IN-PERSON London Heritages. Section A
Abstract
Heritagization represents a transformative process that extends beyond the mere preservation of cultural heritage; it also encompasses the recreation and reinterpretation of the past. However, the broader implications of heritagization, particularly in relation to the nostalgia it elicits, have yet to be fully examined. This study investigates the dynamics of heritagization within the framework of urban regeneration and development in Al Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with a particular emphasis on how this process fosters a sense of an imagined past. Utilizing an exploratory methodology, the research delves into the intricate relationship between heritagization and urban development, drawing upon academic literature, archival documents, and interviews. The findings suggest that heritagization functions not only as a mechanism for cultural preservation but also as a means of cultivating nostalgia, thereby influencing contemporary perceptions of the past to resonate with present-day understandings of cultural heritage.
M. Saad Hanif works as a research and teaching assistant at Eastern Mediterranean University’s Department of Architecture. He holds a Master’s degree in Cultural Heritage Studies from the same university and a Bachelor’s in Interior Architecture from the University of Bahrain. He is an active member of World Heritage Watch, Migration Research Hub, and Urban Research and Development Center. His primary research focuses on the heritagization process, cultural commodification, and the complexities of cultural identity in the context of migrations and mobility.
Dr. Müge Riza is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Architecture at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) in North Cyprus. She is the Vice Director of Urban Research and Development Center at the same University. Her areas of expertise and research interests include city branding, creative cities, and integrating new designs into historic settings.
Dr. Pınar Ulucay Righelato is an Assistant Professor at the Eastern Mediterranean University’s Faculty of Architecture. She serves as the chair of the Housing Education, Research & Advisory Center (HERA-C) and board member of the university’s Urban Research and Development Center (URDC). Her academic and professional work focuses on housing, urban design, and related fields. She is actively involved in research and education aimed at fostering innovative solutions within the architectural and urban planning domains
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Thursday 26th June, 2025