Heritage Conservation and Sustainable Development in Sacred Places: Towards a New Approach

Abstract

This contribution aims to propose a new approach to sustainability, applicable in the context of sacred sites that are also imbued with heritage significance. The special focus of the paper is the case of Mecca, a sacred site of universal spiritual and historic significance. Mecca’s case deals with the challenge of having to accommodate its increasing numbers of pilgrims without disturbing the site’s spiritual value. Therefore, this case study is an excellent current example that demonstrates the tensions that arise where modern development and construction coexist or contradict the spirituality of the site. Based on discussions with local and international pilgrims on site that took place in summer 2015, the contribution unveils the pivotal role of adding a new ‘pillar’ in sustainable development models – that of spirituality. Currently, the spiritual significance of certain heritage sites lies rather uncomfortably between social and cultural sustainability. In addition, rather unexpectedly to the authors, the modern development constructions were not viewed negatively by the majority of respondents – although there were variations between ‘local’ and ‘international’ pilgrims. These results further proved that, within the context of sacred sites, modern developments can be accepted and a sustainable outcome can indeed be achieved if the planned developments aim to enhance the site’s spirituality rather than diminish it.