Konya Declaration

The mayors, administrators and representatives of the cities the undersigned that are assembled in Konya, Turkey for the 11th World Conference of Historical Cities in June 10-12, 2008 hereby declare that:

Experiencing, rehabilitating, revitalizing and maintaining cultural continuity of our historical cities put us forward to be more conscious and more considerate about cultural heritage because of the natural disasters, environmental risks, globalization process, and political and economic struggles. Our built and natural cultural heritage is irreplaceable source of the quality of urban life and inspiration, and the generator of all urban changes. The member cities of The League of Historical Cities have their unique cases in terms of urban identity, living heritage and cultural diversities, regardless their cultural geographies, physical boundaries and distances. We recognize the enrichment aspect of this cultural diversity and the emergency of multicultural interactions that support the mutual enhancement of our cultures and contribute to reforming the collective world heritage. We are very well aware of the fact that the conflict of global and local can be resolved by understanding genuine situations and by interpreting all related cultural, political, economic, natural and physical processes.

The 11th World Conference of Historical Cities demonstrates us how crucial the intangible, living, aspects of cultural heritage are for historical cities in order to maintain better urban quality and to sustain cultural continuity. We keep asking the question and try to answer by means of our short and long-term policies and actions, how to bring our historical cities to the future in the sustainable environment by preserving unique cultural values, by modifying existing conditions, supplying contemporary needs and uses, and eliminating misfits.

We, as members of The League of Historical Cities, reaffirm our commitment to keep the balance between different cultures and between tangible and intangible cultural heritage in order to sustain cultural continuity of our historical cities. We, as city administrators, will use every available and convenient means to assume our responsibilities for enhancing and uplifting our mutual exchanges, and for continuing our collective natural and built heritage.

That, in order to achieve this objective, we proclaim our intentions, regarding environmental and cultural sustainability, of forming “cultural governance” that contains all institutional bodies, groups and individuals related to and responsible from historical cities, i.e., all policy makers, academicians, researchers, NGOs, private sectors and, the last but not the least, public.

“Not the ones speaking the same language but the ones sharing the same feeling understand each other.”

by Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi

Konya, June 12, 2008

Ballarat Declaration

The mayors and representatives of the cities listed below that are assembled in Ballarat, Australia for the 10th World Conference of Historical Cities hereby declare that:

As historical cities we are richly blessed with cultural and heritage assets that are testament to the abilities and wisdom of mankind. It is our duty to preserve such valuable items so as future generations appreciate their unique qualities and continue the important role of protecting them in perpetuity.

The member cities of the League of Historical Cities are very different in their geographical locations, their cultural traditions and their development yet they are united in their belief that historical cities must show leadership to the world in their commitment to cultural enrichment, friendship and free intellectual exchange that contributes to the ultimate achievement of world peace.

The World Conferences of Historical Cities are a demonstration to the world that diversity does not have to lead to conflict; diversity can be enriching and uplifting for the world and if there is unity of purpose underpinning the diversity, admirable goals can be accomplished that are unattainable when attempted as isolated entities.

As modern cities that have important cultural and heritage assets as part of our foundations, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that the tourism and economic development that is vital to our cities’ futures are respectful of, and integrate with these cornerstone structures, landmarks and traditions from our past that have shaped our cultural identity.

Our historical cities are organic creations that must evolve to adapt to the constantly changing demands of our citizens with the challenge ever present to retain the essential character of our cities whilst embracing technological change that will benefit the development of our cities in the 21st Century.To do this we must openly share our experiences and learn from our fellow member cities through these exchanges and incorporate this knowledge into the future planning of our own respective urban settings.

We, as members of the League of Historical Cities, reaffirm our commitment to the preservation, enhancement and development of our cities that will serve as an inspiration to mankind of the special position these historic urban and natural environments occupy in the world and that their continued existence requires peaceful solutions to any conflict that threatens the harmony of the world.

Ballarat, November 1, 2006

Declaration of Peace Action by the LHC

Historical cities are “living cities” which hand down their long cherished culture to the present.Citizens of historical cities across the world have strived tirelessly to creatively foster their unique traditional cultures.Historical cities are valuable cultural assets created by the hands of mankind, to be handed down to future generations.

