Definition of Cultural Heritage -- References to ... - CIF - Icomos

ICCROM Working Group 'Heritage and Society' / / JJ
- the formal appearance, interior and exterior, of buildings as defined by
scale, size, style, construction materials, colour and decoration;
- the relationship between the town or urban area and its surrounding
setting, both natural and man-made;
- the various functions that the town or urban area has acquired over time.
Any threat to these qualities would compromise the authenticity of the historic
town or urban area.
3. The participation and the involvement of the residents are essential to the success
of the conservation programme and should be encouraged. The conservation of
historic towns and urban areas concerns their residents first of all.
4. Conservation in an historic town or urban area demands prudence, a systematic
approach and discipline. Rigidity should be avoided since individual cases may
present specific problems.
1988, Iran (Statutes)
Statutes of the Iranian Cultural Heritage Organisation, Sazeman-e Miras-e Farhanghi-e
Keshvar (N. 3487-Q, 28.4.1367 Iranian calendar)
Article 1) Definition: Cultural heritage consists of the resources remaining from the
past that evidence the passage of man through history; recognising these
resources, makes it possible to learn about the identity and the line of man's
cultural evolution, and in this way to create a context for receiving lessons.
1990, ICOMOS Charter (Archaeology)
International Charter for Archaeological Heritage Management
Introduction
** It is widely recognized that a knowledge and understanding of the origins and
development of human societies is of fundamental importance to humanity in
identifying its cultural and social roots. The archaeological heritage constitutes
the basic record of past human activities. Its protection and proper management
is therefore essential to enable archaeologists and other scholars to study and
interpret it on behalf of and for the benefit of present and future generations.
The protection of this heritage cannot be based upon the application of
archaeological techniques alone. It requires a wider basis of professional and
scientific knowledge and skills. Some elements of the archaeological heritage are
components of architectural structures and in such cases must be protected in
accordance with the criteria for the protection of such structures laid down in the
1964 Venice Charter on the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and
Sites. Other elements of the archaeological heritage constitute part of the living
traditions of indigenous peoples and for such sites and monuments the
participation of local cultural groups is essential to their protection and
preservation. ...
1. The archaeological heritage is that part of the material heritage in respect of which
archaeological methods provide primary information. It comprises all vestiges of
human existence and consists of places relating to all manifestations of human
activity, abandoned structures and remains of all kinds (including subterranean
and underwater sites), together with all the portable cultural material associated
with them.
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