Non-invasive identification of textile fibres using near-infrared fibre optics reflectance spectroscopy and multivariate classification techniques

The identification of textile fibres from cultural property provides information about the object's technology. Today, microscopic examination remains the preferred method, and molecular spectroscopies (e.g. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies) can complement it but may present some limitations. To avoid sampling, non-invasive fibre optics reflectance spectroscopy (FORS) in the near-infrared (NIR) range showed promising results for identifying textile fibres; but examining and interpreting numerous spectra with features that are not well defined is highly time-consuming. Multivariate classification techniques may overcome this problem and have already shown promising results for classifying textile fibres for the textile industry but have been seldom used in the heritage science field. In this work, we compare the performance of two classification techniques, principal component analysis–linear discrimination analysis (PCA-LDA) and soft independent modelling of class analogy (SIMCA), to identify cotton, wool, and silk fibres, and their mixtures in historical textiles using FORS in the NIR range (1000–1700 nm). We built our models analysing reference samples of single fibres and their mixtures, and after the model calculation and evaluation, we studied four historical textiles: three Persian carpets from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and an Italian seventeenth-century tapestry. We cross-checked the results with Raman spectroscopy. The results highlight the advantages and disadvantages of both techniques for the non-invasive identification of the three fibre types in historical textiles and the influence their vicinity can have in the classification.

Sustainability of Cultural Heritage in Inland Territories

This chapter researches the possibilities for the sustainability of cultural heritage in inland territories, focusing on the case study of two archaeological sites in Serbia. Two plans, the plan for the archaeological site of Gamzigrad-Romuliana and the plan for the archaeological site of Caričin grad (Justiniana Prima), were analyzed from the aspect of sustainable development. These plans were prepared in compliance with the principles of preservation, protection, revitalization, and use of immovable cultural property for the purposes of science, education, presentation to the public and tourism. The conflicts between cultural heritage protection and development of tourism were analyzed. As a result of the analysis, recommendations for the sustainability of cultural heritage in inland territories are given in the chapter.

Shift from Cultural Property to Cultural Heritage and its Possible Consequences for International Criminal Law

The article examines the content of terms ‘cultural property’ and ’cultural heritage’. It illustrates the continual development in the protection of cultural property that evolved into the concept of cultural heritage. The first part of the article describes differences between the two notions and explains why the term ’cultural heritage’ is more suitable for the current approach to protection of cultural expressions. The second part of the article deals with possible consequences that the conceptual shift from cultural property to cultural heritage can bring to protection under International Criminal Law. It argues that despite the wording of relevant legal documents, it does not explicitly work with the term ’cultural heritage’. The author notes that jurisprudence of international criminal tribunals has already been recognizing this concept and reflecting upon the extent of the term in some of their decisions.

Impact of Conservation Planning and Implementations on Cultural Heritage Values in the Historic Urban Site of Kuşadası

The study aims to evaluate the impact of the conservation planning and implementations on the cultural heritage values in a cultural landscape: Kuşadası, Aydın, Turkey. The study is limited to the decisions published on the Internet: decisions between 2013 and 2016. The methodology includes literature research, archive research in the related Regional Commission on the Conservation of Cultural Property, the Regional Directorate of Foundations, and the local administration. A site survey comprehending base map revision and photographic documentation, visual analysis, historical research and comparative study, and evaluation of conservation activities regarding concepts of conservation is also part of the research. As a result, conservation issues stem from inappropriate conservation implementations threatening the integrity of cultural heritage. The majority of the conservation implementations have focused on a single building scale. Unlicensed constructions stemming from insufficient control by the local administration in the historic urban environment and the lack of implementation of the conservation plan to remove inharmonious buildings and masses threatening the integrity of the urban layout. Preparation of a management plan, revision of the twenty-five-year-old conservation plan, and determination in their application are considered as indispensable for sustaining authenticity and integrity.