Publication of 'Architecture, Monuments and Urbanism' volume of the "Thematic Collection of the Cultural Exchanges along the Silk Roads"

UNESCO is pleased to announce the online publication of trilogy on ‘Architecture, Monuments and Urbanism’ of the UNESCO’s ‘Thematic Collection of the Cultural Exchanges along the Silk Roads’, a multi-volume series which cultivates a better understanding of the rich history of the Silk Roads and their contemporary legacy and relevance. Developed jointly by UNESCO, the World Historical and Cultural Cities Expo, and the Nanjing Creative Center (China), this groundbreaking trilogy features contributions from internationally renowned scholars and experts in the fields of architecture and cultural exchanges along the Silk Roads.

By harnessing the wealth of expertise UNESCO has developed on this subject, the Thematic Collection identifies and promotes the concrete fields and elements that have facilitated and been generated from the cultural interactions and exchanges along these historic routes. Furthering the aims of the UNESCO Silk Roads Programme, the Thematic Collection promotes intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding to achieve sustainable peace and development in the current globalized world. 

With each part dedicated to a unique theme – Architectural Influences, Cities along the Silk Roads, and Maritime Networks and Port Cities – this trilogy explores the multi-layered interactions between people and cultures along the Silk Roads. It highlights human creativity, conflicts, and natural disasters that shaped their distinctive architecture and urbanism from Eastern Asia to the Iberian Peninsula. 

Part I provides an overview of urban and cultural landscapes, focusing on building typologies and their architectural evolution through knowledge exchanges in technologies and materials. Part II examines the cities along the overland Silk Roads as hubs of co-existence, discussing each at its peak within key historical periods. Part III delves into ports along the maritime Silk Routes, illustrating human resilience in advancing maritime networks and urban developments that connected continents, seas, and oceans over centuries.

The trilogy was led, and edited by Elena Paskaleva and Michael Turner, whose intellectual leadership and contributions as principal authors were essential to the realization of this publication Their vision brought together a distinguished group of experts in urban planning, archaeology, and architecture from around the world, offering a truly global perspective on the architectural and urban heritage of the Silk Roads.

The trilogy is available on the UNESCO Digital Library:

Part I: Architectural influences along the Silk Roads

Part II: Cities on the overland Silk Roads

Part III: Cultural networks and sea ports on the maritime Silk Routes