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Religious tourism and religious tourism resources

Boyana Church — 2019 — WHE454E364B8E

Religious tourism, one of the oldest forms of travel, thrives in regions with rich religious heritage. Bulgaria stands out for its abundant religious tourism resources, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Rila Monastery, Boyana Church, and Ivanovo Rock Monasteries. These sites not only cater to spiritual needs but also offer cultural and historical value, making them pivotal in the development of religious tourism. The study highlights the significance of preserving and leveraging these heritage sites for sustainable tourism growth.

Rémy Boucharlat. « Les traces archéologiques des palais achéménides de Hamadan »

Hegmataneh — 2019 — WHE1CC8A4ED32

Archaeological evidence suggests the existence of Achaemenid palaces in Hamadan, supported by numerous stone fragments, including column bases and capitals. However, excavations at Tepe Hegmataneh, a site northeast of modern Hamadan, have not uncovered royal Achaemenid quarters. Instead, these fragments are now recognized as relics from the Parthian period, indicating that the true center of Achaemenid activity remains to be identified. The study relies on thorough analysis of architectural remnants and their historical context to challenge previous assumptions about the location and nature of Achaemenid palaces in the region.

Residents’ Opinions and Perceptions of Tourism Development in the Historic City of Toledo, Spain

Historic City of Toledo — 2019 — WHE19926F0150

Residents of Toledo, Spain, largely view tourism development positively, particularly for its economic benefits and job creation potential. However, they express concerns about the historic center being overcommercialized into a 'museum' for tourists. A quantitative survey of 442 residents revealed that those living in residential areas had more positive perceptions than those in the historic center itself. The study used descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and non-parametric tests to analyze data, providing insights that could help tourism managers mitigate negative impacts and gain community support.

Revitalising the Danish Viking Age Ring Fortress Nonnebakken, Odense, Denmark

Viking-Age Ring Fortresses — 2019 — WHEA63BD849C6

Recent research on the Viking-Age ring fortress Nonnebakken, located beneath Odense, Denmark, reveals its exceptional state of preservation, challenging long-held assumptions about its condition. Through excavations and non-destructive analysis, scientists have uncovered new insights into the fortress's significance within local, regional, and national landscapes. This study highlights strategies to enhance public awareness and ownership of Nonnebakken, aiming to revitalize its presence in local consciousness. By combining historical data with modern investigative techniques, the research offers a fresh perspective on this hidden gem of Viking heritage.

Rituals and Feasting as Incentives for Cooperative Action at Early Neolithic Göbekli Tepe

Göbekli Tepe — 2019 — WHEC18B846E2C

Ritualized feasting, including the consumption of beer-like beverages, played a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and cooperation among early Neolithic communities at Göbekli Tepe. This 10th to 9th millennium BC site in southeastern Anatolia features monumental circular buildings with richly decorated limestone pillars, constructed by small-scale groups. Archaeological evidence, such as animal motif imagery distributed across a 200 km radius, large quantities of bones, and cooking equipment, suggests that these rituals brought together people from distant regions to work collaboratively on the site's construction. The study proposes that altered states of consciousness during rituals further enhanced intragroup cohesion, providing insights into the mechanisms that enabled complex social organization in early human societies.

Rock Art and the Wild Mind. Visual Imagery in Mesolithic Northern Europe

Rock Art of Alta — 2019 — WHED56B65F06B

A groundbreaking reinterpretation of Mesolithic rock art in northern Europe, particularly at sites like Alta, Vingen, and Nämforsen, reveals a sophisticated visual culture rooted in shamanic or altered states of consciousness. Ingrid Fuglestvedt's work synthesizes extensive archaeological data with diverse theoretical frameworks—ranging from cognitive archaeology to ethnographic analogies—to propose that these ancient images were not merely symbolic but likely represented ritualistic practices tied to spiritual experiences. Unlike traditional summaries, this research avoids mere description, instead offering a nuanced, highly detailed analysis that challenges conventional interpretations of the region's rock art.

Role of CCTV Camera Security Project on the Sustainability of Tourism Industry in Zanzibar: A Case of Old Stone Town, Urban West Region, Zanzibar

Stone Town of Zanzibar — 2019 — WHE133C81BD79

A significant portion of respondents (33%) demonstrated high awareness of CCTV camera security projects in Zanzibar, highlighting their potential to enhance tourism sustainability. The study identified six prevalent crimes—stealing, robbery, vehicle disorders, theft by servants, breaking, and assault—that CCTV systems effectively mitigate. Key impacts included creating a secure business environment, preventing crime, reducing private security costs, and extending business operating hours. The research recommends adopting public-private partnerships to expand CCTV adoption across Zanzibar, emphasizing its role in fostering a safer tourism industry. This study employed a descriptive case method with cross-sectional design, leveraging observation, interviews, and questionnaires to analyze data from 120 respondents.

