Framing Planning and Conservation Activities in the Local Socio-Cultural Context: Ethnicity and Gender in Bamiyan

Abstract

AbstractThis article illustrates the critical importance of research into the socio-cultural reality of Bamiyan (Afghanistan) for the cooperation projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage. The case study shows that exploring and ultimately deconstructing the categories of ethnicity and gender has helped overcome the impasse created by tensions and competition among different social and interest groups. As for the ethnic issue, a way out of this impasse might be found in putting ethnic self-definitions aside and searching for a reasonable compromise apropos the underlying economic interests. In regard to gender—a particularly sensitive issue in Islamic countries—the article questions the standardized way that urban planning addresses public spaces. It illustrates first that in the local context private dwellings de facto function as public spaces, especially for the female segment of the population, and therefore should be arranged more generously. Moreover, the article draws attention to the fact that the Islamic pilgrimage shrines (ziaratgah) play a crucial role for women, as the almost only public space (except the market) that they can attend without male company. It is, therefore of paramount importance to improve their quality as public spaces even if they are not included in the list of World Heritage assets.