Cultural heritage refers to artefacts, buildings and places that possess a diversity of values including historical, artistic, aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological, scientific and social. The concept encompasses intangible cultural heritage, as well. The value of cultural heritage is rooted in the fact that it reflects the past and embodies values, traditions and beliefs of human communities. It binds them together in a shared identity and gives them a sense of continuity that transcends borders and generations.
The concept of cultural heritage has evolved over time. It originally emerged as a collection of objects, and later acquired documentary value and was revalued as an expression of the identity of peoples. It is now considered a vital component of human culture and an important factor for the development of societies. The preservation and protection of cultural heritage are essential for a harmonious future and sustainable economic development.
Heritage is a key resource for enhancing socio-cultural ties and fostering tourism development. It can also help in strengthening the image of a place or destination and in improving its competitiveness in the global market. However, cultural heritage is not immune from the impacts of war and disaster, which can destroy valuable collections and damage their sites.
Cultural heritage is often a source of tension, and the contested meanings attached to it contribute to the politicization of the field. For example, a museum may be perceived as a symbol of Western colonialism by some people and as a source of pride for others. The debate about the definition of heritage and its relationship with national identities is complex, as it involves the tension between the needs of different communities and the need to safeguard the world’s cultural wealth.
In this context, scholarly research on cultural heritage has become increasingly internationalized and democratized. It is characterized by the application of methods and tools from other disciplines such as science and technology, with an emphasis on research evaluation based on productivity metrics and quality assessment borrowed from natural sciences.
This expansion of scholarship can be attributed to the increasing recognition of the importance of cultural heritage and its protection. It is also linked to a change in the cultural heritage regime, which has been marked by increased involvement of civil society and a shift away from traditional governmental authority.
Moreover, the notion of cultural heritage has been redefined in light of new challenges, such as the need to address cultural sustainability, climate change, and conflict, and the importance of the role of indigenous knowledge. The current rethinking of the cultural heritage paradigm is a fundamental one, and it is imperative that the broader community of scholars and practitioners join in this effort to shape its future. It is essential that it be a democratic process, with the participation of all stakeholders and the inclusion of women and minority groups. This will ensure that cultural heritage is valued and cherished for the benefit of humanity, and that it is used as an instrument for peace and understanding.