[World] Heritage

The Right to [World] Heritage BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, Germany - October 23-25, 2014

BOOK OF ABSTRACTS Oral and Poster Presentations Editor: Ona Vileikis

Organized by: International Association of World Heritage Professional IAWHP e.V. Supporting Institutions: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg www.iawhp.com

all copyrights reserved 2014

The IAWHP e.V.

T

The establishment of International Association of World Heritage Professionals e.V. was initiated at the end of 2009 by the Alumni of the World Heritage Studies Programme of Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) Cottbus, Germany. Since July 2010, IAWHP e.V. is officially registered as a non-profit organisation in accordance with German Law with its headquarters in Cottbus, Germany. The main aim of IAWHP e.V. is to provide an institutional basis for the Alumni of BTU’s World Heritage Studies Programme and heritage professionals with related expertise for promoting the protection of heritage sites worldwide, especially those which are inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. To achieve its goal, IAWHP e.V. undertakes the following activities: • establishing and maintaining professional networks between BTU’s World

Heritage Studies Alumni and other heritage professionals; • acting as a think-tank for developing innovative approaches towards the protection, conservation and management of the material and immaterial aspects of cultural and natural heritage; • encouraging, planning and implementing joint research as well as other projects whose goals correspond to those of the association; • making the knowledge of its members available to existing and potential World Heritage Sites as well as other related institutions and actors; • creating a database of information concerning the protection of heritage sites worldwide as well as other relevant conferences, educational opportunities and job offers for the benefit of its members; and • informally assisting and advising students of the World Heritage Studies Master’s Programme at Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) Cottbus in reaching their study objectives and their entry into the workforce.

Book of Abstracts - The Right to [World] Heritage, BTU Cottbus -Senftenberg 2014

3

Conference Concept Aims

T

The International Association of World Heritage Professionals e.V. (IAWHP e.V.) is organising a WHS Alumni Conference on “The Right to [World] Heritage” to be held in BTU Cottbus from 23rd-25th October 2014. This WHS Alumni Conference is the third of a series of events and activities being planned by the IAWHP e.V. since its official recognition. Supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Chair of Civil Law and Public Law with References to the Law of Europe and the Environment -BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, the conference aims to bring together a wide range of academics, professionals and practitioners specialized in World Heritage as well as other associated fields to contribute to the ongoing discussion about the role of the 1972 World Heritage Convention in promoting sustainable development.

The conference “The Right to [World] Heritage” aims to discuss pressing questions and to find new solutions with regards to [World] Heritage as human rights in the context of existing international agreements and conventions. Currents laws shall be discussed and new initiatives shall be started, especially under the aspects of further inclusion of civil society as well as the use of new information technologies. The role of [World] Heritage in the struggle between modern political systems is of central importance to this topic. Amongst others, the significance of the sites listed by UNESCO for democracy and its promotion around the world will be analyzed. More recently, the question whether the symbols of old totalitarian regimes such as the royal palaces of Abomy in Benin, the Giza pyramids in Egypt or the ruins of Hatra in Iraq are as “valuable” as “democratic” World Heritage properties, such as the Independence Hall in the U.S.A., New Lanark in the United Kingdom, or the Berlin Modernism Housing Estates in Germany. This includes a discussion about whether the status of a World Heritage property should be dependent on its political background. Furthermore, the aspects of heritage in areas of conflict as well as the heritage of minorities will be highlighted, which is often particularly endangered and needs effective protection.


4

Session 1: Heritage and Power

Session 3: Heritage for Everybody

This session focuses on the basic links between the cultural and natural heritage and power. Cultural sites are immediate symbols of power, for example fortresses, churches or palaces. The use of the heritage is (or was) often also a privilege of a powerful elite. Thus, the more powerful a leader or elite, the larger are (were) for example their residences or graves, which again make them unique. Within this topic the right to heritage is discussed from a historic as well as from a current political perspective. The speakers present case studies from Romania, Israel, Italy, Spain, Macedonia, Germany, Cameroon and France to highlight who are (and were) the actors and decision makers in the areas of cultural and natural heritage protection.

This session include presentations and the discussion on the question whether [World] Heritage can be interpreted as human right. This session focuses on a theoretical analysis of “heritage” and “human rights” as legal terms in the sense of the conventions with a diversity of case studies Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Australia, Colombia, Canada, Germany, India, Nepal, Kenya, Liberia, Somaliland, Uganda and France. highlighting the role of the conventions for heritage protection.

Session 2: Heritage in Armed Conϔlict

The presentations deal with questions of ownership and responsibility for the “heritage as global commons” Answering questions such as: where are the links between the global level and the local level (the location) of the heritage? how are responsibilities divided between political decision makers, the global public and the local population – the immediate “owners” of the heritage? and the inclusion of the civil society in questions concerning the protection of the cultural and natural.

This session deals with the protection of the cultural and natural heritage in areas of war and crisis. The destruction of cultural sites due to smuggling and illicit trade of cultural objects, religious fanaticism or even simple ignorance always presents a real danger to heritage. This session therefore analyze the efficiency of existing international instruments for the protection of heritage in times of crisis such as the UNESCO 1954 Hague Convention and its two (1954 and 1999) Protocols as well as the international “Blue Shield” committee. It is illustrated by case studies from Ukraine, Syria, Pakistan, Vietnam, Egypt and Afghanistan.


5

Table of Contents Oral Presentations Session 1 Heritage and Power 12:20 - 12:40

Q&A 3 - I

Value Creation Mechanisms and the Heritisation of the Communist Legacy in Romania: Laura Demeter (Institute for Advanced Studies Lucca) ...................................................... 10 Who Owns the Heritage? The Case of Haifa’s Hadar Neighbourhood:Tzafrir Fainholtz (Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning. The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology) ........................................................................................................................ 11 Comparative Study between La Reggia di Venaria Reale and Palacio Real de Aranjuez: Elitsa Bozhkova (Universidad de Valencia) ........................................................................ 12 The Response of the Changing Powers and the Transformation of the Pre-Existing Architectural Heritage: The Case of Plaosnik in Ohrid: Martin Efremovski, Ona Vileikis and Sanja Taseva (Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation (RLICC), University of Leuven) .......................................................................................................... 13 Archaeological Monuments of the Viking Age in the Danish-German Border Region as Instruments of Political Legitimation: Matthias Maluck (State Archaeological Department Schleswig-Holstein, Germany) ........................................................................................... 14

Session 2 Heritage in Armed Conflict Interpretations of Cultural Property Protection during Hostilities and Armed Conflict in Ukraine: Danielle Stodilka (Independent Analyst)............................................................... 16 The Role of Artistic Activities in Safeguarding and Promoting Syrian Heritage in Conflict: Sepideh Zarrin Ghalam (Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus-Senftenberg)and Damoun Vahabi Moghaddam (Technical University of Berlin)............................................ 18 Conservation and Development: Pakistan Conservation Challenge: Carla Biagioli (Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation (RLICC), University of Leuven) and Luca Maria Olivieri (Archaeology, Community, Tourism - Field School Project, Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan). In collaboration with: Abdur Rauf Yousafzai (Freelance Journalist) and Fazal Khaliq (“The Tribune Express” journalist - “Morning Post “ Editor)....................................................................................................................... 19 Heritage Created by War: Xenia Panfilova (Novosibirsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering)......................................................................................................... 20


