Cultural heritage and cultural property are both significant aspects of a nation’s identity and history. However, the preservation of cultural heritage should be prioritized over cultural property. While cultural property, such as valuable paintings, sculptures, and objects, is undoubtedly a part of the nation’s culture, it represents only a small fraction of the heritage.
Firstly, cultural heritage is irreplaceable and unique. Culture is not just what we see on a books page or a canvas painting that can be reproduced. It is more than that. Cultural heritage is a term that includes buildings, artifacts, traditions, and ways of life that have been passed down from generations to generations. Cultural heritage is proof of our existence, and it is essential to preserve it for future generations.
Secondly, cultural property is often treated as a commodity and is vulnerable to theft and destruction. Artists and collectors have a financial interest in cultural property, which puts it at risk of theft and destruction. For example, the Taliban’s destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in 2001 highlights the vulnerabilities of cultural property. But the destruction of cultural heritage, such as the burning of the Library of Alexandria or the destruction of Palmyra, has also resulted in significant losses for humanity.
Thirdly, cultural heritage promotes social cohesion and inclusion. Heritage sites and traditions bring communities together and provide them with a sense of identity. When cultural heritage is preserved, it retains the country’s history and traditions, which encourages people to preserve their culture and respect other cultures. Further, the preservation of cultural heritage provides social and economic benefits for local communities.
Lastly, cultural heritage preservation is essential to understanding the past and planning for the future. When heritage sites and traditions are preserved, we can learn about the people who lived before us, their daily lives, and how they interacted with their environment. By understanding our past, we can better plan for our future.
In conclusion, cultural heritage preservation should be a priority over cultural property. Heritage sites and traditions are irreplaceable and unique, promote social cohesion and community inclusion, and provide us with insight into our past, present, and future. While cultural property has its place in society, it should not be prioritized over cultural heritage. Thus, it is our collective responsibility to preserve our cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations.
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