World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 19741 – 19760 of 30345 publications

Bathymetric mapping of the coastal and offshore geology and structure of the Jurassic Coast, Weymouth Bay, UK

Dorset and East Devon Coast — 2017 — WHEB812F3E139

A high-resolution bathymetric mapping study of the Dorset and East Devon Coast, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast, reveals significant insights into the structural development of the Purbeck Monocline. The research, covering 400 square kilometers with seamless onshore-offshore integration, demonstrates that the offshore region lacks extensive basin-related extensional faulting, contrasting sharply with the onshore area. This suggests that prior to inversion, the basin evolved through intermittent activity on major extensional faults. Additionally, the study highlights variations in strain expression between the hanging-wall block and the fault inversion zone, with the footwall acting as a buttress to compression. These findings advance the understanding of basin development and inversion structures by leveraging high-resolution, spatially extensive datasets.

Bats in the Florentine Renaissance: from darkness to enlightenment (Chiroptera)

Historic Centre of Florence — 2017 — WHE7DF1198076

Renaissance art in Florence, Italy, features numerous stylized bat motifs, often linked to the powerful Medici family. These images, found in works by Michelangelo and others, depict bats with exaggerated ears or wing membranes, though not always accurately representing their biology. While some interpretations suggest bats symbolized cultural darkness or ignorance, others propose they represented happiness and prosperity, possibly influenced by Chinese symbolism. This study highlights how bat imagery evolved from medieval demonic associations to more complex Renaissance meanings, offering a unique lens into the period's artistic and conceptual developments.

Battling Water: the Frontiers of Archaeological Excavations at Butrint (1928–2014)

Butrint — 2017 — WHE24444D8225

Rising sea levels have significantly altered the archaeological landscape at Butrint revealing that its ancient urban center developed much later than previously believed. The Roman Forum Excavations (RFE) Project pioneered wet-site excavations, reaching depths of up to four meters below the water table in the ancient urban center. This approach challenged the traditional perception of groundwater as an obstacle and demonstrated that the lower city emerged as dryland only in the second half of the 2nd century BCE. The study highlights how relative sea-level rise has shaped both ancient inhabitants' actions and modern archaeological practices, serving as a case study for understanding the impact of coastal changes on Mediterranean seaports.

Bauhaus Dessau - Ikone der modernen Architektur. Einzigartig bis zu den Fußböden

Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau — 2017 — WHE043FA7F268

A groundbreaking exploration of Bauhaus architecture reveals the innovative use of floor materials in the Dessau Master and Double Houses, built between 1925 and 1926. These designs were not merely aesthetic but also functional, reflecting the movement's experimental approach to construction. The study provides a detailed historical account of these floor coverings, offering unique insights into the material choices and craftsmanship that defined Bauhaus's modernist identity. This research contributes to the understanding of Bauhaus's influence on architectural innovation, particularly in its attention to detail even at the foundational level.

Bayesian model updating of historic masonry towers through dynamic experimental data

Historic Centre of San Gimignano — 2017 — WHEADEB85E81D

A Bayesian approach successfully updates finite element models of historic masonry towers, addressing critical uncertainties in material properties and geometry. Using dynamic experimental data from San Gimignano's towers, the study refines numerical models by incorporating measured natural periods and accounting for measurement errors and modeling uncertainties, such as restraint effects from neighboring buildings. This method enhances seismic risk assessment, a key factor in preserving cultural heritage. The findings highlight the potential of Bayesian model updating to improve structural analysis in historic masonry towers, with future applications extending to seismic studies.

Bearding the Tories: The Commemoration of the Scottish Political Martyrs of 1793–94

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh — 2017 — WHEA7BEBC3414

Edinburgh's Old and New Towns serve as a unique case study for understanding the enduring commemoration of political martyrs, challenging modern historians' tendency to dismiss them as mere folklore. The study reveals that the Scottish Martyrs of 1793–94 and Lord Braxfield have remained deeply embedded in public memory, with their narratives being strategically integrated into the architectural landscape of New Town during the early nineteenth century. This 'architecture parlante' approach was employed by the civic elite to create a monument that transcends traditional forms, reflecting broader societal values and political ideologies. The research highlights how historical interest in these martyrs has experienced periods of revival, particularly linked to left-wing movements in the twentieth century, which viewed them as symbolic progenitors. The analysis draws on historical texts, such as Mackenzie's 'The Life of Thomas Muir,' and situates Edinburgh within a global trend of public monument-building during the early modern period.

Bees of the Socotra Archipelago (Hymenoptera: Anthophila), their biogeography and association with parasites

Socotra Archipelago — 2017 — WHE14AEFF9E9A

A comprehensive taxonomic evaluation of bees (Hymenoptera: Anthophila) in the Socotra Archipelago reveals 28 species across 16 genera, with nearly two-thirds being endemic. Four new Halictidae species were described, and the identity of two Xylocopa species was clarified. The study also corrected the original spelling of Eucera kirbyi and removed three previously misidentified species from Socotra's bee fauna. Biogeographic analysis traced the origins of these bees, while investigations into host associations with beetle parasites (Meloidae and Ripiphoridae) and cleptoparasitic bees highlighted notable interactions, including the first report of the obligate bee parasitoid Ripiphorus arabiafelix arabiafelix from Socotra Island.

