Journal Article

Evaluating the Effectiveness of on-Site Interpretation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites Using ICOMOS Charter

Rashed, Ahmed Yehia, Refaat, Hassan

2023

Overview

This article aims at assessing the effectiveness of on-site interpretive tours of Historic Cairo world heritage site, using ICOMOS Charter for the Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites as a benchmark. The study employs a qualitative approach, consisting of a focus group discussion with five experienced tour guides. Open-ended questions were used to evaluate the degree to which current interpretive tours conform to the ICOMOS Charter. The study findings reveal several gaps in the current interpretive tours that hinder Historic Cairo from showcasing its unique features and performing at its full potential as a UNESCO world heritage site. These gaps include limited physical accessibility to a wide range of the site's cultural resources; narrow interpretation scope that focus on individual buildings and monuments rather than developing interpretive content that showcasing the social, cultural, religious and economic value of the site; standardization of current interpretive content and lack of customize interpretation that would expand the scope of target audience; exclusion of local community from being involved in the decision-making; limited contribution to the sustainability of the sit's tangible and intangible resources; inability to provide a comprehensive authentic visitor experience; inadequate coordination between all the stakeholders; infrequent evaluation of interpretive tours; and lack of capacity- building programs for concerned stakeholders. To address these gaps, the study highlights the need for an appropriate heritage interpretation strategy that aligns with the ICOMOS Charter, which would enhance visitors' understanding and appreciation of the site's diverse value, ensure the sustainability of the site heritage resources; involve local community and increase economic returns. The study emphasizes the need for more inclusive and community-driven approach to on-site interpretation of Historic Cairo; the development of multi-dimensional interpretation that links the tangible and intangible heritage of the site and highlights its significance; enhanced collaboration and coordination between all the stakeholders involved in the interpretation and presentation of Historic Cairo; regular evaluation and of interpretive tours, and provision of capacity-building trainings for concerned stakeholders.

• Publisher: مركز بحوث ودراسات دول حوض البحر الأحمر وجامعة شندي
• Subject: الاستدامة الثقافية / التراث الثقافي / العوائد الاقتصادية