When most people think about cultural heritage, they immediately visualize artifacts, historical buildings and archaeological sites. However, the concept is much broader and includes both tangible and intangible cultural elements that define communities.
When nonstate armed groups or despotic governments destroy or loot tangible cultural heritage, they are engaged in what is arguably a form of cultural and social genocide. Often they target monuments and objects as a means to control public space and impose their own beliefs on the world.
Definition
The term “cultural heritage” relates to the values, beliefs and traditions of a community that can be expressed through objects, places, practices and artistic interpretation. Cultural heritage is the visible traces of the way people have lived, and it helps build a sense of place, strengthens the bond between communities, inspires local pride, emboldens responsibility to society at large and provides a bridge to our shared history.
Traditionally, the term has been applied to tangible cultural heritage, such as buildings, sites and monuments, works of art and other physical districts significant in cultural history. However, UNESCO’s definition of cultural heritage includes both intangible and tangible elements:
What is included in this broad definition of heritage is determined by the communities that create, conserve and transmit it. This community-based approach is a vital part of preserving cultural heritage, as it is a human right and a crucial element of individual and collective identity. It is also an important tool for building resilience after disasters and conflicts, when communities need to identify what will be rebuilt.
Impact
Cultural heritage provides a connection to the past and serves as an anchor of identity. It is also a resource for sustainable practices and influences psychological well-being. However, cultural heritage is not without its complexities. It can be a source of contention and polarization, as diverse groups may have different interpretations of heritage and experiences. It is therefore essential to ensure that preservation efforts are inclusive and respectful of marginalized communities.
Cultural heritage is both tangible and intangible, and includes a wide variety of materials from monuments and museums to artifacts and archives. It can be the foundation of a nation’s collective memory and a powerful force for social cohesion. Festivals, public monuments and historical sites are all examples of cultural heritage, bringing people together to celebrate shared history.
Intangible cultural heritage includes languages, traditions, oral histories and knowledge systems. It is important to protect this heritage, as it is often a source of pride for communities.
Preservation and conservation
The preservation and conservation of cultural heritage is an interdisciplinary process. Conservators typically have backgrounds in the arts, sciences (such as chemistry, biology and materials science), and closely related disciplines like art history, archaeology, and anthropology. They may also have design, engineering and fabrication skills.
Cultural heritage is not restricted to national boundaries, and international cooperation in the field is vital. Cultural heritage is often threatened by global forces, such as rapid urbanization, climate change, and armed conflicts and wars that result in the destruction or looting of cultural objects.
Cultural heritage is also subject to selective preservation, which can be used to support nationalistic or imperial agendas. This is particularly evident in the case of Erdogan’s decision to reconvert the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Another controversial issue is the idea of heritage as a world public good or even as a global human right, which would involve sharing heritage with other nations and people around the globe.
Technology
Digital technology is playing a major role in the preservation of cultural heritage, both material and intangible. It is empowering communities to maintain their unique cultural identities in the face of globalization and a changing world. From preserving traditional dances to recording oral histories, technology provides tools for nonmaterial heritage to be documented and preserved for the future.
In addition, it allows a broader audience to experience the heritage and connect with it. This democratization of access can help raise awareness and foster cultural exchange.
However, it is also important to note that technology has its own impact on the environment. The production of hardware, the energy used to run data centers, and electronic waste can have a significant impact on our planet. To avoid this, we must work to ensure that our technological systems are sustainable. This can be done by reducing waste, using renewable energy, and promoting greener transportation. This requires a holistic approach that considers all aspects of the impact of cultural technology.