Cultural heritage is the collection of intangible and tangible attributes that reflect a group or society’s values, traditions, and history. It includes artifacts, historical monuments, buildings, and archaeological sites. It also extends to the intangible aspects of culture such as language, music, and dance. The concept of cultural heritage is often seen as a source of identity for groups and communities, and its preservation is considered important for social cohesion.
Nevertheless, defining what is considered to be part of the cultural heritage can be complicated as different groups attach different meanings to heritage objects. This is why the concept of cultural heritage is continuously evolving, based on historically changing value systems that are recognized by various groups of people.
The preservation of cultural heritage has become an increasingly important issue in our modern world. Globalization has increased the curiosity of people around the globe about the diverse cultures and traditions that exist in other parts of the world. This has resulted in a growing demand to travel and experience cultural heritage sites in person. This phenomenon is sometimes called “heritage tourism.” In order to preserve cultural heritage, it is necessary to understand the factors that influence the preservation process and to identify the challenges faced in preserving cultural heritage.
In recent years, cultural heritage research has developed extensively worldwide and is one of the fastest-growing fields in the humanities. The increasing interest in the field has been fueled by several factors, including the rising popularity of heritage tourism and the desire to preserve and celebrate cultural identities that are distinct from the dominant hegemony in societies. Traditionally, heritage studies have been closely tied to the construction of nation-states and national identities. The scholarly tradition of heritage studies traces back to antiquarianism and the collecting of ancient ruins in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
However, cultural heritage is not just about promoting and preserving the past; it is also a tool for constructing the future. How a community presents its heritage to outsiders will have an impact on the way that community members see their own future. For example, if the heritage is presented in a way that promotes cultural assimilation, it may prevent minority communities from maintaining their unique culture and ways of life. On the other hand, if the cultural heritage is presented in such a way that it is universally valued by all, it can foster a sense of unity within a multicultural society.
To better understand the dynamics of cultural heritage research and its scholarly implications, we conducted a bibliometric analysis using Web of Science (WOS). Our study revealed that the scope of this field is wide and the thematic focus has evolved over time. We also found that there is a correlation between the scholarly output volume of the field and its shifting intellectual structure. As the field of cultural heritage continues to develop, it is important to understand its role as a knowledge system in academia.