6

Session 3 Heritage for Everybody Strengthening the Role of Community in the Protection and Management of the Historic Centre of Bukhara: Ona Vileikis (Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation (RLICC), University of Leuven) and Sanjarbek Allayarov (UNESCO Office in Tashkent) ........................................................................................................................ 22 Heritage as a Human Right: Michal Marcin Wosinski (Archaeological Sites Supervisor at the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Bahrain) ............................................................. 23 Biosphere Reserve, Heritage Identity and Ecosystem Services of Sundarbans Transnational Site between Bangladesh and India: Shafi Noor Islam (Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg) ................................................................. 24 Transforming Pentridge Prison: The Adaptive Reuse of a Heritage Icon in Melbourne, Australia:Sarah van der Linde (Consultant Archaeologist / Heritage Specialist)................. 25 Who Should Decide About Heritage?: Carlos Eduardo Serrano Vasquez (National Museum of Colombia)......................................................................................................... 26 From Grassroots to Government – Approaches to Community Engagement for Heritage Management: Janet Newbury (University of Victoria) and Stephen Dicks (WHS Alumnus BTU Cottbus) ..................................................................................................................... 27 Sustaining UNESCO MAB Reserve Spree Forest – The Right for Preserving Landscape Values in the German Lusatia Region: Sandra Reinstädtler (Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg) ...................................................................................... 28 Cultural Heritage of the Ethnic Minorities in Northeast India - A Case Study: Bina Gandhi (Visva-Bharati University) ................................................................................................... 29

Poster Presentations Session 1 Heritage and Power Public Participation in Heritage Management in Cameroon: Nkengla Lilian Wopong (Brandenburg University of Technology) ............................................................................ 31 Palace of Versailles UNESCO Heritage Site: Survivor of the French Revolution: Denise Maior-Barron (Plymouth University).................................................................................... 32

Session 2 Heritage in Armed Conflict Why Armed Conflict is a Double Disaster for Heritage?: Mariam Bachich (WHS Alumna BTU Cottbus) ...................................................................................................................... 34 Book of Abstracts - The Right to [World] Heritage, BTU Cottbus -Senftenberg 2014

7

Risk Assessment and Protection of Egyptian Culture Heritage: Abdel Aziz.M.Kamel (Gayer Anderson Museum), Ahmed.M.Elsmany (Conservation Administration of the Greatest Cairo Museum’s Antiquities) and Sayed.M. Hemeda (Cairo University) .............. 35 Restoration and Adaptive Reuse of Darulaman Palace, Kabul, Afghanistan: Abdul Bari Ibrahimi (Ministry of Borders and Tribal Affairs, Kabul Afghanistan)................................... 36

Session 3 Heritage for Everybody Tattoos and Body Modifications: A Missing Element: Nicole Franceschini (Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg) ................................................................. 39 Is World Heritage a right or liabilities to people? : A case study of Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site of Nepal: Monalisa Maharjan (University of Évora) ............................. 40 Securing Peoples’ Rights to Heritage in Kenya, Liberia and Somaliland, Collaborative Solutions in Post Conflict Zones: Paola Jani (WHS Alumni BTU Cottbus) ......................... 41 The Legal Framework and Critical Understanding of the Owners of Heritage. Case Study Kasubi UNESCO Site (Kampala, Uganda): Moses Katerega (Bauhaus University Weimar) .............................................................................................................................. 42 Apprehending Contentious Heritage, An Interactive Platform for the Bassins à Flot of Bordeaux: Louise Wilshin (Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg) . 43 Universal Museums: Cultural and Ethical Implications: Katherine Burlingame (Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg............................................ 45


8

Oral Presentations Session 1 Heritage and Power Keynote speaker: Tim Williams (Senior Lecturer University College London, Institute of Archaeology)


9

Value Creation Mechanisms and the Heritisation of the Communist Legacy in Romania Laura Demeter Institute for Advanced Studies Lucca

Starting from the statement within the discourse on heritage formation that not everything is heritage nor will end up acquiring the status of heritage, but anything has the potential to become heritage, in my presentation I try to identify the mechanisms involved in the process of constructing heritage by focusing on a particular aspect of it, namely on the process of value creation and value assessment. Within the discourse of value creation I am interested in looking at how particular assets evolve with time from the position of being devoid of positive characteristics and recognition and even being considered ‘rubbish’, to acquiring or even reacquiring heritage status. In order to do so, I will highlight how discourses on the relation with the past are transformed into actions and how Eastern European societies are currently dealing/engaging with the physical/material presence of their communist past. Besides the acknowledged instable and positivist character of the systems of classification, more recently the reductionist and exclusivist character of various typologies identified for assessing the cultural value of assets has been acknowledged, since they can’t provide an absolute definition of the values of a site or asset of cultural interest. Gabi Dolff-Bonekämper introduces the concept of ‘discord value’ which should be taken into account and questions: ’How can anyone claim that cultural heritage only embodies positive historical, artistic and ethical values (truth, beauty and goodness), when heritage often comes down from periods of deep social and political conflict?’ (Gabi Dolff-Bonekämper in: A. McClelland, 2013, p.595) Since the material presence of the communist past is enormous, I will focus my presentation on a particular site of historic interest which is well known as the legacy of the Romanian communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu - the civic centre in Bucharest, The Victory of Socialism.


10

Who Owns the Heritage? The Case of Haifa’s Hadar Neighbourhood Tzafrir Fainholtz Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning. The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

Hadar HaCarmel neighborhood in Haifa is home to one of the most comprehensive concentrations of modernist buildings in Israel – with over 1400 buildings built in the1930s and 1940s, many of them of exceptional architectural qualities. Hadar was built as an affluent Jewish-European neighborhood, mostly by European trained modernist architects. Since the 1980's Hadar went through demographic changes, with the arrival of new immigrants from the former USSR, and Arab-Palestinian populations to the Hadar. This arrival coincided with the migration of former residents and their descendents out of the neighborhood. In the following years Hadar became a low socio-economic neighborhood which today suffers from neglect that puts its architectural heritage under threat. The historiography of architectural modernism in British mandate Palestine of the 1930's tends to identify modernist architecture in the country as connected predominantly to the Jewish Yeshuv and sometimes even as a Zionist form of modernism - an Israeli take on "Bauhaus". Therefore the question arises: can Hadar's current residents, who are not part of the Zionist narrative, own, and relate to this heritage? This ongoing research uses architectural history to find an answer to this question by challenging the "ownership" of this heritage. Reading in to Haifa city archives and in the archives of its builders reveals multiple historical narratives which involved architects from diverse modernist schools who collaborated with both Jewish and Arab clients and were not necessarily Zionists. One notable example is the considerable mark on the neighborhood made by architects who studied at the TH school in Vienna. The research, which was followed by an Exhibition which I co-curetted with Inbar DrorLax at the Haifa City Museum in 2013, aims to build a historical genealogy of ethnic identities and political affiliations of the builders, clients and inhabitants of Hadar in the 1930's and 40', and through it to find ways of sharing this Heritage and find its relevance to its current inhabitants.


