A university observatory complex in Russia’s fifth largest city has been added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage.
From classical astrology to modern astrophysics
To qualify for the list, the UN agency’s committee must agree that candidate sites are of “outstanding universal value.” The committee is currently meeting in Saudi Arabia for its 45th session.
The astronomical observatories in the Tartarstan region of Russia are said to demonstrate the transition from classical astronomy to modern astrophysics, with one built in 1837 in the historical centre of the city of Kazan, and the other designed and built in 1901 for extensive observations and optimised for night-sky conditions.
The decision to add the Russian site to the UNESCO list comes on the heels of two previously-recognised Ukrainian treasures being added to a related list – of world heritage in danger – last week. The Ukrainian sites were listed “due to the threat of destruction the Russian offensive poses,” said a statement issued by the agency.
Controversial?
The process of adding sites to the UNESCO lists is sometimes controversial. Ukraine celebrated the additional funding, technical aid and worldwide support that being listed as at risk would entail. But officials from Venice also celebrated last week when their city avoided being listed as endangered.
Among other decisions made in this year’s round of discissions, the ancient Palestinian city of Jericho, also known as Tell Es-Sultan, has been added to the World Heritage list. This was received warmly by Palestine, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates saying: “The UNESCO decision is an affirmation of Jericho’s rich, uninterrupted and long-lasting heritage as embodied by 10,000 years of human development.”
Palestine also used the occasion to celebrate “the international community’s endorsement of Palestine’s invaluable contribution to world history and human heritage and Palestinian right to self-determination over their cultural resources and rights.”
UNESCO designates ancient Jericho ruins “Tell Es-Sultan” as World Heritage Site. pic.twitter.com/tCVa5Hd1Y5
— Alaa Daraghme (@AlaaDaraghme) September 19, 2023
Mountains, burial mounds and Viking fortresses
The sites chosen by the committee, whose acronym reflects its “educational, scientific and cultural” remit, are hugely diverse, and recent successful nominees include: Ethiopia’s 830-square miles Bale Mountains National Park; a cluster of Gaya Kingdom burial mounds in South Korea; and Denmark’s Viking ringforts, all built during the reign of Harold Blueteeth more than 1,000 years ago.
UNESCO adds Ethiopia’s #Bale_Mountains_NationalPark to its World Heritage List. The Bale Mountains National Park becomes the 2nd 🇪🇹n natural heritage site, following Semien Mountains National Park, to receive this prestigious designation from UNESCO.#EthiopiaLandofOrigins pic.twitter.com/CeBWonXoIj
— Ethiopian Embassy US (@ethembassyUS) September 18, 2023
Congo’s Odzala-Kokoua Forest Massif, one of Africa’s oldest national parks and a recognised “biosphere” was also added this weekend, in addition to Martinique’s “Pitons”, characterised by volcanic spires and lush forests.
