Exploring the Past, Shaping the Future: Heritage and Intercultural Exchange: Architecture, Monuments and Urbanism along the Silk Roads
©Mustafa Ari / UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk RoadsOn 4 December 2024, UNESCO Social and Human Sciences Sector hosted an event at the Organization’s Headquarters to celebrate the upcoming publication of the second volume of the "Thematic Collection of the Cultural Exchanges along the Silk Roads", focusing on ‘Architecture, Monuments and Urbanism’. The event also featured a special exhibition and a roundtable on the same theme, illustrating key highlights of the publication and showcasing the historical and cultural heritage along the Silk Roads, the evolution of architecture, urbanism, and the exchange of knowledge in technologies and materials that spurred the development of civilizations.
Both the publication and the exhibition are the result of a two-year collaborative effort between the UNESCO Social and Human Sciences Sector’s Silk Roads Programme, and the city of Nanjing. This collaboration highlights the importance of global partnerships in preserving and celebrating the shared legacy of the Silk Roads.
The event gathered ambassadors and representatives from multiple Member States, along some authors of the publication, scholars, experts, and guests from around the world. Together, they celebrated this achievement and engaged in meaningful discussions on the historical and cultural significance of the Silk Roads, highlighting the enduring legacy of this interconnected network of civilizations and reaffirming its relevance in fostering dialogue and exchanges in the current global context, marked by conflicts and violences.
Official Opening of the Exhibition: Opening the doors to history
The UNESCO Headquarters’ Hall des Pas Perdus came alive with the opening of the exhibition, featuring speeches from Ms Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, H.E. Ms Xinyu Yang, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of People’s Republic of China to UNESCO, and Ms Xiaoyan Wang, Director-General of the Information Office of Nanjing Municipal Government. Participants visited exhibition walls, which provided a captivating journey through time, making attendees connect with the rich cultural legacy that shaped the development of civilizations.
Roundtable with authors and experts: A rich dialogue across time
The afternoon session drew a large and enthusiastic audience eager to engage with the contributing authors and experts of the publication, who shared their research and perspectives on the architectural legacies along the maritime and overland historic routes.
The dynamic discussions provided deeper understanding of architectural exchange, urban typographies and planning, as well as monuments that shaped cities and urban centres along the Silk Roads. The speakers emphasized how these cultural exchanges influenced modern identities and societies, while also addressing the importance of protecting these legacies for future generations. Additionally, the conversations highlighted how the constant intercultural dialogue and exchanges can contribute to the progress human civilizations.
The launch event, exhibition and roundtable for this publication celebrated its achievements, and served as a platform for dialogue among experts and authors featured in this volume, with its rich content and presentations, the event brought together voices from across the globe.