Abstract
European Cultural Routes are defined as cultural, educational heritage, and tourism cooperation projects aiming at the development and promotion of an itinerary or a series of itineraries based on a historic route, a cultural concept, figure or phenomenon with transnational importance and significance for the understanding and respect of common European values. These have included routes signifying key moments in European history and heritage like the Via Charlemagne, Viking Route, Destination Napoleon and Iron Curtain Trail (EPA, art.1, Council of Europe, 2010). The contribution of the Ottoman Empire to the development of south east Europe has not yet been formally recognised in this way. Ottoman heritage in Central and South-eastern Europe is extensive and splendid, with built heritage such as the many fortresses, mosques and bridges, but also intangible heritage in the cuisine, music and language of ‘post-Ottoman’ Europe. Ottoman heritage is, however, a contested one. It has been neglected, re-appropriated or recuperated in different ways and with different aims and motives. There is therefore a need to revalorise Ottoman heritage in formal European identity narratives and emphasise its significant potential in contributing to regional development and sustainable tourism, and the development of a European Cultural Route. This proposed heritage trail, taking in the Ottoman military, trade and diplomatic route from Istanbul to Vienna will raise awareness of and revalorise Ottoman heritage by outlining its importance and capitalising on this shared built heritage through tourism and regional economic development.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
History, Contested Heritage, Built Heritage, Intangible Heritage, Ottoman, Islam, Europe
