World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 17841 – 17860 of 30345 publications

“If you want to get married, you have to collectvirdura”: the vanishing custom of gathering and cooking wild food plants on Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Sicily

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2018 — WHE08E427E385

Traditional knowledge of wild food plant gathering and cooking persists among the elderly population on Vulcano, one of the Aeolian Islands, despite the growing influence of industrialized foods. The study recorded 52 wild and semi-domesticated plants and one mushroom used in local cuisine, highlighting their cultural significance, health benefits, and connection to past agrarian lifestyles. However, this practice is at risk due to detachment from younger generations, particularly as mass tourism reshapes the island's environment. The findings underscore the need for sustainable eco-tourism initiatives to preserve and revitalize this vital aspect of local heritage.

“King’s Painter” Tevdore and his inscriptions

Upper Svaneti — 2018 — WHEFFEFDE7F4A

A study of the inscriptions by 'King’s Painter' Tevdore in three churches of Upper Svaneti, dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, reveals his elevated status tied to monarchic power. The analysis of textual and visual data shows that Tevdore’s title and spatial placement of inscriptions were strategic, aiming to extend 'royal presence' in this highland region of Georgia. This research provides insights into the social hierarchy and political context of medieval Svaneti, highlighting how artistic embellishment served as a tool for asserting authority. The study combines epigraphic analysis with an examination of spatial constructs to evaluate Tevdore’s role within the broader societal framework.

“Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Intellectual Space” as a Manifestation of Intercultural Communications (on the Basis of the Ukrainian Hierarchs’ Epistolary Legacy)

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2018 — WHE410A7D18C5

A study of the epistolary legacy of Ukrainian hierarchs reveals that the intellectual space of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy was characterized by strong interpersonal connections, particularly among correspondents who shared similar hierarchical positions and educational backgrounds. These bonds, forged through the academy's educational system and school comradeship, often led to high-ranking positions within the hierarchy. The research also highlights how communication patterns varied across different centers, such as the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and collegiums in Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Pereiaslav, with letters predominantly addressing the needs of the alma mater, including legal status, academic staff, financial support, and literary work. This analysis underscores the academy's role in fostering intercultural communication and intellectual exchange among its alumni.

“Stonehenge in the Mind” and “Stonehenge on the Ground”:

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2018 — WHE109816324D

Inigo Jones's 1655 work, Stone-Heng Restored, argued that Stonehenge was built by the ancient Romans and exhibited perfect Platonic geometries, a claim largely dismissed for its logical and historical flaws. However, Ryan Roark reinterprets this work in his 2018 study, arguing that Jones's approach to formal analysis of Stonehenge set a precedent for modern architectural pedagogy. Roark views Jones's book not as an attempt to prove historical accuracy but as an exercise in subjective geometric simplification, influencing contemporary design education. This reinterpretation highlights the significance of Jones's work in shaping protomodern architectural thought, despite its shortcomings.

(Sensuous) Ways of Seeing in Stone Town, Zanzibar: patina, pose, punctum

Stone Town of Zanzibar — 2018 — WHEB4F961D457

This study introduces a novel approach to interpreting the Ranchhod and Rohit Oza vernacular photography collection from Stone Town, Zanzibar (1930–present), challenging conventional historical or cultural readings. By focusing on the medium's characteristics—patina, pose, and punctum—the research offers a 'sensuous' framework that emphasizes incompleteness and visual perception over narrative completeness. This method shifts the interpretation of the Capital Art Studio (CAS) archive away from illustrative history toward an experiential, sensory engagement with the images. The study draws on John Berger's Ways of Seeing to recontextualize how photography is viewed, curated, and analyzed, providing a fresh lens for understanding vernacular visual culture in UNESCO-listed Stone Town.

3-D stratigraphic mapping using a digital outcrop model derived from UAV images and structure-from-motion photogrammetry

Dinosaur Provincial Park — 2018 — WHE3B531C76A5

A novel approach using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and structure-from-motion photogrammetry successfully generated highly accurate 3-D digital outcrop models (DOMs) of a complex fluvial sequence in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada. This method allowed researchers to map stratigraphic surfaces and estimate facies with precision comparable to traditional field techniques (±4.9%), while providing unprecedented lateral continuity for interpreting channel morphology over time. The study demonstrates that UAV-SfM DOMs can effectively complement conventional mapping, offering detailed 3-D views of topographically challenging outcrops—such as badlands—that are crucial for reconstructing sedimentary environments in UNESCO-listed sites.

30 anos de dinâmica espaço-temporal (1984-2015) da região de influência do Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros – Goiás

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2018 — WHE19E0BE7F4C

Over the past three decades, the Cerrado region, a global biodiversity hotspot, has undergone significant anthropogenic transformations. A study analyzing the spatio-temporal dynamics of the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park's influence area in central Brazil (1984-2015) reveals that agricultural expansion, particularly in the southern portion of the region, has severely impacted natural landscapes, soil and water quality, and local biodiversity. The research integrates land-use data, socioeconomic indicators, physical characterization, and road network analysis using geotechnologies, demonstrating a strong correlation between accessibility improvements and environmental degradation. Three distinct sub-regions emerged: a stigmatized north (Cavalcante and Teresina de Goiás), a diversified center (Alto Paraíso de Goiás and Colinas do Sul), and an exploited south (São João d'Aliança). The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable land-use practices to balance agricultural development with conservation efforts, particularly in areas critical for tourism and ecological preservation.

