Heritage and Intercultural Exchange: Architecture, Monuments and Urbanism along the Silk Roads

UNESCO is pleased to announce the launch of the second volume of the "Thematic Collection of the Cultural Exchanges along the Silk Roads", focusing on ‘Architecture, Monuments, and Urbanism’. This launch is accompanied by an exhibition dedicated to the same theme. Both the publication and the exhibition are the result of a collaborative effort between the UNESCO Silk Roads Programme within the Social and Human Sciences Sector, the Nanjing Creative Center, and the Nanjing World Historical and Cultural Cities Expo.

Programme

Opening of the exhibition Heritage and Intercultural Exchange: Architecture, Monuments and Urbanism along the Silk Roads – 13:00 | Salle des Pas Perdus

The exhibition highlights the creativity of humanity, as well as the conflicts and natural disasters that shaped the distinctive architecture and urbanism of the Silk Roads. It offers a comprehensive overview of urban and cultural landscapes, with a focus on building typologies and their architectural evolution, driven by exchanges of knowledge in technologies and materials. The exhibition further explores the cities along the overland Silk Roads as hubs of coexistence, showcasing selected cities at their peak within the context of prominent dynasties, empires, or caliphates. It also delves into the ports of the maritime Silk Routes, illustrating human resilience in advancing maritime networks and fostering critical urban developments that connected continents, seas, and oceans. 

Launching of the Thematic Collection of the Cultural Exchanges along the Silk Roads: Architecture, Monuments, and Urbanism – 15:00 to 18:00 | Room IX

This new volume explores the architectural achievements and urban planning that shaped the rich cultural landscapes along the historic Silk Roads. It highlights the exchange of architectural styles, innovations in urban design, and approaches to the conservation of monuments, illustrating the profound diversity and intercultural connections among the civilizations of the Silk Roads.

The launch event will feature presentations by some of the contributing authors who will share their research and perspectives on these architectural and urban legacies. Participants will gain insights into how these historical exchanges continue to inspire contemporary cultural dialogues and efforts in heritage preservation.

To attend in person, please register via this link

Practical Information:

• Date and time: Wednesday 4 December 2024, from 15:00 to 18:00 pm (Paris time)
• Location: UNESCO Headquarters – Room IX
• Entrance: 125, avenue de Suffren, 75007 Paris 
• Metro: Line 10 Ségur-UNESCO, line 6 Cambronne, line 8 École Militaire 
• Bus: 28, 87, 80, 82 
• Vélib stations: 7018 (Ségur) or 7013 (Duroc)