Behaviour of post released translocated greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) at Manas National Park, Assam, India

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary — 2017 — WHEB1B8AA4450

A post-release study of translocated greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) at Manas National Park, Assam, India, revealed that these individuals exhibited seasonal behavioral patterns similar to resident populations in Assam and Nepal. The research found distinct variations in activity, with maximum grazing during the monsoon and retreating monsoon seasons, while browsing increased in winter. Resting was most frequent in winter and pre-monsoon periods. Adult females and calves showed higher walking activity during the monsoon, whereas adult males wallowed more frequently for thermoregulation and consumed aquatic plants. These findings indicate successful adaptation of translocated rhinos to Manas National Park, with no drastic differences from resident populations.

Benthic primary producers are key to sustain the Wadden Sea food web: stable carbon isotope analysis at landscape scale

Wadden Sea — 2017 — WHEB989EC9F10

Benthic primary producers, specifically microphytobenthos, are the dominant energy source sustaining the Wadden Sea's food web, supporting higher trophic levels including worms, molluscs, crustaceans, fish, and birds. This finding was derived from a large-scale stable carbon isotope analysis across 1460 km² of intertidal surface area in the Dutch Wadden Sea, involving 9,165 samples from 839 locations and 178 species. The study used a two-food-source isotope-mixing model to distinguish between benthic and pelagic primary producers, revealing significant spatial heterogeneity in their δ¹³C values. This research underscores the critical role of benthic primary producers in coastal ecosystems and highlights the necessity for spatially explicit sampling in such environments.

Berlin

Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin — 2017 — WHE2170B30335

Berlin, during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, emerged as a significant cultural and political hub in Europe. The city's transformation from a war-ready capital under Frederick II to a symbol of Prussian grandeur under Frederick William III is highlighted by its architectural legacy, including palaces and parks in Berlin and Potsdam. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's brief visit in 1778 captures the city's dynamic atmosphere, while key military events such as Napoleon's defeats at Grossbeeren (1813) and Leipzig marked pivotal moments in European history. The study underscores Berlin's evolving role as a center of power, memory, and architectural representation, reflecting the ambitions of Prussian kings and their enduring influence on the city's landscape.

Best laid plans: Research design and the field in a study of crafts in the Hampi region

Group of Monuments at Hampi — 2017 — WHE347F97956C

Research on traditional crafts at the Hampi World Heritage site reveals that knowledge production is inherently dialogic, with field dynamics influencing research design. The study highlights the limitations of researchers' impact and emphasizes the importance of giving voice to craftspeople, whose perspectives must be prioritized regardless of alignment with patrons or industry views. This self-reflexive approach challenges conventional academic objectivity and underscores the need for collaborative, community-driven research methodologies.

Better Active than Radioactive! Anti-Nuclear Protest in 1970s France and West Germany

Upper Middle Rhine Valley — 2017 — WHE51C17F38BA

Anti-nuclear protests in 1970s France and West Germany formed a transnational movement challenging the legitimacy of nuclear power, mirroring the globalized nature of nuclear technology. This study reveals that while geographical proximity intensified protest activities—particularly along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley—a shared network of resistance emerged despite varying local expectations and tactics. The research distinguishes between concrete concerted actions and symbolic strategies, blurring the line between comparative and shared history. By centering on personal encounters and oral histories, it provides a nuanced account of how protesters navigated national, social, and cultural boundaries, offering new insights into the spatial dynamics of transnational activism.

Between Arbitration and Engineering: Concepts and Contingencies in the Shaping of Heritage Regimes

Skogskyrkogården — 2017 — WHE7894F21FBF

World Heritage Sites, including Skogskyrkogården, are constructed through highly standardized, transnational processes that transcend national boundaries and redefine heritage as a global phenomenon. This study reveals that UNESCO and expert bodies act as powerful producers of culture, providing a 'global grammar' to coordinate dispersed local phenomena into a unified World Heritage framework. Unlike traditional heritage regimes tied to nations, World Heritage reflects humankind as an imagined moral community, allowing sites from diverse times and places to take on new global significance. The research employs qualitative analysis of institutional routines, beliefs, and practices, alongside historical context, to demonstrate how World Heritage is engineered through expertise while serving a broader socializing project.

Between Cultural Preservation and Tourism Industry: Dialectic Relations in Cultural Heritage Tourism Management in Tanah Lot and Borobudur Indonesia

Borobudur Temple Compounds — 2017 — WHE26F7C34B28

Balancing cultural preservation and tourism growth is achievable through symbiotic cooperation, as demonstrated by the management models of Borobudur Temple (Central Java) and Tanah Lot Temple (Bali). Both sites successfully integrate tourism development with heritage conservation, shifting from competitive to collaborative relationships. This dialectical process allows for mutual influence between preservation efforts and tourism benefits, ensuring sustainable economic growth while protecting cultural integrity. Borobudur is managed by a state-owned enterprise, whereas Tanah Lot operates under customary village governance, highlighting diverse yet effective approaches to heritage tourism management.