Historical cities have contributed to the evolution of human civilizations through their rich accumulation of experiences and wisdom of the long history of mankind.In order for historical cities to continue rendering these services, the free exchange of information among cities and citizens are necessary.Recently, various difficulties have threatened the world peace that allows these cities to thrive through such free exchange.

We, the member cities of the League of Historical Cities, on this occasion of the 9th World Conference of Historical Cities, would like to express our commitment to promoting the free exchange of dialogue and constructive proposals between historical cities, as an effective contribution to the realization of world peace.

-In hopes of world peace-

The League of Historical Cities was founded in the hopes of contributing to the everlasting world peace to be enjoyed by all humankind.

Today, in this 21st century, even with the passage of 10 years since the foundingof the League of Historical Cities,Oour long awaited global peace has not yet been realizedeven in this 21 century, and the present situation is far from our ideal.It is critical that the disputes among nations and conflicts rooted in the differences between ethnic groups, races, cultures, religions, as well as worldwide environmental destruction and other problems be reexamined.These problems show no sign of significant improvement, while a great number of lives have been lost, and historical heritage with universal value have suffered serious damages.

We hereby, as member of the League of Historical Cities, reaffirm our commitment to respect our diverse values, deepen our mutual understanding, and use our ingenuity for realizing a world peace, so that the historical cities and the people can advance together and aim for the mutual and greater goal of a lasting peace.

Gyeongju, October 20, 2005

Montreal Declaration

We the undersigned, mayors and representatives of cities gathered in Montreal for the 8th World Conference of Historical Cities, declare:

That we recognize the formative aspect of the cultural diversity of our cities and the priority nature of multicultural exchanges and interactions that encourage the mutual enhancement of our communities and contribute to shaping the collective heritage;

That we will use every available means to assume our responsibilities for recognizing, conserving, enhancing and propagating the natural and built heritage of our neighborhoods and our cities, with the purpose of maintaining and improving the quality of life of our fellow citizens;

That, in order to achieve this objective, we will, on the one hand, invite the civil society to join together, in ways that respect our traditions and cultural diversities, to conserve and enhance this heritage by, among other things:

- providing it with access to all relevant information, with the cooperation of various partners, including Knowledge Institutions;
- promoting exchanges that will increase genuine understanding and recognition of the distinctive symbolic value of certain heritage elements for each community concerned;
- encouraging promoters and developers to participate in the screening activities concerning the foreseeable heritage impact of the proposed projects;
- facilitating the participation of citizen in screening activities of these proposed development projects;
- and this without limiting the accountability of decision-makers;

And that we will, on the other hand, promptly proclaim our intentions regarding the conservation and enhancement of this heritage, along with medium- and long-term projections:

- by publicly announcing the principles that will guide decisions regarding heritage conservation and enhancement;
- by identifying our priority areas of action, in collaboration with those of other public authorities and the United Nations Programme for Human Settlements (UN-HABITAT);
- by establishing a precise timetable for the attainment of objectives.

Montreal, October 8, 2003

Message for Kazan

On the occasion of the 8th World Conference of Historical Cities, we would like to offer our sincere congratulations to member city Kazan on the coming 1,000 year anniversary of its foundation in 2005.

As a mixture of Eastern and Western civilizations, Kazan has met its share of both conflicts and alliances with other cultures over the course of its long history.

In honor of the coming 1,000 year anniversary, Kazan has been taking positive steps towards rebuilding the World Cultural Heritage including “Kul-Sharif Mosque” that was destroyed during the historical struggle between Christian and Islamic powers.

The reconstruction of this Mosque symbolizes the peaceful reconciliation of the world’s two largest religions, moving beyond the struggles of the past towards a new era of harmonious coexistence that will set a positive example for the world.

Our purpose of the league is to contribute to the realization of eternal world peace desired of the future of mankind. The League of Historical Cities is an organization which will deepen mutual understanding by transcending national boundaries and building on the common foundation of historical cities to strengthen affiliations between cites.

