Historic cities are cultural achievements that are gradually created by inhabitants over the centuries. In developed countries, the conservation of historic cities seems to be generally acknowledged as a method of com...Historic cities are cultural achievements that are gradually created by inhabitants over the centuries. In developed countries, the conservation of historic cities seems to be generally acknowledged as a method of community development that does not depend on huge exploitation. On the other hand, no sufficient countermeasures have been taken in developing countries because most native stakeholders are still interested in development. Here the author could focus on so-called ＂international cooperation＂, but urban conservation for historic cities where inhabitants actually live is still a minor consideration except for some government-based conservation projects for monuments and isolated examples of cultural heritage. In this paper, the example was taken of a conservation project which has been carried out by JICA （Japanese International Cooperation Agency） in Damascus, the old capital of Syria. The target area for the project is ＂Qanawat South＂. Although the origin of＂Qanawat South＂ dates back to the Roman age, efforts for urban conservation have not been well organized, partly because the area is located outside of the so-called old city registered as a world heritage site. For example, the master plan of 1968 indicated the redistribution of the traditional quarters, while some conservation laws have been restricting the regeneration of the area. Moreover, there is not yet any consensus among the stakeholders concerning the historical value of the quarter, they are still questioning why the area should be conserved rather than being freely sold or developed and what and how they should contribute to conservation. Based on analysis of the actual situation of Qasr al-Hajjaj Street, this paper examines a method called ＂restoration-type＂ facade improvement adopted by JICA, for which the final goal is not only to maintain the appearance of the street but also to activate the life of the habitants of the street.展开更多
In countries with long histories, traditional culture plays an essential role in shaping social norms and influencing contemporary development. Confucianism, one of the world＇s oldest philosophies, justified the legi...In countries with long histories, traditional culture plays an essential role in shaping social norms and influencing contemporary development. Confucianism, one of the world＇s oldest philosophies, justified the legitimacy of imperial China for about two thousand years but was attacked from the late Qing to the end of the Cultural Revolution. Ever since Deng Xiao-ping＇s economic reform, the Communist Party of China＇s legitimacy has been undermined, so the CPC has been facing a legitimacy crisis. The New Confucianism Movement has encouraged many scholars and officials to integrate a Sinolized Marxism and Confucianism dynamic for the CPC to employ as a legitimacy tool. This paper argues that Confucianism can help the CPC relegitimize its rule in China by using nationalism to strengthen traditional legitimacy and political, economic, and diplomatic development to increase its performance legitimacy.展开更多
文摘Historic cities are cultural achievements that are gradually created by inhabitants over the centuries. In developed countries, the conservation of historic cities seems to be generally acknowledged as a method of community development that does not depend on huge exploitation. On the other hand, no sufficient countermeasures have been taken in developing countries because most native stakeholders are still interested in development. Here the author could focus on so-called ＂international cooperation＂, but urban conservation for historic cities where inhabitants actually live is still a minor consideration except for some government-based conservation projects for monuments and isolated examples of cultural heritage. In this paper, the example was taken of a conservation project which has been carried out by JICA （Japanese International Cooperation Agency） in Damascus, the old capital of Syria. The target area for the project is ＂Qanawat South＂. Although the origin of＂Qanawat South＂ dates back to the Roman age, efforts for urban conservation have not been well organized, partly because the area is located outside of the so-called old city registered as a world heritage site. For example, the master plan of 1968 indicated the redistribution of the traditional quarters, while some conservation laws have been restricting the regeneration of the area. Moreover, there is not yet any consensus among the stakeholders concerning the historical value of the quarter, they are still questioning why the area should be conserved rather than being freely sold or developed and what and how they should contribute to conservation. Based on analysis of the actual situation of Qasr al-Hajjaj Street, this paper examines a method called ＂restoration-type＂ facade improvement adopted by JICA, for which the final goal is not only to maintain the appearance of the street but also to activate the life of the habitants of the street.
文摘In countries with long histories, traditional culture plays an essential role in shaping social norms and influencing contemporary development. Confucianism, one of the world＇s oldest philosophies, justified the legitimacy of imperial China for about two thousand years but was attacked from the late Qing to the end of the Cultural Revolution. Ever since Deng Xiao-ping＇s economic reform, the Communist Party of China＇s legitimacy has been undermined, so the CPC has been facing a legitimacy crisis. The New Confucianism Movement has encouraged many scholars and officials to integrate a Sinolized Marxism and Confucianism dynamic for the CPC to employ as a legitimacy tool. This paper argues that Confucianism can help the CPC relegitimize its rule in China by using nationalism to strengthen traditional legitimacy and political, economic, and diplomatic development to increase its performance legitimacy.
