Chersonesus Taurica Added to UNESCO World Heritage in Danger List
The ancient city of Chersonesus Taurica and its agricultural territory (chora) have been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger. This decision was made during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, currently taking place in Busan, Republic of Korea. The move responds to threats arising from the temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation.
Key Dangers Facing Chersonesus Taurica
The primary risks to Chersonesus Taurica include:
- large-scale illegal archaeological excavations;
- removal of archaeological artifacts;
- unauthorized construction;
- destruction of the archaeological context;
- alteration of the historical environment and the site’s legal protection framework.
It is also noted that Ukraine has no access to the monument. The Committee called for refraining from any actions that could harm Chersonesus Taurica, its buffer zone, or the broader historical setting.
This appeal extends to other sites in temporarily occupied Crimea that are on Ukraine’s Tentative List. These include:
- the Khan’s Palace of the Crimean Khans in Bakhchysarai;
- the cultural landscape of the Cave Cities of Crimean Gothia;
- the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory;
- the complex of monuments of the Sudak Fortress.
The Committee urged the international community to strengthen cooperation in preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural property from the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
“This is an extremely important international decision that officially confirms the threats to the site due to the temporary Russian occupation of Crimea, illegal excavations, construction, destruction of archaeological context, and removal of cultural valuables. The world sees Russia’s systematic destruction of Ukrainian cultural heritage. Ukraine will continue to use all international mechanisms to protect our cultural heritage.”
— Tetiana Berezhna, Vice Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy of Ukraine, Minister of Culture of Ukraine
Additionally, on June 15, during an attack by the Russian Federation, the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra caught fire after a direct hit by a Russian drone. This incident further highlights the threats to Ukrainian cultural heritage amid the ongoing war, underscoring the critical need to protect historical monuments and cultural assets in Ukraine under current challenges.
The inclusion of Chersonesus Taurica on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger signals serious international repercussions from the temporary occupation of Crimea. This decision emphasizes the necessity of global attention to preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage and safeguarding archaeological sites from illegal activities. The response from Ukrainian authorities and the international community could shape future efforts to protect cultural property in the region. It is vital that such decisions move beyond formalities and lead to concrete measures for preserving historical landmarks.
The situation surrounding Crimea's cultural heritage remains complex, especially in light of recent accusations regarding attacks on local museums. For a deeper understanding of the ongoing tensions and their impact on historical sites, you can explore the allegations made by Naryshkin against Ukraine and Britain regarding a museum strike in Crimea. This context highlights the broader implications for heritage conservation in the region, as detailed in recent reports.