In recognition of Kazan’s significant undertaking, the League of Historical Cities would like to express its sincerest respect and offer congratulations on the occasion of Kazan’s 1,000th anniversary.

Montreal, October 8, 2003

Montpellier Declaration

On the occasion of the 7th Conference of the League of Historical Cities, the members representing the cities listed below hereby undertake to comply with the following articles:

1. To define and implement a truly coherent architectural approach with overall urban integration, within the framework of urban development expressing the historical dimension of the city, while remaining open to contemporary creation. This approach demands overall urban regulations (global defining Strategy, protection of sites and the environment, transport and ecomobility) and an urban policy providing an integral and sustainable urban development Strategy.

2. To affirm the historical quality of our cities and to respect the cultural and ideological diversity endemic to the history of the city and national legislation; making this diversity a part of the cultural-mosaic of the world, rather than neutralizing it.

3. To strive to ensure that the globalization generated by the new economy, the emergence of networks and peripheral flows develop in harmony with the importance of the city's historical heritage giving historical cities the opportunity to extend their influence worldwide.

4. To ensure that the development of tourism, the preservation of the patrimony and the environment take place in the interests of the permanent population,so that the wealth derived from economic activities is equally distributed, in order to enlist the support of the local inhabitants confronted with the presence of tourism.

5. To report their actions and any difficulties encountered in regarding the objectives defined in article 1 to 4.

Montpellier, July 7, 2000

Cracow Declaration

Gathered in Krakow - the old capital city of Poland, a monument of universal cultural heritage - participants in the 6th World Conference of Historical Cities, declare:

1. Historic cities are rich and crucially important manifestations of the continuity of human civilization. These cities, representing unique legacies of cultures, reveal specificity, respectful of their varied history. While respecting their uniqueness, one must also accept some general principles, which will have to be followed by all involved, whether national or city governments, business, or community institutions.

2. Given the present state of globalization, historic, cities are more than ever faced with the challenge of preserving their identity. However, defending this uniqueness cannot mean isolation; rather, it calls for a positive attitude towards change. But beyond that, historic cities will need to draw upon their creativity in finding a balance for their cultural and religious diversity.

3. Management of a historic city requires respecting laws of the market and adequate space left for their economic and physical development, that makes harmonious use of the city's heritage.

4. Historical cities are built on cultural and religious values, which are both constant, and yet they change with time; such cities, therefore, will need to peacefully nurture the diversity of beliefs of their citizens. Because of their concentrated heritage, historical cities are well-placed to play a leading role in the learning society, and thus in the improvement of the quality of life and future prosperity of the nations.

5. Historic cities are valuable as the assemblages of monuments. The same rules of conservation should thus be applied towards all the elements of these assemblages.

6. The old city centres are an integral part of the whole city's tissue. They cannot be turned into museums. Contemporary functions are critical for effective monuments protection.

7. Tourism is a part of the economy of each historical city; however, it must be properly managed since it could be a source of many negative effects for the historic substance itself and social conditions in the city. In particular:

- tourism is only one of many use of cultural facilities which must therefore be managed to serve multiple markets;
- there is a need to diverse system that provide a financial return from tourism to the facilities it uses;
- the management of cultural tourism requires public - private partnerships;
- cultural tourism development serves many different community goals.

Cracow, May 28, 1998

Xian Declaration

We all hold that:

- urban civilization is an important symbol and a miniature of the development of human civilization general :
- every historical city in different quarters of the world is a faithful record of the quintessence of human civilizations pertaining to divergent historical periods, geographic regions and cultural styles, beyond the capacity of the most modern and sophisticated scientific or technological means to represent or create, and with inherent value defying any attempt to subject it to tangible standards of evaluation.

Historical records and our experiences show that warfare, destructive natural disasters and irrational development and utilization of resources have threatened and damaged historical cities to varied degrees. Consequently preserving our environment, combating natural disasters and minimizing their consequences have become primary considerations in urban planning.

