Exploring the New World Heritage Sites of 2019
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites are considered among the most valuable and cherished places on earth, and every year, new sites are added to this prestigious list. In 2019, a total of 29 new world heritage sites were recognized and added to this list. These places, with their singular cultural, historical, and natural value, are worthy of exploration and discovery. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the new world heritage sites of 2019 and discover their rich heritage and significance.
1. Babylon, Iraq
Babylon, the ancient city located in modern-day Iraq, bears witness to more than 4,000 years of human civilization and development. Its iconic zigzagging walls and hanging gardens were considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Babylon served as the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and was later conquered by Persians and Alexander the Great’s armies. Today, the site contains ruins of the city’s famous palaces, temples, walls, and cemeteries.
2. The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, US
Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the greatest American architects of the 20th century. His innovative and visionary designs influenced the development of modern architecture. This site covers eight of his signature buildings, including his famous Fallingwater House in Pennsylvania and Unity Temple in Illinois. These buildings showcase Wright’s organic and natural style, which incorporates elements of nature into the design of the buildings.
3. Risco Caido and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, Spain
The sacred landscapes of the Risco Caido and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria date back to the pre-Hispanic era of the Canary Islands. The site preserves a unique blend of astronomical and religious traditions of the ancient indigenous people living on the islands. The carved caves and rock art reflect the cosmological beliefs and rituals of the aboriginal people, and their deep connection to the natural world.
4. Jaipur City, India
Jaipur, the Pink City of India, is a unique fusion of Mughal, Rajput, and European architectural styles. The city’s orderly grid layout, majestic palaces, and ornate temples reflect the aesthetic and cultural values of medieval Indian society. The site also includes the famous Jantar Mantar Observatory complex, built in the 18th century, which embodies the scientific and astronomical knowledge of the time.
5. Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, Australia
Budj Bim is a cultural landscape that spans over 100,000 years of continuous human occupation in south-eastern Australia. The area was created by the Gunditjmara people using an elaborate system of stone-walled traps to harvest eels from nearby lakes. This unique engineering marvel is one of the oldest aquaculture systems in the world. The site also retains evidence of the Gunditjmara’s settlement, burial sites, and stone dwellings.
Conclusion
The new world heritage sites of 2019 offer us diverse and exciting insights into the human experience and our relationship with the natural world. These sites serve as a testament to the legacy of past generations, shaped by their creativity, imagination, and technical prowess. As we explore these new sites, we are reminded of our obligation to preserve and protect these treasures for future generations.
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