Cultural Heritage and Development in Fragile Contexts

This open access book discusses cooperation strategies for safeguarding cultural heritage in nations facing diverse forms of fragility. Through case studies and a critical analysis, it explores preserving cultural heritage to spur regional socioeconomic development and community empowerment, focusing mainly on the Middle East.
The book centers around the World Heritage Site of Bamiyan, Afghanistan, following the government upheaval in August 2021. It begins with an overview of cultural heritage protection efforts since UNESCO designated Bamiyan Valley as a World Heritage Site in 2003, reflecting on challenges and successes before Taliban rule. 
The second section examines links between heritage preservation and policies addressing urban and demographic growth in Bamiyan and other Afghan cities, using data from the 2018 "Bamiyan Strategic Masterplan" by Florence University.
The third part compares methodologies for cultural heritage preservation in the Middle East by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, UNESCO, and international NGOs. It highlights the relationship between heritage protection, development, and addressing social and economic challenges. In the concluding section, the book synthesizes research findings and operational approaches, providing a nuanced understanding of the cultural heritage, development, and fragility in the Middle East.
Concluding with a thoughtful synthesis in the fourth section, the book offers a comprehensive report on key research findings and operational approaches, presenting a nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between cultural heritage, development, and fragility in the Middle East.