11

Comparative Study between La Reggia di Venaria Reale and Palacio Real de Aranjuez Elitsa Bozhkova Universidad de Valencia

This research regards the historical and architectural development of the two royal palaces – La Reggia di Venaria Reale and Palacio Real de Aranjuez, in Italy and Spain respectively, the restoration works they have undergone, the criteria under they are included in the World Heritage List and their current use as museums. The comparative study shows that both palaces were initially used as hunting lodges at areas rich in water and game. Besides, they are both located within easy reach of the capitals at that time – Torino and Madrid. The presence of the same architect – Filippo Juvarra at both residences also contributes to the similarities as well as the Italian architectural influence at the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, especially during the XVIIIth century. Both palaces were extended throughout the centuries turning from modest hunting lodges to important royal residences where the sovereigns were passing certain periods of the year. After the Second World War and the Civil War, respectively, with the change of government and the dissolution of the monarchy in both countries the royal residences had a different destiny. While in Italy the Reggia di Venaria Reale was almost abandoned, the Royal Palace of Aranjuez was used from the regime. In terms of restoration the latter was better preserved due to its maintenance works. In the case of Venaria Reale an important restoration project was undertaken transforming the residence into museum. Both palaces are included in the World Heritage List, la Reggia di Venaria Reale, in 1997, as part of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy and Aranjuez Cultural Landscape, in 2001. Nowadays both royal residences are open to the public as museums showing the life at the respective courts in a different way.


12

The Response of the Changing Powers and the Transformation of the Pre-Existing Architectural Heritage: The Case of Plaosnik in Ohrid Martin Efremovski, Ona Vileikis and Sanja Taseva Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation (RLICC), University of Leuven

The historic site of Plaoshnik located in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ohrid in Macedonia can be used to study the changing status of power in this ancient city and its manifestation and effect on the architectural heritage of the area. Macedonia, considering its military, geographical and strategic location is known as the “crossroad in the Balkans” and therefore has been a strategic place where many rulers have taken over. Ohrid dates back to the Roman era and it is a significant example where such changing powers have left their trace on the city. Today this physical evidence can show how the different powers reacted towards the existing structures and created their own architecture as an expression of their ideology. Ohrid and Lake Ohrid consist of picturesque natural and architectural sites. They were designated as an UNESCO World Heritage mixed property, cultural and natural criteria (1979, 1980), being the only World Heritage property in Macedonia. Plaoshnik, which is a plateau located on one of the highest points of the city overlooking Lake Ohrid is rich with evidence from the different epochs where an archaeological site dating back to early Christianity (4th century AD) exists next to the historic monastery found by St. Clement. Next to this Christian heritage, Islamic traces of the Ottoman Turks coexist. From the 20th century the site encountered turbulent changes of powers. During this period the site endured drastic changes among them the destruction of a mosque that existed upon the foundation of the St. Clement church. In 2002 the church was reconstructed and heavy excavations took place. Furthermore, recent changes to the site envision a new project to build a university which endangers the integrity of the World Heritage property. The aim of this historical and architectural research is to demonstrate how each ideology has affected the site and how the approach today should be reevaluated as it jeopardizes the heritage values and authenticity of the site.


13

Archaeological Monuments of the Viking Age in the Danish-German Border Region as Instruments of Political Legitimation Matthias Maluck State Archaeological Department Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Buildings and architecture have always been used as symbols and instruments of power. But in the 19th century basic paradigms in Europe changed dramatically and historical sciences and especially archaeology have substituted previous myths of origin as explanation for human existance and development. In the course of this social revolution historical monuments and especially archaeological sites played an increasingly important role as physical markers of this new view of the world. Consequently, the emerging national movements and, later, political religions used such sites as instruments to corroborate their ideas and to legitimise their claims to regulate people's behaviour and perception. Even today archaeological monuments are employed to support political ideas, now often democratic and based on the notion of human rights. The large defensive boundary of the Danevirke and the important Viking age trading centre of Hedeby in the border region between Denmark and Germany are excellent examples of how archaeological sites have been instrumentalised as symbols for various ideas, political currents and ideologies. Both are being nominated as World Heritage property as part of the serial nomination Viking Age Sites in Northen Europe which has been submitted to the World Heritage Centre in January 2014. The presentation explains the shifting and varying perceptions of the monuments and their political and social relevance through the centuries until today.


14

Session 2 Heritage in Armed Conflict Keynote speaker: Tural Mustafayev (Associate Expert for the UNESCO 1954 Hague Convention and its two (1954 and 1999) Protocols)


15

Interpretations of Cultural Property Protection during Hostilities and Armed Conflict in Ukraine Danielle Stodilka Independent Analyst

"Since the Maidan Revolution of Ukraine, hostilities in ‘annexed’ Crimea as well as armed conflict the nation’s Donbas region, Ukrainians have reconciled with symbols of their totalitarian past in varied ways. The Leninopad Movement (or the ‘fall of monuments of Lenin’), in the context of a revolution has forced the nation to re-examine its cultural protection policies as it transitions from totalitarian rule to democracy, from religious oppression to freedom, from state-regulated to free market economy, and where state archives once more can release proof of the destruction of cultural property up until WWII and beyond. Coincidentally with Leninopad, patrons and workers of new religious communities that emerged since 1991, many renewing their religious legacies previously destroyed, either fled or risked themselves to indiscriminate attack. They soon found there was no viable protection mechanism for their most recent cultural achievements in the backdrop of what NATO has referred to as a Russia’s ‘hybrid war’ with Ukraine. No blue shield emblem of the Hague Convention had been ordered for use in Ukraine in the past other than a so-called blue shield used by a state-turned-private enterprise, or, notably, on a plaque entrance to the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra near the Assumption Church, which in 1941 was mined and detonated by Nazi Germany. With regard to the placement of this emblem, the convention was formulated in the wake of the destruction of heritage perpetrated by Nazi Germany during WWII, and ‘modeled on instructions given by Eisenhower to aid in the preservation of Europe's cultural legacy’. There is no known reference to the convention’s means to end destruction perpetrated by Europe’s other non-democratic nation state, which did comprise the Allied Forces of WWII. Can this apparent omission, in subsequent years, weaken the cultural policy of a newly formed, post-Soviet nation state? Are there other factors that loosen a nation’s cultural protection policy in its democratic development? Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine’s privatization policies were rapid and select. Acquisition of cultural property was, without dispute, a component of this economic transition whereby dealers’ and collectors’ associations, likened somewhat to their Western counterparts, flourished. At the same time, the lack of photographic registers for thousands of state-owned museums rendered the nation’s cultural patrimony vulnerable to notable loss. As religious communities where restituting confiscated property by Communist authorities since WWII on a case-by-case basis, legislation was drafted to privatize archaeological objects under the pretext of rescuing national heritage by - according to archaeologists - unspecified means and expertise. Cultural policy was arguably loose, and ironically the illegal ‘annexation’ of Crimea, more Book of Abstracts - The Right to [World] Heritage, BTU Cottbus -Senftenberg 2014

16

than any prior event, and in clear violation of international law, forced Ukraine to reexamine its commitment to the 1954 Hague Convention since at least 1995, the last year of submission of its implementation report to UNESCO. As Leninopad approaches several hundred, as dozens of religious sites are destroyed, and as numerous cultural property titles are illegally transferred to (or “managed” by) a foreign occupier, heritage workers contend with cultural property protection in interesting ways. Further to protection efforts by state and non-state actors, this report describes the OSCE’s activities with regard to field assessments covering the state of religious sites in territories where its Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) has been able to fulfill its mandate, with particular emphasis on the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine."


