Reconstructing the Silk Road Network: Insights from Spatiotemporal Patterning of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Abstract

Building on the observation of gaps in current research, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the spatial patterns of heritage sites along the Silk Road, focusing on how historical trade routes shaped what are now recognized as heritage sites. Using data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List, the research examines heritage sites across Eurasia and North Africa, with a specific emphasis on the Silk Road corridors. This study employs a spatiotemporal approach, categorizing sites into northern overland routes and southern maritime routes to highlight regional variations in network development. The key findings of this study reveal the significant influence of historical trade routes on the development of settlements, cities, and cultural landmarks along the Silk Road. These findings identify clear trends in the Silk Road network’s evolution over time, illustrating a shift in its spatial focus across different historical periods. Initially, the network was centered in the eastern Mediterranean during the Classical Period. In the medieval period, this focus expanded to include a dual core area in both the eastern Mediterranean and Central Asia. By the late Medieval period, the network had shifted again, with a new core emerging in Europe. This chronological and spatial analysis allows for a detailed examination of the Silk Road network’s heritage landscape evolution. The study underscores the interconnectedness of heritage sites across these regions, contributing to a deeper understanding of how landscape connectivity and trade network dynamics evolved over time. Furthermore, by identifying patterns of network development and shifts in centrality and density, this research offers valuable insights for the conservation and management of heritage landscapes. These findings are particularly crucial for preserving the historical and cultural integrity of Silk Road heritage sites.