The Impact of the Unesco Creative Cities Network in the Context of Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Abstract

Since the beginning of the 1990s, various strategies have been developed to protect environmental, social, cultural and economic values and transmit them to future generations. These strategies are; starting with the New Urbanism Movement, Sustainable Cities, Ecological Cities, Smart Growth, Slow Cities, Low Carbon Cities, Livable Cities (Liveable Cities), Digital Cities, Smart Cities Initiatives and Creative Cities, etc. sorted by headings. These planning and design approaches offer various solutions in order to prevent environmental, social, cultural and economic deformation in cities. This article aims to examine the impact of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the context of safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage. In this regard, the topic is addressed comprehensively and in depth, with reference to the ICH Convention, which provides a guiding framework for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage. Although considered distinct frameworks, it is believed that these protection approaches have commonalities in their efforts to safeguard intangible cultural heritage. In this context, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which emerged in 2004, aims to protect traditional culture and folklore against the increasing fast-moving consumption culture in the world. Cities involved in its creation acknowledge commitments to share best practices, develop partnerships that foster creativity and cultural industries, strengthen participation in cultural life, and integrate culture into urban development plans. UNESCO Creative Cities Network aims to strengthen the creation, production, distribution and dissemination of cultural activities, goods and services; to improve access and participation in cultural life, as well as enjoyment of cultural services for communities. It has an understanding that includes the goals of fully incorporating culture and creativity into local development strategies and plans. As of 2023, it operates within the scope of 7 creative themes with its 295 members. These areas are literature, cinema, music, craft and folk arts, design, media arts and gastronomy. In T & uuml;rkiye, there are a total of 15 cities included in the UNESCO Creative City Network. Focusing on any of these themes will be effective for the cultural development of cities and creating social awareness. The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, accepted by UNESCO in 2003, has been adopted for a similar purpose as the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. As emphasized in The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, intangible cultural heritage is the crucible of cultural diversity and it is a contract that is considered as the assurance of sustainable development. The countries included in the structure are expected to contribute to the preservation of this heritage in the spirit of cooperation and mutual assistance. To analyze the relationship between the preservation approaches of both entities operating under the auspices of UNESCO, a comprehensive study was conducted, drawing on relevant texts, manifestos, periodic reports, mission statements, implementation guidelines, ethical codes, and official websites. The findings indicate that the UNESCO Creative Cities Network functions with the overarching objective of fostering global awareness regarding the safeguarding the cultural heritage, recognized as the creative assets of cities. In this context, the events and practices implemented in the designated cities exemplify tangible efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage.