UNESCO moves on digital preservation of Silk Roads heritage

IFACCA/Artshub,
07 December 2004, Azerbaijan

As part of their Digital Silk Roads Project, UNESCO has facilitated a 3-day regional workshop devoted to the history of carpet production and its preservation as part of cultural heritage. The workshop – the first of its kind – was held in the Azerbaijan State Museum of Carpet. Thirty participants from a diverse range of countries including Turkmenistan, Turkey and Japan attended. The workshop gave them the opportunity to assess carpet-embedded heritage status in Silk Road countries and identify objects of carpet-embedded history. The workshop also focused on collecting digital images and ways to promote free access to carpet museums. Finally, the workshop drew up a strategic vision and made proposals for submission to the third Symposium for Digital Silk Roads. The Silk Roads – the commerce route that stretches from West Eurasia (Turkey, etc.) right across to China has existed for centuries. The roads carried not only merchandise, but also culture, knowledge, belief and people. They had a profound impact on the lives of everyone in Eurasia. The connection of the Roads between cultures and countries served as a major instrument of cultural heritage development and became a unique phenomenon in the world’s civilisation history. Unfortunately, the heritage of the Silk Roads has become increasingly compromised, due to natural causes, destruction, and poor maintenance. The workshop was called as part of a campaign to preserve its rich heritage. Carpets are an essential part of history and culture in this area. All Silk Roads countries have tradition in carpet weaving, but, unbelievably, only three of them have carpet museums. More than 2000 unique carpets could be lost to future generations unless digital preservation gains an even stronger position in these countries. The workshop is helping to promote and preserve the heritage of the Silk Road carpets. Portals, data-bases and a virtual museum will also expose more people to this rich history. For more information on UNESCO’s Digital Silk Roads Project CLICK HERE. For more information on the workshop, CLICK HERE.