Cultural heritage is a shared wealth with outstanding universal value. It includes historical places, monuments, buildings, works of art, folklore, and traditions. It is a source of inspiration and identity for people around the world.
The concept of cultural heritage is a complex one. It is based on historically changing value systems. Therefore, the definitions of what is considered cultural heritage may change from one time to another.
Cultural heritage is a shared wealth with outstanding universal value
Heritage can include art, monuments, sites, and museums that have outstanding universal value from an historical, aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological point of view. It can also include natural heritage sites that are of exceptional importance for the conservation of nature. These include landscapes and geological formations, as well as culturally or spiritually significant locations such as Stonehenge, the Giza pyramids plateau, the plain of Runnymede, and other sites associated with important events.
The purposeful destruction of tangible heritage by nonstate armed groups, despotic governments, or invading armies inflicts losses that go far beyond the physical destruction of monuments. Better estimation of the total values of heritage helps national and international societies focus on a wider dimension of these mass atrocities.
It is a shared identity
Heritage is a part of the identity of a region or community, and helps to shape the way in which it perceives itself and interacts with other communities. It is also an important source of pride for people who are closely connected to it. This is why it is important to preserve cultural heritage sites.
The concept of cultural heritage developed over time, and reflects the different values that were attached to monuments, buildings, works of art, folklore, and landscapes. This led to the emergence of terms like “outstanding universal value” and “belonging to humanity.”
Cultural heritage is more than just history. It can include traditions, beliefs, and even family lines. But it is important to remember that not all cultures are the same, and that cultural heritage can be positive and uplifting – or negative and harmful. It is important to identify your cultural heritage, and to be brave enough to let go of any negative or false beliefs.
It is a source of inspiration
Cultural heritage provides a wellspring of inspiration for modern architectural design. By integrating traditional elements with contemporary innovation, architects create structures that reflect the identity of a community. These structures can also serve as a source of pride and respect for the past.
The term “cultural heritage” encompasses artifacts, monuments, buildings and archaeological sites that have a diversity of values (symbolic, historic, artistic, aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological, scientific, social) rooted in culture. It also includes intangible cultural heritage, as well as natural heritage.
As a result, the definition of cultural heritage is constantly evolving. What was deemed important in one time period might be forgotten or lost in the next, for a variety of reasons. Therefore, it is important that we are always looking for ways to protect this heritage. In addition to physical preservation, cultural heritage must also be preserved in the mind. This is why we need to continue to learn from the past and look for new sources of inspiration.
It is a source of income
In addition to its intrinsic value, cultural heritage also has an economic significance. This is because it can generate income through tourism, gastronomy and other activities. In turn, these businesses can support the preservation of the heritage itself. This is especially important when it comes to places that are experiencing natural or man-made disasters.
The UNESCO definition of cultural heritage defines it as artefacts, monuments, groups of buildings and sites, and areas that have outstanding universal value from a historical, aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological point of view. This includes a wide range of heritage elements, from museums to historic cities and their surroundings.
As globalization and connectivity increase, there is a growing demand for cultural heritage. People want to see how cultures have evolved over time and experience them personally. Sustainable cultural heritage preserves traditions and makes them available to everyone. It can also help boost the economy and contribute to sustainable development goals. This is why Transkribus is committed to helping preserve and protect cultural heritage.