoples, and the nature–culture divide: Reconciling criteria with emerging practice

Pimachiowin Aki — 2026 — WHE88DC2E2752

Indigenous ontologies and the World Heritage Convention's nature-culture divide can be reconciled through adaptive criteria. The 1972 World Heritage Convention, while successful in global heritage protection, has faced criticism for its rigid separation of cultural and natural heritage, which often overlooks Indigenous peoples' inseparable relationships with land. A case study on Pimachiowin Aki demonstrates that advisory bodies are actively working to bridge this gap despite structural barriers. The research suggests that amending World Heritage criteria to reflect emerging practices could foster more inclusive and holistic recognition of Indigenous peoples within the convention's framework.

World Heritage Value and Contemporary Significance of German-Speaking Kurtowns: A Study of Four Inscribed Cities

The Great Spa Towns of Europe — 2026 — WHE9DDB4E2137

Four German-speaking spa towns—Baden bei Wien (Austria), Bad Ems, Baden-Baden, and Bad Kissingen (Germany)—demonstrate how natural thermal waters shaped complex urban cultures that blend healing, architecture, diplomacy, and art. These cities, inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2021 for their outstanding universal value (OUV), developed unique identities through specialized therapeutic practices, innovative urban planning, and roles as centers of social interaction and international diplomacy. Their landscapes—integrating forests, valleys, and waterways—created healing environments, while architectural innovations like spa houses, parks, and casinos merged with medical advancements to form systematic 'cure cultures.' Each town’s distinct evolution—rooted in royal patronage (Baden bei Wien), political diplomacy (Bad Ems), elite social life (Baden-Baden), or medicinal traditions (Bad Kissingen)—illustrates their enduring significance. The study confirms these sites meet UNESCO criteria for authenticity and integrity, positioning them as key models for sustainable urban development and wellness tourism today.

World heritage, tourism and national identity: a case study of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece

Acropolis, Athens — 2026 — WHEB64BE05ABD

The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Greekness, is perceived more as representing Greece than the broader concept of 'world heritage,' challenging the universal validity of UNESCO's World Heritage idea. This interdisciplinary study, combining visual anthropology, cultural geography, and constructivist philosophy, examines how tourism and World Heritage status influence the construction and consumption of national identity at the Acropolis. Through innovative methods—including text, photography, video, and ethnographic documentary—the research reveals that despite its global recognition, the site remains deeply tied to Greekness, suggesting that World Heritage may more accurately be seen as 'contested heritage.' This finding questions whether UNESCO's initiative has successfully created a truly universal or world category of heritage.

Writing in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2026 — WHE5951CAABE2

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is revealed as a rich epigraphic site with hundreds of inscriptions and graffiti spanning multiple languages and centuries. A recent study, involving a collaborative effort by epigraphists, historians, and art historians, uncovers a 'graphic symphony' of Latin, Greek, Arabic, Syriac, Armenian, Georgian, Slavic, and Rus scripts. This research challenges traditional labels like 'graffiti' and 'inscriptions,' instead exploring their purposes, materials, techniques, and distribution within the church's complex. The study highlights the interactions between different writings and languages, offering a new chapter in the history of this holy site and its use by pilgrims.

Wspomnienie o Bronisławie Schönbornie (1909—1971)

Old City of Zamość — 2026 — WHE1B98F2B098

Bronisław Schönborn (1909–1971) is celebrated for his significant contributions to documenting and promoting Cracow's monumental architecture, particularly its Renaissance heritage. His extensive body of work, executed in Koh-i-Noor crayon on cardboard, included detailed drawings of Cracow's suburban houses, courtyards, portals, and the royal castle of Wawel, as well as architectural landmarks in Tarnów, Zamość, Sandomierz, Lublin, and Jarosław. Schönborn's meticulous documentation not only preserved historical details but also played a pivotal role in raising awareness about Cracow's cultural heritage. Recognized for his expertise as a guide, lecturer, and journalist, he collaborated with institutions such as the Historical Museum of the City of Cracow and the Society of Lovers of Cracow History and Monuments. His legacy is further underscored by prestigious awards, including the Golden Distinction of the City of Cracow (1959) and the Millenium Award of the Polish State (1963).

XIX Asr Oxiri – XX Asr Boshlarida Jadidchilik Harakatining Kesh (Shahrisabz) Hududida Ildiz Otishi

Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz — 2026 — WHE7A66CF603D

A study reveals how the Jadidism movement, which emerged at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries in Turkistan and the Bukhara Emirate, took root in Kesh (Shahrisabz), a historical center along the Kashkadarya River. The research highlights the unique administrative and religious environment of Kesh as part of the emirate, the dynamics of Usul-i Jadid schools spreading across Bukhara, and the connections between local intellectuals and Bukhara's Jadid circles. These interactions facilitated the penetration of reformist ideas into the region. The study employs historical-comparative and biographical analysis methods to uncover these processes.

Yakut Temple of Aiy Tangara (Tengri) and Chinese Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing — 2026 — WHEE5B7A6E6A0

A comparative analysis of the Yakut Temple of Aiy Tangara (Tengri) and the Chinese Temple of Heaven in Beijing reveals striking conceptual and architectural similarities rooted in shared ancestral beliefs. Both structures, serving as ceremonial spaces for reverence to the sky, exhibit parallel elements in their design and symbolic significance, tracing back to the nomadic traditions of the Huns. The study highlights how these temples, despite cultural differences, share a common spiritual lineage, offering insights into the enduring influence of ancient cosmological beliefs on religious architecture. By examining historical records, structural features, and ritual functions, the research underscores the potential for cross-cultural dialogue through shared heritage.

Yemen — Vertical Earth: Shibam and the Typology of the Mudbrick High-Rise

Old Walled City of Shibam — 2026 — WHEB3A4748C52

Shibam's mudbrick skyline offers a sustainable model for climate-smart urbanism, demonstrating how traditional techniques can achieve high-rise resilience without modern mechanical systems. The study reveals that contiguous party-wall buttressing, combined with thermal mass and collective maintenance, provides comfort and structural stability in arid regions. It translates centuries of craft plaster renewal, timber diaphragms, and drainage into practical guidance for architects and conservators, addressing challenges like flood risk and salt weathering. By reframing maintenance as infrastructure and community employment, Shibam emerges as a blueprint for building higher with earthen materials, reducing energy costs, and fostering long-lasting urban communities worldwide.

Yöresel Ürünlerin Sürdürülebilirliği: Sakin Şehir Safranbolu Örneği (Sustainability of Local Products: The Case of Cittaslow City Safranbolu)

City of Safranbolu — 2026 — WHE7893588BC3

Despite being part of the Cittaslow network, Safranbolu's status as a tranquil city has had limited impact on tourism and local businesses. Research reveals that while most participants were aware of the Cittaslow designation, tourist influx remains low compared to its UNESCO World Heritage recognition. All studied local gastronomic products hold commercial potential, with perohi, etli sarma (stuffed vine leaves), and Safranbolu saffron being the most recognized and sold. However, participants noted significant gaps in marketing efforts and limited knowledge about protected geographical indications. Products like perohi, bükme (a type of dumpling), and zerde show strong potential for such recognition. The study employed semi-structured interviews with 18 managers from food-and-beverage businesses in Safranbolu's historic district to assess sustainability practices under the Cittaslow framework.