Introducing the Newly Inscribed World Heritage Sites in 2020
Every year, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designates new sites around the world as World Heritage Sites. These sites are considered to be of outstanding value and importance to humanity and are protected from destruction or exploitation. In 2020, there were 29 new sites inscribed on the coveted list, ten of which are brand new. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 newly inscribed World Heritage Sites in 2020.
1. Dilmun Burial Mounds, Bahrain
The Dilmun Burial Mounds are a group of burial mounds in Bahrain dating back to around 2050 BC. The mounds are evidence of the Dilmun civilization, which was a major trading center in the ancient world. The mounds range in size from single-chamber tombs to more complex multi-chambered ones. This World Heritage Site is an important testament to the cultural heritage of Bahrain and the wider region.
2. Jaipur City, India
Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan and was named a World Heritage Site in 2020 for its exceptional urban planning and architecture. The city was built in the early 18th century and features an array of impressive buildings, including the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).
3. Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, Madrid, Spain
Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro Park is a cultural landscape inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2020. The site comprises the Prado Boulevard, the Buen Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro), and fountains, statues, and cafes that line the area. The landscape is an example of the fusion of art, science, leisure, and nature, and is a unique and representative example of 17th-century landscape design.
4. The Persian Qanat, Iran
The Persian Qanat is a subterranean water management system that dates back to ancient Persia. This World Heritage Site represents the development of traditional underground irrigation systems that have been in use for more than 3,000 years and continue to provide agricultural water to drylands. The Persian Qanat is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of ancient civilizations in the face of water scarcity.
5. The Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, China
The Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City is a cultural site that dates back to the Neolithic period in China. This World Heritage Site includes the remains of a large city that covers an area of more than 30 square kilometers and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in China. The site provides insight into prehistoric civilization and offers evidence of the emergence and development of early human societies in the region.
6. The Padua Botanical Garden, Italy
The Padua Botanical Garden is one of the oldest in the world and was established in 1545. This World Heritage Site is home to more than 7,000 plant species and is a testament to the scientific and cultural exchange that was taking place in Europe during the Renaissance. The garden has been a source of inspiration for scientists and botanists for more than 400 years, and continues to be an important center for botanical research.
7. The Ancient City of Qalhat, Oman
The Ancient City of Qalhat is a cultural site located on the east coast of Oman. The city was established in the 11th century and was a major center for trade and commerce in the region. This World Heritage Site includes the remains of the city’s fortifications, a mausoleum, and a mosque, providing insight into the architecture and lifestyles of the people who lived there. The site is an important testament to the economic and cultural exchange that was taking place in the Middle East during the medieval period.
8. The Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region, North Macedonia
The Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region is a mixed site designated as a World Heritage Site in 2020. The region includes the city of Ohrid, the Ohrid Lake, and several important cultural sites, including monasteries, churches, and archaeological remains. The region is unique for its biodiversity and importance to the natural sciences, as well as its cultural significance to the arts and humanities.
9. The Frontiers of the Roman Empire: The Danube Limes (Western Segment), Austria, Germany, and Slovakia
The Frontiers of the Roman Empire, designated as a World Heritage Site in 2020, commemorates the boundary lines of the Roman Empire and the military structures that protected it. The Danube Limes forms the border of the Roman Empire in the western segment and includes fortifications, roads, and supporting infrastructures that provided protection from external threats. This World Heritage Site provides insight into the political, military, and social aspects of the Roman Empire and its legacy.
10. The Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region, Japan
The Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region is a mixed site inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2020. The site includes the island of Okinoshima, which was believed to be the home of the gods and was an important site of worship for a number of religions. The site is also home to several archaeological sites, including ancient tombs and shrines, which provide insight into the religious practices of Japan during the early medieval period.
Conclusion
The newly inscribed World Heritage Sites of 2020 represent the rich cultural and natural heritage of our world. These sites provide insight into the history, architecture, art, and science of the civilizations that came before us. By preserving these sites, we can learn from the past and ensure that future generations have the same opportunity to appreciate and understand our shared cultural legacy.
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