3D digital mapping of cave spaces in Slovakia by terrestrial laser scanning

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst — 2018 — WHEE49D505776

Terrestrial laser scanning emerges as a powerful tool for unified speleological mapping, bridging the gap between detailed morphological data and high-precision geodetic measurements. This study demonstrates its potential to standardize cave documentation in Slovakia, where current practices lack consistency. By combining non-contact surveying technology with traditional speleological methods, researchers achieve maps that are both accurate and rich in morphological detail. The approach addresses longstanding challenges in cave mapping, offering a solution for comprehensive, high-fidelity representations of underground spaces. This advancement supports environmental education, tourism, and scientific research, particularly in the Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

3D Scanning, Modelling and Printing of Ultra-Thin Nacreous Shells from Jericho: A Case Study of Small Finds Documentation in Archaeology

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2018 — WHE5A9207F1E4

A groundbreaking approach to documenting ultra-thin, fragile archaeological finds has been successfully demonstrated through 3D scanning and additive manufacturing. Researchers from FabLab Saperi&Co and Sapienza University of Rome achieved sub-millimetric precision in replicating five nacreous shells from ancient Jericho (Tell es-Sultan), showcasing the potential of photogrammetry and 3D printing for preserving and studying delicate artifacts. This method not only facilitates the creation of faithful replicas but also offers new avenues for research and museum activities, particularly for small finds that are often overlooked due to their fragility.

3D survey and modelling of the main portico of the Cathedral of Monreale

Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale — 2018 — WHE7AA2E7B49A

A comprehensive 3D survey and modeling of the main portico of the Cathedral of Monreale, Italy, has been successfully completed, providing a detailed digital reconstruction that serves as a foundational test for implementing Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) across the entire monumental complex. This study demonstrates the potential of 3D data acquisition and modeling to enhance documentation, restoration efforts, and knowledge dissemination for historic architectures. The research employed advanced metrological techniques to capture intricate architectural details, offering a scalable approach for future preservation initiatives at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

887. Nicotiana Excelsior

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — 2018 — WHE1B917DB830

Nicotiana excelsior, a rare and visually striking plant species endemic to central Australia, has been highlighted for its horticultural potential. This species, documented from seeds collected at Kata-Tjuta-Uluru National Park, showcases unique ecological adaptations and traditional uses by Indigenous Australian communities. The study provides detailed insights into its etymology, ecology, and cultivation requirements, emphasizing its significance as both a scientific subject and an ornamental plant. By analyzing plants cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, researchers offer a comprehensive overview of this species' characteristics, contributing valuable knowledge to botanical science and horticulture.

A ‘living’ necropolis: change and reuse in the cemeteries of Cyrene

Archaeological Site of Cyrene — 2018 — WHED88499919D

Research on the cemeteries of Cyrene reveals that monumental tombs were continuously used from the Archaic period through Roman times, challenging traditional notions of 'reuse' which imply distinct phases separated by hiatuses. The study, focusing on the Southern and Northern Necropolises, employs an 'anthological approach,' synthesizing data from recent surveys and excavations—including Tomb S1 and a tomb in the Northern Necropolis—to explore the dynamic, uninterrupted nature of these archaeological landscapes. This work serves as an introductory framework for future, more comprehensive analyses.

A 3D approach to reconstitution of the adobe citadel of Bam after earthquake: a complementary interpretation of architectural heritage knowledge, aerial photogrammetry, and heterogeneous data

Bam and its Cultural Landscape — 2018 — WHE2652B55F71

An innovative 3D reconstitution method for Bam’s adobe Citadel has been developed to address the challenges posed by post-earthquake reconstruction. This approach integrates architectural heritage knowledge with aerial photogrammetry and diverse data sources—such as pre- and post-earthquake photos, drawings, videos, and texts—to accurately model complex adobe structures, including vaults, load-bearing walls, and spatial proportions. The Citadel is reconstructed using wireframe CAD-based 3D modeling, NURBS surface modeling, and visualized via VR/AR applications. Results are accessible through the RDF-based Bam3DCG platform (https://www.bam3DCG.com), offering a novel framework for heritage preservation and disaster recovery.

A Bishop of Two Peoples:

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2018 — WHE7CBEA9E935

Durham Cathedral and the adjacent Norman Chapel, both commissioned by Bishop William of St. Calais, exhibit distinct architectural styles that reflect the political and cultural landscape following the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The cathedral's hybrid design blends Anglo-Saxon formal motifs with a Norman plan, symbolizing the bishop's strategic choices during this transitional period. In contrast, the chapel's stone capitals, likely crafted in Normandy and transported to Durham, embody the cultural influence of the duchy of Normandy. This study sheds light on the architectural hybridization of Durham Cathedral while providing insights into the commissioning context of the chapel within the broader narrative of Norman colonization.