17

The Role of Artistic Activities in Safeguarding and Promoting Syrian Heritage in Conflict Sepideh Zarrin Ghalam Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus-Senftenberg

Damoun Vahabi Moghaddam Technical University of Berlin

The tragic events of the past few years in Syria, similar to other regional experiences, once again demonstrate how man-made/armed conflicts are not only brutally striking the homes and lives of people but also intentionally targeting the core identity and soul of each and every one of its citizens. Living through death and violence, loss of all places linked to personal and/or collective memories, forced displacements and an unclear future ahead will have long lasting impact on Syrians today and will remain in the memory of Syrians for many generations to come. If humanitarian activities are needed to fulfill the basic physical needs and if conservation activities are needed to reconstruct or restore those tangible cultural heritage like monuments or artifacts, then artistic and cultural activities could further assist in feeding the soul of people, a responsibility which its necessity and constructive effects should not be underestimated in times of conflict. Parallel to the professional activities of heritage experts in raising awareness, limiting damages or documenting for future conservation, Syrian people are also communicating with the outside world and responding through a variety of reactions to the situation at hand. These messages are conveyed at different levels from personal to social and humanitarian to heritage concerns. They convey standpoints that are expressed in various forms, via photographs, videos or personal/group reflections as well as through artistic languages in slogans, stories, poems, paintings or graffiti artwork. Among all the lurid political statements and debates, these more quiet reactions that originate from personal experiences or the little details of struggle in lives of ordinary people are the ones which continue to generate the louder message and thus show us the bigger picture. Considering the fact that a shared image of Syria’s future cannot be envisioned without the effective role of each and every one of the Syrian community in all its diversity; one realizes the importance of highlighting such efforts by reflecting the impact of the conflict on the lives of Syrians. As one can see from the creative activities of young Syrians there is no cease in artistic and cultural production and its continuity, even in these hard times. This brings with it a message of hope and shows the urgent need to provide more opportunities in empowering the community and further fostering the already existing potential with the help of artists and other innovative design professionals. This paper thus seeks to discuss further the importance of cultural activities and the role of artistic interventions with the involvement of Syrian communities toward better safeguarding and promotion of the Syrian cultural heritage and in particular the intangible heritage as more feasible actions during the times of conflict in relation to other more direct prevention and/or conservation activities.


18

Conservation and Development: Pakistan Conservation Challenge Carla Biagioli Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation (RLICC), University of Leuven

Luca Maria Olivieri Archaeology, Community, Tourism - Field School Project, Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan

In collaboration with:

Abdur Rauf Yousafzai Freelance Journalist

Fazal Khaliq “The Tribune Express” journalist - “Morning Post “ Editor

Considering the long years of internal civil conflict and its consequences on the country’s stability and economy, the problem of heritage conservation in Pakistan remains nowadays a real concern. Multiple are the reasons why Pakistan’s heritage is facing such an important risk situation. Starting from misinterpretation of others’ religions and interfaith problems, heritage has become a source of conflict and division among people of different beliefs and cultural backgrounds. Diversity has been used as a source of intolerance and has become a real cause of danger for the physical destruction of monuments. From a « meeting land » of different cultures along the historical Silk Road to a current land of conflict. Conflicts are, in fact, more and more based on identity and ethno-political motivation and all kind of heritage in its tangible and intangible form can be a potential target due to its highly symbolic nature and an element of division between communities. Pakistan has a rich and diverse cultural heritage with multiple layers of ancient civilisations (Mehrgarh 7000 BC, Indus Valley 2500 BC and Gandhara 6th century BC-5th century AD and different periods including Hindu Shahi, Islamic, Mughal, Sikh and British) represented by archaeological sites, monuments including 6 World Heritage Sites but also by a rich and diverse intangible heritage, which is manifested in poetry, music, traditional dances, handicraft and festival events, expressions of a multi-ethnic and multicultural society. This special cohabitation on the same territory of different ethnic groups creates also the specificity of the country’s rural and urban landscape that needs to be valorised in all its complexity. Illicit trafficking and looting are another problem affecting local cultural property. In the vast river valley regions of Swat and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a large number of historical sites such as Buddhist stupas, monastery complexes and rock carvings are scattered all over, unprotected, threatened by natural deterioration and armed attacks. Swat Museum was among those institutions that were bombed in 2008 having more than 150 items damaged.


19

Heritage Created by War Xenia Panfilova Novosibirsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering

The ‘heritage of war’ is not only an answer to destructions of what had been created before the armed conflict, but it is also the new historic landmarks and memorials created by war. There is always a dilemma of how to evaluate this heritage, as it is a sign of pain and sorrow for nations and victims, and nevertheless a part of a history contrariwise. If we look back to WWII and GDR period, the border fortification (‘The Berlin Wall’) holds a difficult 28-years period of German history. The wall does not remain on the route; it is divided and shared throughout the world as memorials. It is a part of world heritage. Another wall, “created by war”, is widely known as the “Great Wall of China”, which has already become an appellative term of financial world (a Chinese Wall) as a bright symbol of strong barrier between two contrary positions. At the same time it is the greatest fortification listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1978. The presentation highlights the Cu Chi Tunnels network, also a reminder of an armed conflict. It is not only a memorial inside the great heritage of Vietnam commemorating the event itself, but the greatest construction which could be created only in specified conditions. It shows the cultural value and national potential, which have been revealed during the Vietnam War in 1960-s. The construction is absolutely unique both as functional structure and technological solution. Viet Cong used wit and strategy by turning environment and natural landscape to the advantage of artificial creation. The Cu Chi Tunnels represent a major milestone in Vietnamese history. They have to be conserved and could be listed in UNESCO World Heritage as they are of ‘Outstanding Universal Value’. Though they are not still mentioned in the Tentative list, Cu Chi Tunnels are already widely discussed by local and international community towards the protection of their exceptional values.


20

Session 3 Heritage for Everybody Keynote speaker: Minja Yang (Ex-Deputy Director, UNESCO World Heritage Centre and President of the RLICC, University of Leuven)


21

Strengthening the Role of Community in the Protection and Management of the Historic Centre of Bukhara Ona Vileikis Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation (RLICC), University of Leuven

Sanjarbek Allayarov UNESCO Office in Tashkent

The Silk Roads for more than two millennia were a path of integration, exchange and dialogue between the East and the West. Numerous monuments and sites are still represented with their outstanding values and attributes making them exceptional examples in architecture, urban design, religious interaction and intangible associations. Currently, the Historic Centre of Bukhara, World Heritage since 1993 is under state protection. Nevertheless, there is still need for inputs in the formulation of management, preservation tools, and of a methodology including the local community and stakeholders towards sustainable development. The UNESCO Office in Tashkent together with the Board of Monuments of Uzbekistan, in cooperation with local and international universities such as the Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation at the University of Leuven, as well as national partners, have undertaken activities in order to enhance the protection of the World Heritage in Uzbekistan. An example is the field campaigns carried out from 2008 until 2013 towards the preparation of the Management Plan for the Historic Centre of Bukhara. They consisted of values and condition assessments of dwellings and the creation of a GIS database. Additionally, in the summer of 2013, four activities took place: (1) analysis of the legislative framework related to cultural heritage, (2)identification of the current boundaries and uses of buffer zones, (3) development of a children’s education-awareness brochure, and (4) risk management assessment. This paper focuses on the enhancement of the implementation of the World Heritage Convention bridging the gap between decision makers and the local community through strengthening management mechanisms. It presents final results of the field research campaigns of the Historic Centre of Bukhara to safeguard their cultural heritage values for present and future generations.


