Revisiting the Conditions of Authenticity for Built Heritage in Areas of Conflict

Abstract

This article examines the application of conditions of authenticity within the context of built heritage management in areas of political conflict, where heritage management can be seen as a political act rather than a means of protection. It focuses on values attributed to built heritage that can be targeted or reinvented by the dominant power in areas of conflict with minorities being powerless to intervene. The argument is built around the Agios Synesios Church in North Cyprus, which continued to be used by the Greek Cypriot minority following the island division in 1974. Although their way of life has been compromised, they have embraced forced change through using the church to maintain their ritual and religious practices; by doing so, they negotiate their values towards their heritage. In this case, the study shows that the conditions of authenticity are difficult to meet, given the means through which heritage management can be manipulated. Accordingly, the article aims to contribute to general discussions on the vagueness and enigmatic conditions of authenticity in areas of conflict. Different buildings in areas of conflict around the world suffer because of the political nature of heritage management, which makes the criteria of authenticity unviable.

Human Psychology and Destination Preference at Religious Sites

“…Built heritage values are shaped by the settings and players engaged at any given time and place, and they are liable to change. Authenticity, a core idea in heritage protection, may be affected as there is change in techniques to heritage management (15). Site managers must combine the requirements and wishes of local residents and visitors with World Heritage preservation values, which can reinforce the idea that integrity and authenticity are important in directing preservation efforts and balancing the interests and goals of diverse stakeholders (16).…”

Criteria of “Effectiveness” and Related Aspects in Adaptive Reuse Projects of Heritage Buildings

“…Though it may seem that sublimation of heritage buildings focuses mainly on preserving the materiality of the buildings, it concerns preserving the culture and authenticity through preservation of specific historic features [54][55][56]. Reviewing the NRP jury reports supported this belief and led to a division of this criterion into two groups of aspects: "cultural aspects" and "architectural aspects".…”

An Integrated SWOT-PESTLE-AHP Model Assessing Sustainability in Adaptive Reuse Projects

“…By giving new life to historic, iconic, or well-loved buildings, or even landmarks of a distinctive identity, the character of the particular part of the city is strengthened, imparting a sense of familiarity [140,141]. This sense of familiarity, the memory between spatial settings and material consistency [142], and authenticity [143], through conservation of certain historical aspects [144], contribute to the socio-cultural tenet, with benefits in this context felt by a wider region, such as community well-being and involvement, visual amenity, attractiveness, increased safety, and social sustainability at large [145][146][147]. New uses seeking community benefits are associated with local populations and district history, identity, and quality of life, and thereafter address the broader concept of sustainable development that includes equity and well-being [148,149].…”