A Brief History of Jerusalem: From the Earliest Settlement to the Destruction of the City in AD 70

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2018 — WHE6BC8604471

Jerusalem's archaeological history, from its earliest settlement to the Roman destruction in AD 70, remains largely unexplored due to continuous habitation and dense urbanization. A recent study by Klaus Bieberstein synthesizes existing data, highlighting significant gaps and challenges in excavation efforts, particularly in matching radiocarbon dating with archaeological finds. While early excavations (1960s–80s) provided preliminary insights, many findings remain unpublished or require reevaluation. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to historical texts, noting that biblical narratives contrast with more straightforward interpretations of Josephus and the Maccabees books. Despite limitations, this work offers a foundational overview, serving as a springboard for future research.

A chemical ‘explosion’ triggered by an encounter between Indian and Chinese medical sciences: another look at the significances of the Sinhalese Monk Śākyamitra’s (567?–668+) visit at Mount Wutai in 667

Mount Wutai — 2018 — WHEBCA9712673

A significant encounter between Indian and Chinese medical traditions during the Tang Dynasty, facilitated by the Sinhalese monk Śākyamitra (567?–668+), led to a groundbreaking discovery with far-reaching implications. Śākyamitra's pilgrimage to Mount Wutai in 667 was not merely a religious journey but also a strategic mission to procure saltpeter, an essential ingredient for the immortal elixir sought by Emperor Gaozong of Tang. This encounter underscores the multifaceted nature of cultural exchanges between China and India, extending beyond religion into the realm of medical science. Saltpeter, a key component in gunpowder—one of China's Four Great Inventions—emerges as a pivotal element in this historical narrative. The study sheds light on the complex interplay between religious devotion, political patronage, and scientific innovation during this period.

A Chronicle of Law Implementation in Environmental Conflicts: The Case of Kaziranga National Park in Assam (North-East India)

Kaziranga National Park — 2018 — WHE07EDFD1250

Kaziranga National Park, renowned for its one-horned rhinoceros population, has become a focal point of environmental conflicts in Assam, India. These conflicts, exacerbated since the park's inclusion in tiger conservation projects in 2007, involve complex interactions between ecological, social, political, cultural, and symbolic dimensions. The study reveals that legal frameworks, including the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and Public Interest Litigations, have been either rigidly applied or distorted, while the Forest Rights Act 2006 has largely gone unenforced in Assam. Through an analysis of these conflicts, the research highlights the challenges and inefficiencies inherent in India's nature protection policies, illustrating how legal mechanisms can both facilitate and hinder environmental conservation efforts.

A comparative study about community characters of Chinese Fujian Tulou and Korean Yangdong Village

Fujian Tulou — 2018 — WHE81D9DD06BE

A comparative analysis of two UNESCO-listed traditional communities, China's Fujian Tulou and South Korea's Yangdong Village, reveals distinct yet interconnected cultural characteristics. The study found that while both represent bloodline-based communal living, Fujian Tulou embodies a harmonious integration with nature and a strong emphasis on ancestral worship, reflecting its clan-based society. In contrast, Yangdong Village, shaped by natural terrain, maintains a rigid social hierarchy rooted in Confucian values, illustrating the enduring influence of Confucianism on its governance and community structure. The research, conducted through field surveys and literature reviews, underscores the need for further investigation into self-governance mechanisms and governance systems that have preserved these traditional communities over time.

A Comparative Study of Schoolmasters in Eleventh-Century Normandy and the Southern Low Countries

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai — 2018 — WHE77F950D893

Eleventh-century cathedral schools in Normandy and the Southern Low Countries thrived primarily due to structural factors such as political stability, urban peace, religious uniformity, and a stable student audience, rather than solely relying on the reputation of individual schoolmasters. This contrasts with short-lived successes like Tournai's, which depended heavily on episcopal support and the prominence of its schoolmaster, Odo of Tournai. The study, based on a prosopographical analysis of 48 schoolmasters across ten dioceses, reveals that most schoolmasters remained at one institution throughout their careers, with mobility increasing only toward the century's end. Additionally, it challenges earlier assertions about early mobility among schoolmasters and highlights the pivotal role of bishops in establishing schools by providing funds and appointing external schoolmasters, a practice that evolved as schools became more ingrained within cathedral chapters.

A Conservative Party? Pots and People in the Hebridean Neolithic

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2018 — WHEA8C6AD1C60

Hebridean Neolithic pottery demonstrates remarkable conservatism, showing minimal change over 800 years despite environmental decline. Analysis of ceramic assemblages from Eilean Dòmhnuill, a loch islet settlement in North Uist, reveals strong regional ties with Argyll, Arran, Bute, Orkney, and northeast Scotland, suggesting a distinctive and stable potting tradition until the introduction of Grooved Ware around 3000 BC. The study proposes that elaborately decorated pottery, often found on small artificial islets with little domestic evidence, played a key role in mediating social relations through commensality after agriculture's introduction in the late 4th millennium BC. This conservatism raises questions about the adaptive resilience of early farming communities before significant social transformations in the early 3rd millennium BC.