Safranbolu da Sinemanın Gelişim Süreci: Özer Sineması

City of Safranbolu — 2019 — WHE8739E092C1

Safranbolu's cinematic development, particularly the emergence of Özer Cinema, significantly shaped the city's cultural identity and economic structure. This study reveals how cinematography, introduced in 1948-1949 with electricity, evolved from silent screenings to more innovative forms, contributing to both social sharing and local economy. By analyzing indoor and outdoor cinemas through oral history and private archives, the research highlights cinema's role in Safranbolu's cultural evolution, offering valuable insights into its historical trajectory.

Searching for Viking Age Fortresses with Automatic Landscape Classification and Feature Detection

Viking-Age Ring Fortresses — 2019 — WHE84F2E67941

Machine learning analysis of airborne laser scanning data has identified two promising Viking Age ring fortress sites in Denmark, along with two glacial landscape features initially mistaken for meteor craters. The study employed Hough circle transformations and template matching to detect over 200,000 circular features, which were then narrowed down using geometric properties and machine learning classification. Ground-truthing confirmed Borgø and Trælbanke as viable cultural heritage sites, warranting further archaeological investigation. This approach demonstrates significant potential for global applications in detecting cultural heritage, geomorphological features, and meteor impact craters where digital terrain models are available.

Seismic Performance of Ancient Masonry Structures in Korea Rediscovered in 2016 M 5.8 Gyeongju Earthquake

Gyeongju Historic Areas — 2019 — WHE78A1410772

Ancient masonry structures in Gyeongju, Korea, demonstrate remarkable seismic resilience, surviving numerous earthquakes for over 1300 years. A study analyzing the 2016 M 5.8 Gyeongju earthquake reveals that Cheomseongdae, an astronomical observatory, exhibits exceptional seismic performance due to its unique structural characteristics—such as well-compacted filler materials, rough interior walls, intersecting stone beams, and interlocking headstones. Dynamic centrifuge model tests confirmed these features contribute significantly to its stability, suggesting advanced seismic design technology in ancient Korean architecture. The research also systematically reviews seismic risk assessments of the Gyeongju Historic Areas, employing methodologies like GIS-based microzonation and subsoil engineering evaluations.

Shallow Seafloor Gas emissions Near Heard and McDonald Islands on the Kerguelen Plateau, Southern Indian Ocean

Heard and McDonald Islands — 2019 — WHE9DA6BF7C07

Researchers have uncovered evidence of submarine gas emissions near Heard and McDonald Islands on the Kerguelen Plateau, marking the first documented seafloor bubble production in this remote region. The study, utilizing hydroacoustic flares, deep-tow camera footage, water properties analysis, and isotopic data (δ³He, δ¹³C, δ³⁴S), identified potential sources of methane and CO₂ linked to both shallow diffuse hydrothermal venting near McDonald Islands and deeper-sourced thermogenic methane or sediment-hosted geothermal systems at Heard Island. The findings suggest active carbon cycling processes in the southern Indian Ocean, with implications for understanding seafloor dynamics and volcanic activity on large igneous provinces.

Site of Jesus Baptism: From Discovery to World List Heritage

Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas) — 2019 — WHE4BF3CA79C0

The Baptism Site 'Bethany Beyond the Jordan' (Al-Maghtas) has been confirmed as the actual location where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist, a discovery supported by extensive archaeological evidence and recognized by UNESCO in 2015. Excavations conducted between 1996 and 2002 uncovered three distinct areas: Tell al-Kharrar (Elijah's Hill), the Monastery with its Large Pool, and the Churches of St. John the Baptist. These findings include architectural remains such as churches, mosaic floors, caves, and water systems dating back to the Byzantine Period, which were built to commemorate sacred events for early Christian communities. The site holds immense religious significance, attracting pilgrims since the 1st century AD and serving as a continuous destination for baptism rituals. To preserve its sanctity, visitor numbers are controlled, and facilities like a Visitor's Centre, restaurant, parking, and new churches have been developed sensitively by the Jordan Ministry of Tourism and Department of Antiquities.

Socio-Material Archaeological Networks at Çatalhöyük a Community Detection Approach

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2019 — WHE78CB523141

A novel application of socio-material network analysis reveals that Çatalhöyük, a large Late Neolithic Near Eastern settlement, lacked hierarchical social stratification despite its size. This challenges traditional views of such megasites as proto-urban or failed urban experiments. The study, leveraging diverse data sets, demonstrates how individual houses were embedded within complex social networks, providing insights into early community formation and integration in Holocene agricultural societies.

Some problems of formation of the tourism industry at the Kazakh sectors of the Silk Routes

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi — 2019 — WHE4E6353813F

Kazakhstan's unique heritage along the Silk Routes, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan and Tamgaly petroglyphs in Almaty, presents significant potential for tourism development. The study highlights that Kazakhstan is home to over a thousand years' worth of historical monuments and archaeological sites, attracting global attention from historians. A notable post-Soviet state program, 'Cultural Heritage,' has successfully restored dozens of landmarks, underscoring the country's rich cultural legacy. However, challenges persist in fully leveraging this potential for tourism growth, particularly within the context of international efforts to revive the Silk Road. The research employs a literature review method to explore these issues, emphasizing the need for strategic development to capitalize on Kazakhstan's unique historical assets.

