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Publications

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The River: Peoples and Histories of the Omo-Turkana Area

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2018 — WHE958DB2D850

A comprehensive exploration of the Omo-Turkana region reveals its profound significance as a crossroads of human history, ecology, and cultural diversity. This groundbreaking compilation gathers insights from leading experts in archaeology, ecology, history, and ethnography, offering an unprecedented synthesis of knowledge about one of Africa's most dynamic landscapes. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating archaeological evidence, ecological data, historical records, and ethnographic observations to unravel the complex interplay between environmental changes and human adaptations over millennia. Highlighting the region's unique biodiversity, cultural richness, and its role as a cradle for early human evolution, this work underscores the Omo-Turkana area's importance not only as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also as a vital hub for understanding humanity's past.

The Rock Art of the Matobo Hills World Heritage Area, Zimbabwe: Management and Use, c 1800 to 2016

Matobo Hills — 2018 — WHE1F2D865408

A century of research and conservation efforts on the rock art sites of Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe, reveals significant challenges and opportunities for their preservation. The study highlights that despite extensive documentation and management by individuals, government agencies, and organizations, economic instability and land reform in Zimbabwe have negatively impacted the appreciation and protection of these heritage sites. The paper suggests potential improvements in management strategies to better safeguard this invaluable cultural resource for future generations.

The rock-hewn church of Nazugn Maryam: an example of the endangered antiquities of North Wallo, Ethiopia.

Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela — 2018 — WHE028A9A9985

The rock-hewn church of Nazugn Maryam, located near Lalibela, Ethiopia, is an endangered example of ancient hypogeum architecture. Despite its historical significance and traditional attribution to Abunä Musé, the second bishop of Ethiopia, it has received little scholarly attention or professional conservation efforts. This study reveals that its architectural integrity is threatened by natural factors such as torrential rainfall and sunlight, as well as past restoration attempts using modern materials like cement and basaltic stone, which have exacerbated deterioration. The research employed interviews, field observations, and archive analysis to document the church's architecture and conservation challenges, highlighting the urgent need for compatible restoration strategies that preserve its cultural heritage without compromising structural stability.

The Role of Conservation in the Production of Urban Space in Acre, Israel

Old City of Acre — 2018 — WHE08F20CB7B7

A significant shift in conservation practices in Acre, Israel, has been identified, marking the first instance where a residential quarter was restored with a focus on its social narrative rather than its archaeological significance. This change, initiated by the Israel Land Administration in 2003, involved the rehabilitation of a flagship building to its bourgeois Ottoman phase, previously neglected by Israeli government agencies. The study highlights the convergence of three narratives—monumental, social, and global—in shaping Acre's urban space, with conservation playing a pivotal role in this competition. The research approach involved a pilot project that evacuated, renovated, and repopulated the building with its former Palestinian residents, providing a lens to examine these competing narratives.

The Role of Erbil Citadel Precinct in Developing the City Tourism Sector

Erbil Citadel — 2018 — WHE8916B29A9D

Erbil Citadel, one of the oldest preserved cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant challenges that hinder its potential as a tourism hub. Key issues include poor connectivity between the citadel and its surrounding precinct, visual inconsistencies, and negative activities that deter both tourists and locals. The study identifies these deficiencies through land use classification via direct survey and GIS mapping, followed by problem adjustment based on local and international standards. It proposes creative strategies to revitalize the urban fabric, foster local-global interactions, and attract foreign investment in tourism. This approach aims to transform Erbil Citadel into a dynamic cultural and economic asset, addressing both functional and accessibility gaps while aligning with global best practices.

The Role of Heritage Impact Assessment in Safeguarding World Heritage Sites: Application Study on Historic Areas of Istanbul and Giza Pyramids

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2018 — WHE5A07255B17

Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) emerges as a critical tool for safeguarding World Heritage Sites, balancing preservation with development while mitigating adverse effects. A qualitative study involving interviews with site managers, archaeologists, and governmental bodies in Turkey and Egypt revealed that both the Historic Areas of Istanbul and the Giza Pyramids face significant threats from infrastructure and development projects. The research highlights a pressing need for local expertise in HIA to reduce reliance on foreign experts, as current practices often lack comprehensive mitigation strategies. By applying HIA methodology, stakeholders can make informed decisions that protect heritage integrity while supporting sustainable development.