22

Heritage as a Human Right Michal Marcin Wosinski Archaeological Sites Supervisor at the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Bahrain

The aim of this paper is to examine the correlation of heritage and Human Rights and its potential evolution. People’s right to heritage has not been explicitly stated in any of the major Human Rights conventions as a distinguishable right or freedom. Neither the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations 1948) nor the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (Council of Europe 1950) nor the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (European Union 2000) contain provisions pertaining to this matter. Nevertheless, we may be witnessing a slowly evolving process in which the paradigms shift and eventually they will result in universal recognition of heritage as a human right. However, the road to this end will be different for tangible and intangible heritage. The concept of the heritage of mankind has developed throughout the 20th century and has gained much importance since the entry into force of the 1972 UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The idea of ‘World Heritage’ has resulted in universal acceptance that certain places, natural sites or manmade masterpieces constitute sources of pride, aesthetic sensation or remembrance for everybody worldwide. In consequence, it is the responsibility of all mankind to protect such places and preserve them for the next generations. On the other hand, it may be easier to find common ground between human rights and intangible heritage. The freedom of religion, the freedom of thought and the freedom of expression are the most common rights in this regard. They guarantee the ability of people and groups to maintain their immaterial traditions together with their manifestations in such forms as festivities, sacral rites or performances. Further relevant provisions can be found in the UNESCO conventions of 2003 (Intangible Heritage) and 2005 (Diversity of Cultural Expressions). In the following paragraphs the author will show in detail the interrelationship between human rights and heritage, both material and intangible and suggest possible future development of the matter with reference to international conventions and international judicial bodies.


23

Biosphere Reserve, Heritage Identity and Ecosystem Services of Sundarbans Transnational Site between Bangladesh and India Shafi Noor Islam Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

The Sundarbans transnational natural site is one of the world heritage sites declared by UNESCO as Man and Biosphere (MAB) (1997) site and World Natural Heritage Site in 1987 (India) and 1997(Bangladesh). It covers an area 10,000 km², 62% of which lies in Bangladesh and 38% in India. This is the largest mangrove forest wetlands in the world and hotspot of biodiversity with 373 faunal and 334 floral species. Furthermore it is in a unique position not only for forestry but also in terms of deltaic landscapes, eco-tourism, culture and heritage. The mangrove landscape encompasses strong aesthetic, cultural, biological and geological values. The importance of the site is its floristic composition and economic uses. In addition, the natural site provides common ecosystem services for entire human livelihood support such as supporting services, regulating services, provisioning services and cultural services. About 25 thousand settlements have been developed within the biosphere reserve in the Indian site and benefit from these services. Over 5.6 million coastal inhabitants are dependent on natural resources and ecosystem services of the Sundarbans natural heritage site. At present both parts of the site have the heritage identity and international recognition. The entire site can play a potential role in developing ecosystems and the social economy of the region as well as for the world community. Climate change, fresh water scarcity and anthropogenic influences are three main questions for Sundarbans ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation. The present urbanization, settlement development, shrimp cultivation and agricultural expansion are additional threats to the biosphere reserve and landscape protection at both sites (Bangladesh and India). Therefore, an integrated common planning approach is necessary in order to protect the invaluable ecosystem of this world natural heritage site. The objective of this study is to understand the functions and services of the entire Sunsarbans biosphere and natural heritage site. To measures ecosystem services, their vulnerability and proposed alternative solutions for better services and management for the entire Sundarbans natural heritage site between Bangladesh and India.


24

Transforming Pentridge Prison: The Adaptive Reuse of a Heritage Icon in Melbourne, Australia Sarah van der Linde Consultant Archaeologist / Heritage Specialist

World Heritage status is targeted at the international community to develop global awareness of a country’s cultural and social identity. However, non-World Heritage heritage sites can be just as important to the local population, and need to be preserved and managed accordingly. As such, heritage professionals largely deal with the protection and management of this latter type of site. The management of World Heritage sites and non-World Heritage sites differ substantially. World Heritage sites are generally excluded from any form of development, due to restrictions associated with their outstanding universal value. In contrast, non-World Heritage sites are open to interpretation and redevelopment, in a less limited, yet equally demanding environment. Consideration must be given to legislation, community demands and commercial and political pressures, while preserving and maintaining heritage values. Her Majesty’s Pentridge Prison (Pentridge), constructed in the 1850s, is revered as one of Australia’s most notorious prisons. Known for its brutality, it housed some of Australia’s most infamous prisoners, and was the site of Australia’s last execution. Upon its closure in the 1990s, the Victorian government sold the prison site for private commercial development, which continues today. This paper considers what the historical and archaeological records of Pentridge can tell us about the effects of this place on Melbourne society. It also weighs up whether such a notorious part of Melbourne’s history can be successfully redeveloped and incorporated into modern Melbourne society without compromising its heritage values, by comparing Pentridge with other heritage prison redevelopments such as Le Murate in Florence and Katajanokka in Helsinki. These themes explore the psychological effect of Pentridge from its beginnings to the present-day heritage site under redevelopment. They also consider the impacts that heritage legislation, both past and present, has had on the site, and how it will affect its future. In doing so, the author draws upon the knowledge and experience she gained while working on the site.


25

Who Should Decide About Heritage? Carlos Eduardo Serrano Vasquez National Museum of Colombia

The presentation focuses on the fragile relationship between communities and national authorities regarding heritage sites. It reflects on who has the right and responsibility of making decisions affecting cultural places and local communities. The discussion is based on the conflict resulting from a planned exhibition of sculptures of "San Agustin Archaeological Park" at the National Museum, in Colombia. In this case, part of the community was opposed to the transportation of sculptures. The exhibition, organized by the Institute of Anthropology and History, could not take place as planned and was a subject of aggressions and arguments which deeply affected the relationship between different stakeholders. The presentation questions the procedures and strategies developed by the institutions to hold the exhibition, convinced they had the right to decide about the heritage under their responsibility without being questioned. The result was a lack of dialogue and opportunities to share information with the community. After describing the situation, the presentation reflects on how raising awareness is making communities more conscious of their heritage and how they have become defenders of these sites. Curiously, authorities which have promoted this awareness are now facing opposition from communities to national projects, policies and decisions. Moreover, it is important to highlight the limited role of the World Heritage Centre to intervene and mediate in these conflicts. Constrained to receive information through diplomatic channels, the centre usually has limited information and is unable to question it due to political considerations. In conclusion, the presentation provides a framework to analyze this kind of conflict, the interest of different actors, and the need for a new perspective on heritage, responsibilities and decision-making processes. These conflicts might be seen as a positive result of a stronger relationship between communities and heritage which, well managed, would help to ensure its conservation and preservation.


26

From Grassroots to Government – Approaches to Community Engagement for Heritage Management Janet Newbury University of Victoria

Stephen Dicks WHS Alumnus BTU Cottbus

Thoughtful, purposeful approaches to heritage planning and management can strengthen communities and build a sense of connection by cultivating shared narratives. A community-led approach is held as the ideal model, in part because community support is vital to those who ultimately set the rules and regulations around such things as access and use of heritage places. However, the value of heritage and the opportunities it presents are not always immediately obvious to those closest to it. There are many cases where communities need help identifying potential, realizing significance and managing heritage in ways that are both culturally and economically beneficial, but when is it appropriate for ‘outsiders’ to intervene to affect change? Should efforts be made to engage a public who have not asked for such interventions? How should community-government relations be navigated? Growing and maintaining connections within a community can be challenging and raises a host of ethical and practical questions; the crux of this work is developing a better understanding of cross-sectoral relationship building. In order for the potential benefits of heritage to be more fully realized and for knowledge to meaningfully transfer in both directions, citizens and governments need to be active participants in its development. Borrowing ideas from asset-based community development, we can better understand how grassroots organizations and governments can be allies in this shared pursuit. Partnering, not persuading, can enable grassroots community efforts and government bodies to do more with less, increase commitment and investment, and ultimately achieve greater and more sustainable success in managing cultural and natural heritage. From Grass Roots to Government is a discussion about how different approaches can either facilitate or restrict successful heritage management. This session highlights techniques for community engagement and civic involvement using specific examples from the authors’ experiences and invites open dialogue with participants.