Some Representative Subterranean Communities

Vjetrenica Cave, Ravno — 2019 — WHE3299A1F6B4

Subterranean ecosystems exhibit remarkable diversity, with distinct communities thriving in varied shallow and deep habitats. This study highlights representative subterranean communities across 15 globally significant sites, including Vjetrenica Cave (Bosnia & Herzegovina), showcasing their unique adaptations to environments like epikarst, calcrete aquifers, lava tubes, and phreatic aquifers. The research employs comparative analysis to elucidate the ecological characteristics of these communities, emphasizing their resilience in extreme conditions such as chemoautotrophic caves (Peştera Movile, Romania) and anchialine systems (Šipun, Croatia). By synthesizing data from temperate (Mammoth Cave, Kentucky) and tropical (Gua Salukkan Kallang, Sulawesi, Indonesia) cave habitats, the study underscores the broad ecological significance of subterranean life, offering insights into their evolutionary and environmental dynamics.

Sonic environment of Singapore Botanic Gardens and benchmarking with various urban gardens of the world

Singapore Botanic Gardens — 2019 — WHE5D7BCA48AE

Urban parks and gardens often serve as sanctuaries from the noise of city life, providing relatively quiet spaces amidst high traffic and commercial activity. A study measured the sonic environment of Singapore Botanic Gardens and compared it with other renowned urban gardens globally, including Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, Real Jardín Botánico in Madrid, St James’s Park in London, Old Botanical Gardens Hamburg, and Carlton Gardens in Melbourne. The research found that the noise levels (Leq) in Singapore Botanic Gardens were comparable to those of other urban parks, with cicada sounds, human activities, and water features dominating its acoustic landscape. Additionally, the study analyzed the sound levels of various water features like mini waterfalls and fountains, contributing valuable insights into the sonic diversity of these green spaces.

Sound Archaeology: A Study of the Acoustics of Three World Heritage Sites, Spanish Prehistoric Painted Caves, Stonehenge, and Paphos Theatre

Paphos — 2019 — WHE053E41140B

Ritual sites across human cultures, from prehistoric caves to ancient theatres, exhibit unique acoustic properties that contribute to their ritual significance. This study reveals that the Spanish Prehistoric Painted Caves (up to 40,000 years old) demonstrate diverse natural acoustics, including strong reverberation and bass effects, while Stonehenge's acoustics evolve with its design, creating noticeable changes as one moves toward the circle's center. In contrast, Paphos Theatre in Cyprus (2,000 years old) showcases intentional acoustic design, with optimal sound quality varying from front to back rows. The research employs a range of methods to address challenges in standard acoustic analysis, highlighting how sound shapes ritual spaces and enhances their contextual meaning.

Soundscape preferences of tourists in historical urban open spaces

Historic City of Yazd — 2019 — WHEF9A220AA88

Motorcycle and automobile noises significantly disrupt acoustic comfort in Yazd's historic squares, while sounds of children’s play, water, conversation, and businesses enhance it. A study involving 632 foreign tourists in Khan Square and Fahadan Square identified these key factors through surveys, correlation analysis, ANOVA, and multiple regression. The findings underscore the importance of managing urban soundscapes to improve environmental quality for tourism, particularly in UNESCO-listed heritage sites like Yazd.

Soviet Serial Apartment Buildings in Riga Historical Centre Streetscape. 1945–1990

Historic Centre of Riga — 2019 — WHE9172A765A9

Post-war Soviet-era apartment buildings in Riga's historic center, though often overlooked, contribute distinct architectural and urban qualities to the streetscape. Unlike historical mixed streetscapes, those dominated by Modern Movement serial housing exhibit notable differences, including similarities to large-scale housing block shortcomings. This study identifies these traits using the Maryland Inventory method, providing evaluation criteria for heritage specialists and cultural insights for the public. It challenges existing perceptions of post-war housing in UNESCO-listed sites, offering a nuanced understanding of its historical value.

Species Composition and Diurnal Activity Rhythm of Tabanids (Diptera: Tabanidae) at the Ivindo National Park and Its Environs

Ivindo National Park — 2019 — WHEF67424154C

A study conducted at Ivindo National Park (INP) and surrounding areas revealed significant differences in tabanid species composition and diurnal activity between secondary forest and anthropized environments. Tabanids, particularly those of the genus Tabanus, were more abundant in the forest (7.12 per trap/day) compared to village-town sites (0.77 per trap/day), with a peak activity period between 12-14H in INP and 14-16H in anthropized areas, dominated by females. Eleven species of Tabanus were recorded at INP, with T. taeniola being the most prevalent (57.76%), alongside two species of Chrysops and one of Haematopota, which were exclusively found in the park. In contrast, village-town sites hosted five Tabanus species, with T. ricardae dominating (73.91%). The study highlights the ecological differences in tabanid populations between protected and human-altered landscapes.