The Role of Infant Feeding and Childhood Diet in Vitamin D Deficiency in a Nineteenth-Century Rural Dutch Community

Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder) — 2018 — WHE7E13A03238

A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, evidenced by rickets, was unexpectedly found in non-adults (<18 years) from the 19th-century rural Dutch community of Beemster Polder, despite ample sunlight exposure. Stable nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) isotope analyses revealed that infants and children with rickets consumed significantly less eggs and fish compared to those without, suggesting dietary factors played a crucial role. Early weaning onto unpasteurized cow’s milk, sometimes at very young ages, likely exacerbated vitamin D deficiency by impairing its absorption and limiting sunlight exposure. This effect was not observed in juveniles, adolescents, or adults with residual rickets, indicating that infant and childhood diet were critical etiological agents. The study highlights the importance of stable isotope analysis in understanding past population morbidity and provides insights into disease etiology.

The role of Jazzar Pasha in the destruction of the sacral monuments on Kosovo: An example of tradition entering historiography

Medieval Monuments in Kosovo — 2018 — WHEEAAB5A99A6

Historical lore about Jazzar Pasha's systematic destruction of Serbian medieval churches and monasteries in early 19th-century Kosovo, widely accepted in Serbian historiography, has been debunked. Analysis reveals that Pasha did not demolish any temples himself but instead repurposed materials from already-destroyed structures for his projects, such as water mills and the Pristina mosque. This misconception stems from 19th-century travelogue literature and oral traditions, which were later adopted as historical fact without verification. The study highlights how folklore and ethnological records can distort historical narratives, underscoring the need for critical evaluation of primary sources in historiography.

The role of post-war reconstruction planning in Hiroshima' image-shift to a Peace Memorial City

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) — 2018 — WHE76C5CC8DED

Hiroshima's post-war reconstruction planning played a pivotal role in transforming the city's image into a symbol of peace. This shift was not merely architectural but also cultural, leveraging the Genbaku Dome as a central element to memorialize the atomic bombing and promote peace. The study highlights how strategic urban planning, despite financial constraints and property rights complexities, facilitated this transformation. It examines the drivers behind recovery efforts, including international collaboration and local initiatives, which shaped Hiroshima's identity. By analyzing historical documents and planning records, researchers demonstrate how intentional preservation of war-damaged structures alongside new development projects created a unique narrative for the city.

The Role of Spatial Networks in the Historic Urban Landscape: Learning from Venice in the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries

Venice and its Lagoon — 2018 — WHE214C7CE34F

Venice's historic urban landscape, particularly the Piazza San Marco, reveals that heritage is a socially constructed process involving the interplay of anonymous urban structures and designed elements. This study redefines UNESCO's Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) framework by demonstrating how spatial networks, intangible practices, and symbols shape early modern architectural consciousness and urban regeneration. It challenges disciplinary boundaries in heritage conservation, arguing for an interdisciplinary approach that acknowledges dominant ideologies while exposing underlying conflicts. By analyzing Venice's 15th-16th century urban morphology, the research offers a model for understanding how societies select and legitimize structures—from buildings to legal instruments—as part of their cultural identity.

The Royal Court of Early Classic Copan

Maya Site of Copan — 2018 — WHED7AA1A4C54

Archaeological evidence from the Early Classic period at Copan, including hieroglyphic inscriptions and representational art, reveals the structure and dynamics of a royal court. The study, led by Robert Sharer's Early Copan Acropolis Program, identifies key elements that define this court: political power derived from personal histories, economic control, religious authority, and access to resources for coercion or persuasion. Notably, the carved peccary skull in Tomb 1 depicts two elaborately dressed figures engaged in ritual activity around an altar and stela, offering a visual representation of court practices. This research provides explicit insights into Maya royalty and court activities during this formative period.

The securitisation of cultural heritage

Site of Palmyra — 2018 — WHE782FFEA95F

International efforts to protect cultural heritage have evolved from politicization and criminalization to securitization, particularly in conflict zones like Syria and Iraq. This shift is evident in responses to attacks on archaeological sites such as Palmyra. The study employs a discursive lens to map the narrative threads constructed by key international actors, revealing how cultural heritage has become increasingly framed through security discourse. By analyzing recent incidents, it offers a tentative explanation for this securitization process, highlighting its implications for under-researched fields like heritage protection.

The Semantics of Material Culture: andalusia Moored and Unmoored

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2018 — WHE2AFE8E729A

Research reveals a disconnect between the language used to describe Muslim heritage sites in Andalusia and their historical significance, often emphasizing Christian narratives or contemporary uses over Arab history. The study analyzes this linguistic shift through case studies of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba and La Giralda in Seville, contextualizing these monuments within their medieval-modern past and present socio-political climate. It highlights how current events, such as Islamic terrorist attacks, influence perceptions of Muslim heritage, fostering xenophobia while also providing a means for Muslim migrants to reclaim regional identity through the region's Islamic history.

