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Showing 14201 – 14220 of 15962 publications

Recherches sur la résurgence du vocabulaire sémitique dans le langage religieux des provinces romaines d'Afrique : le cas du terme moctor

Medina of Sousse — 2018 — WHE3847CA9E5E

A recent analysis of a Latin inscription from the Medina of Sousse, Tunisia, reveals the resurgence of Semitic religious vocabulary in Roman Africa. The term moctor, identified as an unprecedented clerical function, is traced to the Semitic root KTR/QTR, meaning 'offering incense.' This finding suggests a cultural continuity between Phoenicio-Punic traditions and Roman religious practices in North Africa, particularly in cities with deep Phoenician roots. The study supports broader evidence of Semitic linguistic influence persisting in Roman provincial contexts, underscoring the enduring impact of ancient Near Eastern cults on local religious language.

Reconstruction of selected paleoenvironmental components of medieval Toruń, Poland, and its close suburbs

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2018 — WHEFBE440E3FC

Researchers have successfully reconstructed the pre-13th-century natural environment of medieval Toruń, Poland, and its suburbs, including primary relief, surface geology, and hydrology. This pioneering quantitative reconstruction combines topographical, geological, and historical data to provide a foundation for understanding biotic components and verifying hypotheses about the town's founding and development. Despite limitations, the study offers valuable insights into the environmental conditions that shaped Toruń's early spatial organization.

Records, Recoveries, Remnants and Inter-Asian Interconnections

Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar — 2018 — WHED4E1FA0D9A

The revival of Nalanda Mahavihara as a symbol of shared inter-Asian heritage highlights its unique role in shaping and being shaped by global politics, ideas, objects, texts, and travelers. This multidisciplinary collection decodes cultural authenticity and heritage valuation, offering critical perspectives on regional dynamics, racial politics, and hegemonic discourses across Southeast and East Asia. It provides nuanced views on the interconnected tangible and intangible heritage that defines this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Recurrent hybridisation events between Primula vulgaris , P . veris and P . elatior (Primulaceae, Ericales) challenge the species boundaries: using molecular markers to re‐evaluate morphological identifications

Møns Klint — 2018 — WHE54346A1BB4

Recurrent hybridisation between Primula vulgaris, P. veris, and P. elatior challenges traditional species boundaries at Møns Klint, Denmark. Genetic analysis of 168 specimens revealed that many previously identified hybrids, such as P. × digenea (P. vulgaris × P. elatior) and P. × polyantha (P. veris × P. vulgaris), are later-generation backcrosses rather than first-generation hybrids. Molecular markers also uncovered unexpected ancestry in some specimens, including P. veris genetic material in a P. vulgaris plant, suggesting greater genetic exchange than previously recognised. The study used species-specific SNPs, chloroplast trn L polymorphisms, and simple sequence repeats to re-evaluate morphological identifications, providing insights into hybridisation dynamics that complicate taxonomic distinctions.

Redefining Static and Dynamic Spaces Genius integration in Historic Cairo

Historic Cairo — 2018 — WHE10BA32D590

Historic Cairo's streets, renowned for their intimacy and walkability, are threatened by rapid socio-cultural changes. The study reveals that the integration of static and dynamic spaces—determined by enclosure degree, wall thickness, opening width, and activity nature—is crucial to maintaining urban space functionality and behavioral needs. Through observational analysis, researchers identified how these spatial variations adapt to community requirements, offering insights into preserving the city's unique character amid modernization pressures.

Regional identity and industrial heritage in the mining area of Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin — 2018 — WHE8D8C58E4C7

The Nord-Pas-de-Calais Mining Basin has long been perceived as a symbol of industrial decline, marked by economic and social challenges and stark landscapes. However, recent research reveals that the region also serves as a powerful bearer of regional identity, reflecting a positive local culture celebrated in popular media like the film Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis. This study highlights how early associations, such as the Committee for Industrial Archaeology (founded 1979), emerged to champion industrial heritage, while political bodies, including the Socialist-led regional council under Daniel Percheron, leveraged heritage initiatives like the Louvre-Lens project. The research combines historical analysis with cultural and economic assessments to demonstrate how the basin's identity transcends its industrial past, offering a nuanced perspective on its legacy.

Religious Experiences of Travellers Visiting the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe (Spain)

Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe — 2018 — WHE115B2AD7D9

A study on the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major religious tourism destination in Spain, reveals that religious, cultural, and environmental motivations significantly influence visitors' religious experiences. The research, conducted through interviews with 242 tourists in 2017, classified motivations into five categories—religious, cultural, environmental, social, and educational—and used structural equation modeling to analyze their impact on religious tourism. The model demonstrated strong predictive power (R² = 87.5%), highlighting the interplay between these motivations and visitors' spiritual engagement at this historic site.

