Ukraine Urges UN Intervention After Crimean Heritage Site Transformed into Cultural Complex
Ukraine has requested the United Nations (UN) to safeguard Tauric Chersonese in Crimea, a Unesco World Heritage Site, following Russia’s completion of the transformation of the site into a “historical and archaeological park.” The ancient city, founded by Greek colonists in the fifth century BC, was listed on Unesco’s roster in 2013, just before Russia illegitimately annexed the Black Sea peninsula from Ukraine. The newly developed complex, known as “New Chersonese,” includes a Russian Orthodox monastery, various museums, and has been a subject of controversy due to concerns about the erasure of Ukrainian cultural heritage. Russian president Vladimir Putin has visited the site and portrayed it as integral to Russian statehood, sparking allegations that the project is a propaganda tactic. Recent reports by Ukrainian experts have highlighted the extensive damage to the site and the removal of archaeological artifacts. Efforts are underway to have Tauric Chersonese included on Unesco’s list of World Heritage in Danger. However, due to the temporary occupation of the territory, on-site assessment by Unesco has been hindered. Despite these challenges, Ukraine continues to push for the protection of the site.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.