Changes in the Understanding of Cultural Heritage from the Twentieth Century to the Present and its Effects on International Conservation Legislation
Abstract
Cultural heritage, encompassing both tangible and intangible elements, serves as a fundamental component of humanity's identity and facilitates a connection with the past. Due to this characteristic, the conservation of cultural heritage has become one of the significant issues on humanity's agenda in the 21st century. Accordingly, defining principles, objectives, strategies, and tools for the preservation of the authenticity and integrity of cultural heritage at the international level is of vital importance. This study identifies its research problem as: "Which dynamics have influenced the transformation of the cultural heritage concept, and how has this transformation impacted international conservation legislation?" The aim of the study is to examine the evolution of the cultural heritage concept, the underlying reasons for this transformation, and its reflections on international conservation legislation. To achieve this aim, international conventions developed by supranational organizations from the early 20th century-when cultural heritage legislation first emerged-until the present day have been analyzed. The selection of conventions was based on their introduction of innovative perspectives and their status as foundational texts. The analysis was conducted using five criteria: the validity scale of the convention, its subject matter, the key concepts employed, the underlying approach to cultural heritage, and the nature of the changes it embodies. The research findings reveal that, over approximately a century, the understanding of cultural heritage has undergone three distinct phases: institutionalization, diversification, and localization. It has also been determined that international conservation legislation has continuously evolved in response to these changes, aiming to define principles, strategies, and tools complied to each period.
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