The Sikhote-Alin Fold System. General Structural Features and Certain Aspects of Control of Gold Mineralization: a Case Study for Central Sikhote-Alin, Russia (Part 2)

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2018 — WHEE69EFDA906

Researchers identified a unique type of orogenic gold mineralization in the Central Sikhote-Alin, Russia, distinct from typical convergent plate margin settings. This study, part two of an investigation, reveals that gold concentration occurs due to strike-slip related crustal shortening and hydrothermal processes under specific tectonic conditions—sinistral activation of NNE-trending faults with NNW compression. Unlike conventional orogenic gold systems, this mineralization is linked to transformational or strike-slip plate margins, offering new insights into gold formation mechanisms in non-convergent settings.

The Sikhote-Alin Fold System. General Structural Features and Certain Aspects of Control of Gold Mineralization: A Case Study for Central Sikhote-Alin, Russia (Part One)

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2018 — WHE7A3BAA48CD

A structural analysis of the Sikhote-Alin fold system in Central Russia reveals that its gold-sulfide mineralization is closely linked to Cretaceous-era folding characterized by northeast-southwest (50-60°) orientation, formed under conditions of crustal shortening and left-lateral shear. The study identifies type-morphic features indicating this folding resulted from longitudinal bending with flow during a period of tectonomagmatic activity spanning the Aptian to late Cretaceous. The research employs structural-kinematic correlation to elucidate the relationship between folding dynamics and gold mineralization, offering insights into the geological processes controlling ore formation in this region.

The Skeletons of Herculaneum, Italy

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2018 — WHED1CC4D1B18

A unique archaeological study of Herculaneum, Italy, reveals significant insights into the health and nutrition of a Roman-era population. The research focuses on 139 skeletons discovered in an exceptionally well-preserved state due to their protected environment, which maintained stable temperature and humidity. Key indicators such as the flattening of long bones and the pelvis provide evidence of dietary habits and overall health. With over 45 additional skeletons awaiting study and many more likely buried nearby, this ongoing investigation promises further revelations about ancient life in Herculaneum.

The Social Structure of the Real Estate Market in Old Warsaw in the Years 1427–1527

Historic Centre of Warsaw — 2018 — WHE9464CDDD2F

A dynamic and steady development of the real estate market in Old Warsaw during 1427–1527 contradicts claims of late medieval economic crisis in Polish towns. The study reveals that while merchants prioritized quick resale for profit, craftsmen accumulated goods, with burgesses dominating property transactions. Notably, most newcomers—likely migrants with low economic status—could not afford immediate property purchases, suggesting a significant role for the rental market in accommodating them. This insight challenges previous assumptions about urban economic structures during this period.

The social world of early modern Westminster

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2018 — WHE71FC3D80CC

Early modern Westminster, home to the Royal Court, parliament, and law courts, was marked by complex social dynamics among its diverse inhabitants. This study reveals that the parishes of St Martin's and St Margaret's, two of only 18 English parishes with continuous records from 1535-1570, exhibited stark differences in social organization, administrative structure, and corporate life. These distinctions influenced lay piety and responses to religious reforms during Henry VIII's reign and beyond. The dissolution of Westminster Abbey introduced unique challenges, while the post-Reformation period saw significant religious changes. The research highlights the interplay between religion, social identity, and political developments among parish elites, offering a nuanced understanding of this pivotal era.

The sociocultural impacts of World Heritage Site designation on local communities.

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama — 2018 — WHEB16C44120E

World Heritage Site (WHS) designation significantly alters sociocultural dynamics for local communities, impacting social cohesion, privacy, heritage conservation, and interactions between residents and visitors. A study of the 'Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama' in Japan reveals that while tourism boosts global recognition and economic benefits, it also introduces challenges such as congestion, loss of community 'feel,' and strained local-visitor relationships. The research employs a mixed-method approach, analyzing social pathology changes, conservation efforts, and local perceptions to highlight the complex interplay between heritage status, tourism, and community well-being.

The Soundscapes of Australia

Tasmanian Wilderness — 2018 — WHE80E09791B7

A comprehensive exploration of how music reflects and interprets the Australian landscape, revealing its profound connections to identity, spirituality, and culture. The study examines diverse musical traditions, from Indigenous Yanyuwa music to European classical works, highlighting their interplay with Australia's natural and urban environments. It employs interdisciplinary methods, including ethnomusicology, gender studies, and performance analysis, to analyze compositions inspired by landscapes across Australia—from the Tasmanian wilderness to tropical Queensland. The research underscores the vibrancy of Australian soundscapes, integrating perspectives on national identity, Aboriginalization, and cross-cultural influences, while also referencing art, literature, and contemporary installations.