Religious tourism and the new evangelization: theory and best practice in the pastoral promotion of the Church’s cultural heritage

Baroque Churches of the Philippines — 2018 — WHE1A3025F958

Religious tourism can effectively serve the Catholic Church's mission of new evangelization, blending cultural heritage preservation with faith communication. The study presents two key strategies: framing religious tourism within an evangelizing context and reframing secular mass tourism through a Christian anthropological lens. Best practices from six international case studies—including the UNESCO-listed Baroque Churches of the Philippines—demonstrate how the Church leverages its artistic heritage to engage both pilgrims and tourists, fostering spiritual growth while addressing contemporary travel trends.

Removable heritage

Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar — 2018 — WHE393992DE76

Nalanda Mahavihara, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value as a Buddhist monastic and scholastic institution, is often viewed through a colonial lens that isolates it from its broader cultural context. This study challenges such narrow interpretations by examining the symbiotic relationship between Nalanda's monastery, surrounding villages, and shrines, revealing a dynamic sacred sub-region with ongoing cultural exchange. Through an analysis of historical records and archaeological evidence, the research demonstrates that Nalanda cannot be understood in isolation but must be situated within present-day tourist and sacred networks to fully appreciate its significance.

Report on the 2017 Inscription of “Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region" as a Unesco World Heritage Site

Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region — 2018 — WHECF20531307

UNESCO's 2017 inscription of the 'Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region' as a World Heritage Site highlights the cultural and historical significance of Kyushu, Japan, and its broader maritime connections. The tiny, remote island of Okinoshima, despite its challenging accessibility, has been a locus of ritual practices for over 500 years, with four distinct forms of rituals documented. However, the reasons behind its sacredness remain unclear due to limited access and historical records. Unlike other ancient Japanese sites, Okinoshima's role in mythology and its association with the Munakata region are distinctive. A government-built harbor in 1951 facilitated military access but did not address the broader cultural and historical questions surrounding the site.

Resident’s Awareness Towards Sustainable Tourism for Ecotourism Destination in Sundarban Forest, Bangladesh

Sundarbans National Park — 2018 — WHE7C98DE680F

Sustainable tourism, when paired with public awareness, can offer economic and long-term conservation benefits for the Sundarbans, the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest. This study highlights that well-planned ecotourism, combined with resident education, could mitigate threats like deforestation, overfishing, and environmental degradation while supporting local communities and regional economies. The research focuses on addressing the growing human pressure on the Sundarbans, where illegal logging, overfishing, and chemical-intensive agriculture pose significant risks to biodiversity. By analyzing current practices and their impacts, the study suggests that increased awareness among residents—particularly regarding sustainable fishing methods, reduced pesticide use, and waste management—could help preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations.

Restoration and Strengthening Techniques for Ancient-Greek Monuments

Archaeological Site of Olympia — 2018 — WHE2014D24A65

Multi-disciplinary restoration projects on ancient Greek monuments, including those at Olympia, have successfully introduced innovative techniques for preserving and strengthening dry-stone structures. These interventions, conducted by teams comprising archaeologists, architects, engineers, conservators, and stone-masons, prioritize the preservation of original structural systems while leveraging collective expertise to develop effective methods applicable to a broader range of historical sites. The study highlights two key principles underlying these projects: the collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach and the commitment to maintaining the integrity of the monuments' original designs.

Restoration of the monumental sculpture of Madonna in the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork (Marienburg)

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork — 2018 — WHE91E17C43D8

The monumental Madonna sculpture, once the largest medieval artwork in Europe and a defining symbol of Malbork Castle, was nearly entirely destroyed during World War II. Restoration efforts have since focused on reconstructing the 8-meter-tall mosaic-covered figure, known as the Malbork Colossus, from its surviving fragments and thousands of tesserae. While the castle underwent post-war reconstruction, the Madonna's restoration remained delayed, highlighting the challenges of preserving such iconic historical artifacts. This study underscores the significance of the sculpture not only as a work of art but also as a cultural symbol representing the Teutonic Order's legacy in Prussia.

Rethinking Dismantlement Through the Case Study of the Church of the Transfiguration at Kizhi Pogost, Russia

Kizhi Pogost — 2018 — WHE33A9B5A32F

A novel approach to restoring historic timber structures, involving complete dismantlement and tier-by-tier reconstruction, has been successfully demonstrated at the Church of the Transfiguration in Kizhi Pogost, Russia. This method, while established in Japan for framed timber structures, presents unique challenges and opportunities when applied to non-framed timber buildings like those found in Europe. The study evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, and special conditions of this restoration technique, offering insights into its potential broader application. By analyzing the process from lifting the structure to restoring tiers from bottom to top, researchers provide a critical re-evaluation of dismantlement as a viable conservation strategy for complex historic timber architecture.

