Heritage Recognition Between Evaluation and Monitoring

Abstract

The most controversial aspect in heritage conservation; is determining the values of monuments. Each value has attributes that can be shaped and consequently impact the society’s mindset and approach towards their heritage. The whole process starts with historians and conservators who can contextualize the monument and set up their conservation plans. However, this process doesn’t guarantee the recognition of real heritage values by the societies. Therefore, the after-plan phase is crucial in evaluating the conservation project’s effectiveness in various aspects. This paper questions the discipline of heritage recognition and the conservation project’s evaluation in Egypt where many conservation actions neglect their true values and alter the originality of monuments. Moreover, investigates the role of the Conservation project’s “Monitoring” as a new actor in re-establishing values to be pursued by the society through site visits to successful conservation projects in Cairo and analytical surveys regarding their performance and the social responses.