Introduction
The modern age is one of interconnectedness. Technological advancements in telecommunications & transportation have closed the gaps between nations worldwide, and the advent of globalism is becoming more relevant than ever. It has benefited humanity, for with interconnectedness comes knowledge exchange and enrichment, we help each other advance, and flourish. Although, in this increasingly interlinked age, the individuality & uniqueness of cities risks being muddled, and swallowed into the whole of global identity.
There are certain elements & constructions within nations that stand timeless. Awe-inspiring beacons of a time long past, standing defiant against the passage of time. Nationals look upon these beacons and cannot help but feel pride stir in their hearts. Moreover, these markers garner international appreciation, and people the world over flock to these works of art, and look on in wonder, yearning to learn the story of their being, the effort that went into making them, and the period within which they came about.
Humans, by nature, are forward thinkers. We are eager to get better, become stronger, move faster, and technological advancement has been our golden key to this endeavor. It is crucial, however, that as we blitz towards the future, we do not forget about the past, for it is our teacher, and as the adage goes “Those who do not learn from history, are doomed to repeat it.” To this end, the preservation, and conservation of the cultural, and architectural heritage of cities is so much more than maintaining an old construction. It means maintaining a sense of pride for a city’s nationals, seeing how far they’ve come throughout history, it means inspiring young generations with masterful works of art and painting a trajectory through which they can improve on the works of their ancestors.
Seeking to form a stronger symbiotic relationship between modernity and historical heritage, IEREK is organizing its 9th edition of the “Cities’ Identity Through Architecture and Arts (CITAA)” conference, where we will peer into the crucial roles that cities’ heritage plays in modern society, and the best approaches to preserve and protect them for generations. Join us, and help sustain the identity of cities, so that they may stand tall, and inspire for generations.
