The so-called World Heritage Day between Concept and Significance

By/ Prof. Dr. / Ayman Waziry
Professor of Archaeology/Egyptology- Faculty of Archaeology-Fayoum University-Egypt; Head of the Department of Egyptology- Faculty of Archeology – Fayoum University; Vice President of the Union of Egyptian Archaeologists and the General Representative of the Founders of the Union in Egypt
http://www.fayoum.edu.eg/English/Archaeology/Egyptology/DrAyman.aspx

On April 18th annually, it is a reference to celebrate World Heritage Day, this was a day in which the ranks of those concerned with heritage are united. It is a global day for the protection of human heritage in general, where this day was decided by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

Until the end of the 19th century, architectural heritage in general and monuments orarchaeology in particular had been a matter of solely national concern, and most of the laws regarding the protection of historic buildings and heritage structures date back to that period, where there were incalculable associations, organizations and committees existed in each country, however their scope never went beyond national or regional borders.

The 2020 International Day for Monuments and Sites invites participants to explore the idea of sharing-and its counterpoints, contestation and resistance-in relation to cultures, heritage and responsibility. On this day, there is a celebration of the most countries of the world under the auspices of UNESCO, this in accordance with the agreement concluded and approved by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris during 1972. It was a day when all those involved in the World Heritage in general and archaeologists in particular have gathered and united in order to protect the heritage, monuments and intellectual and cultural property of nations in general, and so we are taking advantage of this World Day to appeal and try to unite the ranks of those involved in heritage and antiquities. This is to protect and preserve the remains of the heritage of humanity and the evidences of ancestors that they left as a trust for the grandchildren.