Between Lake Baikal and the Baltic Sea: genomic history of the gateway to Europe

Lake Baikal — 2017 — WHEA1F7ACD9D6

A comprehensive genomic analysis of populations spanning from the Baltic Sea to Lake Baikal reveals complex genetic structures and historical migration patterns in Northern Eurasia. The study, involving 1076 individuals from 30 populations, identifies significant shared genetic segments between Siberian groups like Khanty and Ket, suggesting deep ancestral connections across vast distances. It also highlights the multi-layered genetic composition of Bashkir, a Turkic-speaking group, with influences from Ugric, Finnish, and Indo-European sources. Additionally, the research uncovers a 'Great Siberian Vortex' directing genetic exchanges in Siberia and traces the origins of Russian Starovers to the Northern European Plain, with notable Central Siberian ancestry not found in their European counterparts. This work doubles the genome-wide data for this region, providing unprecedented insights into the demographic history and genetic gradients of Northern Eurasia.

Beyond Contesting Limits: Land, Access, and Resistance at the Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park — 2017 — WHEEE8CA17369

Nature conservation strategies at Virunga National Park, implemented post-conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), face significant resistance from local populations. While elites employ overt political contestation, peasants utilize 'weapons of the weak,' engaging in covert, everyday resistance through customary land access practices. This multi-dimensional resistance reflects broader conflict dynamics in eastern DRC while embedding them within conservation efforts, which are tightly intertwined with global dynamics. The study highlights how these resistance strategies challenge re-enclosure practices and underscores the complex interplay between local agency and global conservation frameworks.

Beyond Sight and Sound: Fado of Coimbra, Intangible Heritage with Touristic Value

University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia — 2017 — WHE41A9B20300

Fado of Coimbra, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage with significant touristic value, contributes to the distinction of the University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia. This study reveals that Fado's aesthetic expression, rooted in lyricism and musicality, is deeply intertwined with the city's cultural legacy and holds substantial economic potential in global tourism markets. The research employs bibliographical, documental analysis, and direct observation to trace the genre's origins, unique characteristics, and its complex relationship with Lisbon Fado, while also examining its social history and evolution. The findings underscore Fado's role as a living tradition that enriches Coimbra's heritage and its broader cultural significance.

Beyond the Nasca Lines: Ancient Life at La Tiza in the Peruvian Desert

Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa — 2017 — WHE92E5881724

Excavations at the La Tiza site, spanning 5,000 years of occupation, reveal significant insights into the cultural adaptation and demographic shifts of the Nazca people in one of the world's driest environments. The study, led by Christina Conlee, provides valuable data on plant presence, obsidian sources, dietary practices, and mortuary rituals, contextualized within broader Nazca prehistory. Notably, it identifies a Middle Preceramic occupation and traces cultural evolution through key periods, including the rise of the ceremonial center Cahuachi and the impact of the Wari empire. Despite challenges like looting and limited artifact yields, the research offers a unique perspective on long-term settlement patterns and social organization in extreme arid conditions.

Beyond the tribunal

Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection — 2017 — WHEC667DB613A

Cambodian memorial sites, particularly Wat Thmey, reflect complex and often conflicting memories of political violence. This study reveals that such memorials serve as contested spaces where Cambodians express ambivalent views on state-sanctioned commemorative practices. By analyzing the representational technologies—such as mass human remains displays and information boards—used at these sites, the research highlights how they position Wat Thmey towards both local communities and international tourists. It contrasts day-to-day accounts of the memorial with state-led initiatives like the Day of Remembrance, illustrating the uneven nature of memory animation in post-Khmer Rouge Cambodia.

Beyond Timbuktu: An Intellectual History of Muslim West Africa

Timbuktu — 2017 — WHE9B9E51C85E

Timbuktu, often mythologized as a remote desert outpost, emerges from this study as a pivotal node in the intellectual and scholarly networks of West Africa. Contrary to its reputation for isolation, Timbuktu was integral to a vibrant exchange of knowledge, manuscripts, and ideas across Muslim West Africa during the 15th–16th centuries. The research challenges the narrative of Timbuktu as an endpoint of learning by tracing its role in a broader trans-Saharan academic tradition, highlighting its connections to centers like Marrakech, Cairo, and Mecca. This intellectual history is reconstructed through analysis of surviving manuscripts, historical records, and scholarly correspondence, revealing Timbuktu's function as both a repository of knowledge and a hub for the dissemination of ideas. The study underscores the region's significance in preserving and advancing Islamic scholarship, law, astronomy, and mathematics, offering a corrective to Western-centric histories that marginalize its contributions.