27

Sustaining UNESCO MAB Reserve Spree Forest – The Right for Preserving Landscape Values in the German Lusatia Region Sandra Reinstädtler Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

The 475 km² wide protected area and perimeter of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve of the Spree Forest was declared in 1991. It is located 80 km Southeast of Berlin in the state of Brandenburg in Germany. The area of Spree Forest is an already former swamp, reclaimed and turned into a cultural landscape. Furthermore it is a transitional area between the upper part of the River Spree and is being influenced despite other land use forms by settlement, agrarian and forestry use as well as by lignite open-cast mining. The Spree River water creates values within a unique network of different water related biotopes, varying cultural landscapes around the interior riverine system in spite of drinking water usage and evolving water threshold values since first human settlement appeared. The main objective of this article is to support fundamental goals through international recognition of landscape values in this region and institutional frameworks for maintaining and improving environmental and land use stability of and throughout parts of landscapes and their values in the Spree Forest Region. The focus of this case study in this unique river landscape are the challenges for best protective as well as preventive measurements particular with regards to water availability and quality and its preservation as well as management of the Spree Forest ecology, river system, biodiversity and landscape values. The pressures and threats affecting the sustaining grade of the landscape in Spree Forest MAB reserve have to be analysed. The past study investigated the threatened biodiversity and ecology of Spree Forest wetlands and the future perspective of a resilient cultural landscape as well as the socio-economic development of the Lusatia Region. Innovative sustainable and ecologically oriented landscape management and protection needs to find a balance between conservation, restoration and development. The objective of this study is to acknowledge the MAB Reserve of the Spree Forest and its threatened biodiversity in a living cultural landscape as a site with internationally recognised value. An observation on landscape scale and regional level will help to advance sustainable planning, management and to protect the sustaining grade of landscapes in the MAB Reserve Spree Forest.


28

Cultural Heritage of the Ethnic Minorities in Northeast India - A Case Study Bina Gandhi Visva-Bharati University

India's Northeast hill region comprises of the seven states, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura popularly known as “ Seven Sisters”. It shares international borders with Myanmar, the Republic of China, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. It is a land of great ethnic diversity; more different ethnic tribes live here on a comparatively small area than anywhere else in Asia. Northeast India provides a natural bridge between India and Southeast Asia. In Northeast India, there are more than 200 different ethnic communities with their distinct culture and tradition. The indigenous communities are skilled basket makers, textile weavers, orators, dancers and singers. They have a rich intangible cultural heritage which provides a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity. Due to rapid socio-economic development, the communities are increasingly exposed to modern lifestyles and amenities, thereby eroding their traditional culture. Therefore, in an attempt to preserve the cultural heritage of the ethnic communities, the local population themselves and the state and central government have started state-sponsored festivals like Horn bill Festival of Nagaland, Torgya Monastery Festival and Yomgo River Festival of Arunachal Pradesh, Brahmaputra Beach Festival of Assam, Wangala Festival of Meghalaya etc. These are not the indigenous traditional festivals but large scale communal events to highlight the rich heritage. This paper seeks to examine the significant role of the local population and how far these state sponsored festivals have been successful in highlighting the culture heritage of the people of the region while keeping its originality intact.


29

Poster Presentation Session 1 Heritage and Power


30

Public Participation in Heritage Management in Cameroon Nkengla Lilian Wopong Brandenburg University of Technology

Heritage protection in developing countries has witnessed challenges due to limited funds and that many governments do not fully recognize the value of heritage. Cameroon is characterized by built and intangible heritage, which remains a largely untapped and threatened resource. Heritage sites are widely spread across the country and are suffering negligence particularly in rural areas. In addition to this, local communities are hardly involved in their management. There is an increased need for public participation in the protection of heritage sites. The objective of this study is to analyze the laws that govern the public participation process in heritage management and to identify the relationship between people, place and history. Findings of the study show that the rural people are attached to their heritage and effective participation is dependent on the clarity and comprehensiveness of the legislation for the people. This would strengthen compliance and implementation of heritage laws on the sites.


31

Palace of Versailles UNESCO Heritage Site: Survivor of the French Revolution: Denise Maior-Barron Plymouth University

The present paper invites reflection on the topics to be debated in the session ‘Heritage and Power’ through the proposed research question: Was it worth saving the contemporary UNESCO heritage site of Palace of Versailles from demolition in the 1790s? To fulfil its aim and provide a clear answer, the paper builds upon its author’s PhD fieldwork archival and library research (2010-2012) at Château de Versailles, at Institut d'Histoire de la Révolution française, Université Paris I - Panthéon-Sorbonne and at École de Chaillot, Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine. By analysing the development of the French and international political context of the past two centuries along with the historical and cultural perception of the French Old Regime, the paper intends to illustrate the complexity of the issues surrounding preservation of controversial heritage sites. As the paper reveals a slowly occurring change in the perception of history relating to the heritage site of Palace of Versailles, there is a possibility that the controversy surrounding heritage sites of distant or relatively distant past holds the key for what once really happened. It is this testimonial value of heritage sites which represents the focus of the paper in the wider theoretical context of places of memory (Nora, 1986) and their confluence with the national collective memory (Halbwachs, 1980). Heritage in its role of being an witness to the past for present and future generations needs at least reminding of, if not celebrating all aspects of human history which contributed to shaping the world as we know it today. Thus, it is the belief of this paper’s author that controversial sites should definitely be preserved as they provide an array of valuable lessons: from understanding the agendas of both victors and victims, to cultivating a wider awareness of perhaps lost meanings of the past.


32

Session 2 Heritage in Armed Conflict


33

Why Armed Conflict is a Double Disaster for Heritage? Mariam Bachich WHS Alumna BTU Cottbus

The Syrian Heritage in the current armed conflict is a very important case to highlight on and it should be a point of reviewing the needs for further practical steps by national and international heritage’ authorities. The six Syrian world heritage sites are now on the endangered heritage list. It would be important to compare the steps are taken to inscribe a site as world heritage site and to move it to the endangered list in Armed conflict situation, as well as to mention national steps of heritage’ inscription and protection. Presenting the main steps of inscribing each case will give a chance for discussing further the missing practical and active steps for heritage protection which should be required in armed conflicts. The main point I want to focus on through the above is the role of local community and its major contribution to heritage preservation in armed conflict times. In peaceful times, heritage authorities take the control and locals are hardly considered, while in conflict times authorities try quickly back to cooperate with them to safeguard heritage. Therefore, my main questions to ask here are: 1) should not locals be considered to play a role in protecting heritage during times of armed conflicts? 2) Then does not ignoring locals before make them care less about their heritage thus adding an additional factor to its destruction during times of armed conflicts? 3) Is not it a need to spend more efforts for local engagement in heritage in peaceful times? 3) Does having a power in peaceful times is a reason to push locals aside? I will work to discuss and may to find answers for the above questions through researching the Syrian Heritage case within the current armed conflict time.


