This article provides a comprehensive overview of heritage conservation, the impact of destruction due to conflicts and the pros and cons of reconstruction of the area.
The intent of the article was to understand the importance of historic sites and the conservation of the site, which creates the history of the urban core. But when the is specified with the tag line “Destroyed in armed conflict”, do we have to reconstruct the historic urban area or not! The selection of heritage sites is not a single step. The site is undergone different steps like identifying, recording, analyzing and protecting.
Throughout the study, I have gone through the understanding of heritage, importance of conservation. I have also gone through some examples of the heritage sites that undergone armed conflicts.
Introduction
Heritage is the replica of the past history and culture of the nation. It possesses historical value and architectural value. The heritage sites are also related to political, social and religious events. Conservation of heritage building, buildings plays an important role in the development of cities and defines the landmark for the area. Though heritage buildings should undergo degradation with time and are unable to gain the purpose of the building or area, it generates the economy by supporting the tourism industry. It gives a sense of identity for the urban core and helps in the growth of the surrounding area.
(Heritage Canada Foundation website, 20 December 2012) explains that Canada had lost its heritage and identity by 20% due to the demolition of heritage building for the new developments. Therefore, heritage buildings are to be protected and the guidelines are to be set.
I strongly believe that, by looking forward to the urban scale, the area that is being destroyed by armed conflict can be reconstructed which increases the value of the area and the land is been used again without changing the heritage value and by creating a usable space for the people.
Some of the examples of the sites that affected due to the armed conflict or natural destruction are:
Building on the experiences of the German support provided over many years during the renovation of the old city of Aleppo prior to the outbreak of the conflict in Syria, German specialists are collaborating with experts from the Syrian diaspora and with organisations and individuals from other countries in the region to develop concepts for safeguarding the urban cultural heritage.
The Archaeological Heritage Network (Archer Net)
The “Urban Cultural Heritage in Conflict Regions” project supported by the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) under the umbrella of the Archaeological Heritage Network (Archer Net).
They prepare and assist the safeguard and restoration of cultural heritage that was destroyed during the war. The aim of the project is to contribute to the creation of basic conditions for the safeguarding and restoration of urban cultural heritage in Near Eastern post-conflict situations. The organization also sets a platform for the people who are been affected by war conflicts.
Example
Urban cultural heritage in conflict regions: This is one of the projects that was undertaken by Archer Net. Many of the Eastern countries were affected and destroyed by armed conflicts and war. One of the most affected heritage cities was Aleppo in Syria.
After the war, the cultural – sensitive of the historic old town is often endangered, and where basic infrastructure services and housing became the priority. In most cases, modernization of urban structure is done.
Conclusion
Reconstruction can heal but it may also generate new waves of hostility and division. It can be effective as a collaboration between different parties with varying abilities and means – local, state, regional and international. Successful reconstruction precedents need to be publicized and compared in order to share methods and practice. Reconstruction can be done by keeping the memory of aspects of this city that needs to be taken into consideration.
Citations and Reference
(UKEssays.com, November 2019, The Importance of Heritage Conservation) https://www.ukessays.com/essays/environmental-sciences/heritage-conservation-is-important-for-identifying-environmental-sciences-essay.php
(Archer Net, July 2019, Urban Cultural Heritage in Conflict Regions)
https://www.archernet.org/en/2018/06/06/urban-cultural-heritage-in-conflict-regions/
https://www.brandeis.edu/ethics/peacebuildingarts/pdfs/libraryauthors/2015_10_KristinParker_HeritageandReconciliation_Final.pdf
https://www.urbanconflicts.arct.cam.ac.uk/downloads/briefing-paper-11-2019.pdf
http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/530541512657033401/pdf/121943-WP-P161647-PUBLIC-Syria-Damage-Assessment.pdf