Review: Delhi's Qutb Complex: The Minar, Mosque and Mehrauli, by Catherine B. Asher

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi — 2018 — WHEE541972E01

Catherine B. Asher's book, 'Delhi's Qutb Complex: The Minar, Mosque and Mehrauli,' provides a comprehensive, long-term history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, spanning from its origins in the late 12th century to its evolution through the 13th century and beyond into early modern and colonial periods. The work highlights the Qutb Minar's architectural significance while also addressing the often-overlooked smaller structures within the complex, offering a nuanced perspective on its development. Asher synthesizes extensive academic literature, aiming to contextualize contemporary debates, particularly those involving Hindutva nationalists who interpret certain elements of the mosque as evidence of violent subjugation. The book's rich illustrations and broad appeal make it a valuable resource for both scholars and the general public.

Reviving the heritage of the old city of Sana'a in the shop design

Old City of Sana'a — 2018 — WHEFA43707D19

The Old City of Sana'a, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, faces significant challenges due to architectural and design irregularities that threaten its heritage status. A study by Imam et al. (2018) highlights the urgent need for reviving traditional shop designs within the city to preserve its unique character. The research focuses on integrating modern commercial practices with historical aesthetics, aiming to restore the city's original charm while addressing contemporary demands. Using a combination of architectural analysis and design interventions, the study proposes innovative solutions to maintain Sana'a's cultural identity, ensuring it meets UNESCO's criteria for heritage conservation. This approach balances functionality with authenticity, offering a model for other historic urban centers.

Rising water flow as a factor of organic material importation into caves

Peruaçu River Canyon — 2018 — WHECBB6C96D5D

Research at Carlúcio Cave, situated in the Peruaçu River Canyon within Brazil's semiarid Minas Gerais region, reveals that episodic rises in river water levels—triggered by natural barriers—facilitate the transport and accumulation of organic material into caves. The study identified at least four Holocene flood events responsible for depositing 1,399 mollusk shells (70% Drymaeus sp.), bones, plant remains, charcoals, a palm fruit, and a corncob in the cave. Using carbon-14 and uranium-series dating, along with taphonomic analysis, scientists established the deposit's chronology and demonstrated that material was carried upward by flooding waters before being retained as water levels receded. This mechanism challenges traditional assumptions about cave sediment deposition and sheds light on fluvial geomorphological processes in arid environments.

Robert Owen's Experiment at New Lanark: From Paternalism to Socialism

New Lanark — 2018 — WHE395024E48C

Ophélie Siméon's study challenges the dominant narrative of Robert Owen's role at New Lanark, revealing that the factory village was not merely a passive recipient of his reformist ideas but an active 'laboratory' where his socialist principles were developed and refined. Through meticulous archival analysis, she demonstrates that key elements of Owenite socialism—such as labor notes and committee representation systems—emerged from practices already in place at New Lanark before Owen's tenure. Siméon also highlights the contributions of David Dale, Owen's father-in-law, and the tensions between Owen's paternalistic management style and worker resistance, which foreshadowed later failures in his utopian experiments. Her work demythologizes New Lanark while acknowledging Owen's transformative impact, offering a nuanced perspective on the origins of British socialism.

Sacred Landscapes, Spiritual Travel: Embodied Holiness and Long-Distance Pilgrimage in the Catholic Reformation

Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France — 2018 — WHEFB9BA04277

Long-distance pilgrimage to shrines such as Santiago de Compostela and Mont Saint-Michel experienced significant growth during the Counter-Reformation (1580–1750), challenging the notion that it declined post-Luther. This study reveals how pilgrims perceived, experienced, and utilized these landscapes despite religious conflicts, including attacks by Huguenots and theological opposition from Protestant authors. By focusing on autobiographical accounts and employing phenomenological theory, the research shifts from examining 'place' to 'landscape,' providing insights into the broader religious and cultural contexts of pilgrimage during a transformative period in European history.

Safeguarding and retrofitting works at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Takht‐e Soleyman, Iran

Takht-e Soleyman — 2018 — WHE5E6C4E4A47

A collaborative effort between the Technical University of Dresden and Iran's cultural heritage organization successfully stabilized the Western Eivan at Takht-e Soleyman, a 6th-century AD fire temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The project, supported by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, employed advanced safeguarding techniques to address structural decay caused by centuries of abandonment and neglect. Preliminary investigations in 2016 laid the groundwork for further stabilization planned for 2018, ensuring the preservation of this historically significant Ilkhanid-era complex.