34

Risk Assessment and Protection of Egyptian Culture Heritage Abdel Aziz.M.kamel, Gayer Anderson Museum

Ahmed.M.Elsmany Conservation Administration of the Greatest Cairo Museum’s Antiquities

Sayed.M. Hemeda Cairo University

Following the Egyptian revolution of 25 January 2011, the Egyptian Cultural Heritage has unfortunately been exposed to high risk and hazards. Egyptian heritage is suffering from negligence, looting, human encroachments and illicit antiquities traffic, and archaeological sites and museums are now unprotected in the event of armed conflicts. The sources of risk and damage are related to, firstly, the lack of security; on August 2013 more than 1,000 treasures were stolen by organized antiquities squads from the Malawi National Museum in the Minya governorate, these included masterpieces dating back to the time of the pharaohs . In January 2014 the façade of the Islamic Art Museum was destroyed by an explosion and at least 165 objects were completely destroyed. Secondly, the lack cultural awareness on the part of citizens, many people don’t appreciate the great authenticity and values of this international cultural heritage. Inhabitants of Dahshur invaded the archaeological zone of Dahshur area with bulldozers and weapons. They invaded the land and started digging a private cemetery on the buried artifacts and tombs. On the other hand, In April 2014 in an attempt to foil smugglers of antiquities, police seized a collection of Jewish artifacts and historical objects at Damietta port. The collection was found inside a parcel due to be transported to Belgium. In the first section, four case studies will be presented and discussed in detail. It is time to make an effective disaster risk management plan (DRM) according to the type of archaeological sites and museums in order to reduce the negative impact of risks to our heritage. The second section comprises a detailed analysis of evaluation methodology and the design of the necessary remediation and protection measures. In this section we will introduce the results of the first phase.


35

Restoration and Adaptive Reuse of Darulaman Palace, Kabul, Afghanistan Abdul Bari Ibrahimi Ministry of Borders and Tribal Affairs, Kabul Afghanistan

Darulaman ("abode of peace") Palace is a European-style Neo classical building. It is a symbol of Afghan independence and part of King Amanullah Khan's drive for modernization. It was designed by the French architect M. Goddard. Construction work started during the reign of Amanullah Khan from 1919-1929, and a large portion of the work was completed by 1926. This Palace is not only important for its architectural style but for what it has witnessed through the years from 1920 to 2014 and has become part of this history itself. The focus of the study is the restoration of the existing building that allows adaptive reuse and goes beyond simple conservation methods and carries the building into the present time whilst providing the space with a new use according to contemporary demand. The suggested adaptive reuse for Darulaman Palace is “The National Art Gallery, Kabul”. The structural and spatial capacities and limitations allow for this new use of art gallery in the palace. The layout, size, width, height and volume has a strong correlation with the intended capacity and the nature of use. The memories embedded within its spaces and its walls will suffer only marginal architectural intervention. The facade of the building will be restored as close to its original fabric as possible while the interior will be modified without affecting the physical structure of the building. The purpose of the restoration of the Palace is to preserve the history and to restore the building by respecting conservation charters. It will strengthen the building and to keep stages of damage as marks of time whilst introducing new materials and the latest techniques for the infrastructure of the building. The restoration of the palace is important because it was the starting point of King Amanullah’s new strategy where a new era of architecture was introduced in the country that went beyond the traditional style of architecture and established a new set of rules. The study was undertaken by documenting the palace and studying its elements and the way it’s planned. All available data from its history to its original drawings and architectural sketches clarified the changes that were made in the palace and its landscape under different governments and during different wars. The focal point is the restoration of the elements as close as possible to the original. The main concern is the application of new materials and techniques in the building with minimal disturbance to the building. The modifications made are reversible, so that Book of Abstracts - The Right to [World] Heritage, BTU Cottbus -Senftenberg 2014

36

if needed in the future, changes can be made according to new requirements and these newly added structures can be removed anytime without damaging the original structure. The National Art Gallery of Kabul will be a complex for the people to express our nation’s culture & tradition; it will be a complex displaying the art of our nation. The high roof and door of the palace are quite suitable to the spatial needs of an art gallery. The surrounding landscape, which can also be used for big sculptural displays is suitable due its contours of different levels. The Palace is situated at a height of 37 feet from road level, so any size of sculpture can be displayed and it will not cause any impact to the building but rather will add to its beauty and decoration. The project aims to enhance and enrich the social life of the country’s capital and introduce foreign dignitaries to our local art scene. The complex is meant for art and cultural exhibition areas and for theatrical performances including drama and musicals amongst others. Recreational facilities have been the main focus. The galleries will be holding rotating art exhibitions and a permanent art display with another area for the restoration of paintings. A restaurant is added to the palace to provide facilities for visitors who come for the theatre or an exhibition. A small multipurpose hall will hold seminars and lectures etc.


37

Session 3 Heritage for Everybody


38

Tattoos and Body Modifications: A Missing Element Nicole Franceschini Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

The research examines the lack of tattoos and body modifications on the Intangible Heritage Lists related to the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. In many of these cases the limit is mostly connected with the base - concepts expressed within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Starting from a critique of this Declaration and its western-based foundations, the research will try to underline the need for a more open-minded approach. Tattoos and body modifications (like piercings, stretching and scarifications) are in most cases misunderstood by western cultures and confused with their modern use (related with fashion and sometimes transgression). These practices are a fundamental part in the history of mankind. In the Neolithic period tattoos were considered a fundamental part of healing rituals. One of the bestpreserved example is Ötzi the Iceman, 57 different tattoos were found on his body. Since then, many different techniques have been developed and many tools have been designed for the purpose of modifying the human body. Various cultures and civilizations all over the world express their cultures through practices values and rituals that could be considered primordial and violent from a western viewpoint. The research wants to highlight the great cultural value expressed by these practices and the need for a new approach in the inclusion of elements within the Intangible Heritage Lists. UNESCO should in the future develop a new perspective and allow a less westernized view of the world. The interest of UNESCO could support the development of appropriate health and sanitary measures to be respected by the traditional professional practitioners.


39

Is World Heritage a Right or a Liability to People?: A Case Study of Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site of Nepal Monalisa Maharjan University of Évora

Each society and place has its own heritage; some evolve with time and make an outstanding heritage while others disappear over the course of time. Every human being has an individual heritage, which he/she values. But the value of heritage can be outweighed by some other priorities in life. In the changing dynamics of life, the charm of adopting a modern lifestyle can be a challenge to heritage. On the one hand the luxury of lifestyle may threaten the heritage but the conservation of heritage may also compromise human access to a better lifestyle. In a country like Nepal where there are less resources for development projects and even less for heritage and its conservation. Kathmandu Valley although being a capital city, faces a challenge for the regular supply of water and electricity. The Kathmandu Valley counts with seven monuments inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Water storage tanks, solar panels, cable lines etc. are a basic need for people now in every house as an alternative to the basic needs which government fails to supply. But modifications of the listed houses are not allowed according to the laws. This paper will discuss the aspects of people’s need for the right to a standard of life is compromising the World Heritage and vice versa with the examples of Kathmandu Valley. Mismanagement, a lack of concepts in planning and lack of support from the government are making people reluctant to accept the World Heritage status. The paper also deals with issues that are being faced by people i.e. lack of government support maintaining the heritage and also the burden of maintaining it. In the context of developing nations how people choose their right to World Heritage is a question to be dealt with from the perspective of developing nations.


