Controversial Heritage and Divided Memories from the Nineteenth Through the Twentieth Centuries: Multi-Ethnic Cities in the Mediterranean World, Volume 2

Cultural heritage plays a significant role in multi-ethnic societies, but it can also become a symbol of conflictual histories. This book explores the concepts of memory, culture, monuments, and their uses in various case studies across the Mediterranean, from 19th-century Salonica to the recent post-war reconstructions of Beirut and Sarajevo.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In multi-ethnic societies, where cultural memory is frequently polarized by competing identity traditions, the role of cultural heritage is a complex and multifaceted issue. Monuments, which are often seen as symbols of national unity, can also become emblems of the conflicting histories that continue to divide societies. This book explores the issue of heritage, examining the concepts of memory, culture, monuments, and their various uses in a range of case studies spanning from the 19th-century Salonica, Port Said, the Palestinian region under Ottoman rule, Trieste and Rijeka under the Hapsburgs, to the recent post-war reconstructions of Beirut and Sarajevo.

The cosmopolitanism that flourished across the Mediterranean during the age of empires serves as a starting point for this book. It examines how different cultures interacted and exchanged ideas, leading to the creation of a shared cultural heritage. The book also explores the ways in which this heritage has been preserved and celebrated, as well as the challenges that have been faced in maintaining it.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of memory in shaping cultural heritage. It explores how memories of past events and experiences can influence how individuals and communities perceive and interpret their cultural heritage. The book also examines the ways in which cultural heritage can be used to promote social cohesion and understanding among different ethnic groups.

Another theme of the book is the role of culture in shaping cultural heritage. It explores how cultural practices, beliefs, and values can be passed down from generation to generation, and how they can contribute to the identity and sense of belonging of a community. The book also examines the ways in which cultural heritage can be used to promote cultural diversity and tolerance.

Monuments are a significant part of cultural heritage, and they play a crucial role in shaping how individuals and communities perceive and interpret their cultural heritage. The book examines the various uses of monuments, including their symbolic significance, their historical significance, and their educational significance. It also explores the challenges that have been faced in preserving and restoring monuments, particularly in contexts where there is conflict or political instability.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the role of cultural heritage in multi-ethnic societies. It examines the concepts of memory, culture, monuments, and their various uses in a range of case studies, from the 19th-century to the present day. The book highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage, as well as the challenges that are faced in maintaining it in the face of changing social and political contexts.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367545703