40

Securing Peoples’ Rights to Heritage in Kenya, Liberia and Somaliland, Collaborative Solutions in Post Conflict Zones Paola Jani WHS Alumna BTU Cottbus

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 22 stipulates that “cultural rights…are indispensable from ones dignity and the free development of one’s personality”. “The objective of these rights is to guarantee that people and communities have an access to culture and can participate in the culture of their election. Cultural rights are human rights that aim at assuring the enjoyment of culture and its components in conditions of equality.” The Declaration, as international soft law, then ultimately claims that each of us have the fundamental human right to actively engage in cultural heritage as an individual cultural right. In taking a pragmatic approach to cultural rights then two cases one in Kenya and the second in Liberia are currently engaging the global commons to assert cultural rights in two very dynamic contexts. And yet both countries have been historically marginalized and excluded from dominate mainstream world heritage representation on the UNESCO World Heritage List and Tentative List. Considered “minorities” and a “racialized group” within the East-West dichotomies; these two relatively poorer countries are empowering their own sense of cultural rights by taking ownership of cultural heritage. Simultaneously Liberia is facing post-conflict reconciliation reconstruction, while Kenya grapples with few heritage property protection laws in a rapidly increasing urban expansion where architectural gems are knocked down overnight to make room for middle class growth. Utilizing virtual space on the web as a solution, Kenyans are publically advocating by celebrating cultural heritage via a participatory civic engagement approach whereby citizens vote on which buildings should be listed. Liberia is healing by preserving its physically damaged heritage by digitally documenting its oral history voiced in the memories of the survivors of war who recall heritage. What emerges in this research is that local populations are dialoguing in their cultural rights often through a painful process of heritage and identities lost by injustices now unfolding on a global public domain.


41

The Legal Framework and Critical Understanding of the Owners of Heritage. Case Study Kasubi UNESCO Site (Kampala, Uganda) Moses Katerega Bauhaus University Weimar

Heritage issues have evolved for quite a long time with the actual question being_ “what really constitutes heritage?” The answers were then well defined by the UNESCO convention of 1972 in its classification of cultural and natural heritage. Today the contentious issue is who actually owns this heritage? Well, conventionally some claim that it is for the current and future generations. But critically what is the composition of and where is the geographical location of these generations? Secondly, how are these stakeholders of heritage mandated to conserve it? To answer these questions, the legal framework has to be well interpreted at all levels of jurisdiction. This includes international, national and local levels. Using the case study of the Kasubi tomb's world heritage site in Uganda, the paper will highlight and discuss the above mentioned issues of ownership and legality drawing from the experience of the fire disaster which destroyed this heritage site.


42

Apprehending Contentious Heritage, An Interactive Platform for the Bassins à Flot of Bordeaux Louise Wilshin Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

Preliminary ideas for research arose from the singularity of the Bassins à Flot and its potential to become an attractive historic landmark within the city of Bordeaux. The Bassins à Flot, a neighbourhood centred around the wet docks of two large basins (also known as a floating harbour), is one of the last remnants of the industrial, maritime and uncomfortable military history of the city, alluding to the heritage brought on by WWII with the occupation of Bordeaux by the Germans. Today the site is subject to many development projects, including housing, shops, recreation, tourism etc., a considerable boost to the economic growth of Bordeaux and its urban surroundings. Misleading intentions by the local government, urbanists, developers etc. to keep the integrity of the historic traits and heritage of the site within the master plan would be considered by most heritage experts to be a mockery. To claim that new services would benefit the local community and a large influx of inhabitants would boost the perilous and receding economy, lures inhabitants and other stakeholders into overlooking the importance of conserving and valorising the singular character, significance, integrity and authenticity of the heritage, located within the limits of the World Heritage property, Bordeaux, Port de la Lune. A will to rediscover the memory of the docks and explore its intricate layers drove me to think of the best way to group together the vast amounts of existing information (maps, documents, photographs, testimonials...) in a practical, educational yet aesthetic and user friendly manner, in order for the community to discover and foster an interest in the many values the docks behold. To grasp an overview of the whole Storyscape and then be able to navigate into the finer details of historical events within a few straightforward manoeuvres enables the viewers to stay more focused, interested and have access to a large variety of information all in one system. This would contribute to more informed decisions making, key to successful management planning and conservation planning, in addition to developing a comprehensive master plan of the area that respects authenticity and integrity, as stipulated by the World Heritage Convention. Introducing the existing concept of an Interactive Platform usually exploited by museums, libraries, research centres or businesses, for an innovative virtual sharing device adapted to this context is an option. This platform would aim to bring together local citizens, experts, organisations, politicians and other concerned stakeholders as well as the wider community, setting aside disciplinary, cultural and spatial borders, to Book of Abstracts - The Right to [World] Heritage, BTU Cottbus -Senftenberg 2014

43

make way for communication and exchanges of ideas and experiences. Workshops and informal meetings could be organised by the platform‘s community. An awareness and overall better understanding of different perspectives concerning the multifaceted history and significance of the site would ensue and people would become more vigilant and watchful to the city project plans and their impact on the docks. Emphasising a participatory approach to decision making and policies should be a key objective of this Interactive Platform. Confrontation, arguments and vivid discussions will be inevitable and contribute to fostering awareness and deeper understanding, and to advance in good practices for management and development. Reconciliation is most important between actors and the uncomfortable heritage present at the Bassins à Flot. Some citizens may object to some of the values given to elements of the site, such as for the most prominent vestige, the WWII Nazi German Submarine Bunker, an imposing and dominating monument. The question of uncomfortable or difficult heritage arises when rejection, humiliation or hate drive the need for some to neglect and ignore, even to destroy testimony of history. A more objective viewpoint to dark heritage is the archaeological focus which values the historic fabric for its authenticity and integrity. To my greatest regret, there has always been the intention by the city and indirectly the state, to shift attention away from the memory of difficult events relating to both world wars. Bordeaux and in particular the Bassins à Flot suffer from this neglect, with many significant testimonies, both tangible and intangible, in danger of being lost forever.


44

Universal Museums: Cultural and Ethical Implications Katherine Burlingame Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

In 2002, 19 museums from North America and Europe shocked the international museum community by creating “The Declaration on the Importance and Value of Universal Museums.” Now 12 years later, there are still questions left unanswered regarding the Declaration which concretely asserts these 19 museums of North America and Europe as having universal significance through their diverse collections and prestige. Various ethical issues present themselves regarding the Declaration content itself as well as the implications which arise out of such a separation of a new class of museums clearly meant to illuminate western prestige while ignoring Asian, African, etc. museums that also hold equally as valuable and universal collections under the definitions of ‘world heritage’. Criticisms of the Declaration hold that these ‘elite’ museums might simply have written the Declaration in order to protect themselves from recent repatriation claims for their irreplaceable cultural property or they simply signed it as an act of self-interest and ostentatious assumption. Thus, the Declaration forces the museum community to ask: What gives museums the right to call themselves universal? What is universal? Do these elite museums which hold precious antiquities especially from world heritage sites from developing countries have the right to retain these collections simply because they have defined themselves to be more universally recognized? Do these limitations prevent foreign visitors from Africa or Asia from ever seeing the collections? On the other side, should national museums have the legal right to claim cultural property which only originated from their geographic territory but no longer has a direct link with the people? All of these questions and many more have become very significant debates internationally and have created a new wave of inquiries regarding museum collections, virtual tour capabilities, acquisition ethics, tourism, equal-access, foreign-museum collaboration, and repatriation. This presentation will focus on the Elgin Marbles of the Acropolis as a case study, and will attempt to answer the numerous ethical and cultural implications concerning the concept of universal museums.


45