We appeal for peace and the end of war. Not only will this save lives and urban civilization, but also prevent humanity from destruction and self slaughter.

We all stand for development. Only by implementing carefully planned strategies of urban development it is possible to inject new vitality into historical cities, rejuvenate their contemporary spirits and make adequate preservation of the historical outlook.

The charm of human civilization lies in the admirable achievements previously attained, but to an even greater degree it lies in the more splendid accomplishments people will be making on the basis of the former achievements. A problem confronting us is how to undertake preservation of fine historical and cultural heritage in the course of modern construction in order for the sophisticated science and technology and new philosophies of thinking of modern civilization and the ancient simplicity and grandness of traditional culture to achieve mutual assimilation and synergy in cities that contain the condensed cultural quintessence.

As we are on the threshold of the 21st century, we have the obligations to preserve and continue these crystallization of human civilization and make this precious heritage symbolizing the progress of human civilization better reflects histories, enhance cultural cohesion and inspire revelations to our posterity by revitalizing historical cities through modernization efforts.

The conference calls for extensive international dialogue and cooperation for the preservation and development of historical cities so that, through the common endeavor of the government and the people, the awareness of preservation shall be strengthened, the level of development raised and any form of man made damage stopped, thus bequeathing our posterity with the precious legacy that they are entitled to.

As government officials and representatives of historical cities, which are the common wealth of humanity, we will, in our capacity, strive and take action for the preservation of historical and cultural heritage and the rejuvenation of historical cities. Meanwhile, we pay tribute and extend support to those who are putting their ideals into practice.

Xian, September 12, 1996

Kyoto Appeal

The Representatives of the historical cities of the world, who have gathered in Kyoto, “The City of Peace”, for the 4th World Conference of Historical Cities, must not forget their obligation as human beings, cities and governments to protect and defend the existence, the heart and the spirit of historical cities.

The delegates should bear in mind that the cities such as Dubrovnik, Vukovar and Sarajevo, which have been seriously damaged, are also a part of human heritage.

We offer them our message of support, hope and solidarity.

Kyoto, April 27, 1994

Barcelona Declaration

The representatives from the historical cities Albi, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Bilbao, Bratislava, Buenos Aires, Budapest, Cartagena de Indias, Cordoba, Cusco, Dresden, Fez, Girona, Jerusalem, Koln, Krakow, Kyoto, La Habana, Lisboa, Lyon, Madrid, Mexico D.F., Montpellier, Munich, New York, Paris, Ponce, Prague, Quito, Rome, Santiago de Compostela, San Petersburgo, Sevilla, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Warsaw, Xi'an, Yogyakarta and Zagreb have met in their full number at the III World Conference of Historical Cities on October 28 - 31, 1991.

Having considered the serious toll in human life and extensive war damage we support for a democratic approach to the solution of political issues in Republic of Croatia.

Historical cities and, in a broader sense, all historical sites constitute the greatest riches of our world. With their help, that is, with the assistance of this world characterized by diversity, we are able to resist, as conscientious and responsible beings, the terror of monotony and industrial uniformity.

It can be stated, without the narrow-minded partiality, but also without the false modesty, that the Republic of Croatia ranks among the richest historical regions of Europe.

To save such riches and diversities is not only the obligation of Croatia, but also the obligation of the European and the entire world community.

Therefore, our primary goal is to stop the war in Croatia, the only war that is currently waged in the world, and to seek assistance in the important task of rebuilding our destroyed homeland.

Barcelona - Girona, October 31, 1991

Kyoto Declaration

Cities are magnificent historical assets created through the wisdom of mankind. The twentieth century has been a century in which cities have taken great strides forward on a global scale.

The advances made by cities, however, have been accompanied by a great many practical contradictions, which with the passing years have grown more complex and passing. In particular, in historical cities with several hundred years, or even several thousands of years of history behind them, there is a marked trends towards the destruction of extremely important historical and cultural properties in the name of modernization and development. As a result, this has implanted in the hearts of the world's citizens a distrust and an anxiety towards civilization as a whole. We feel obligated to identify problems to be tackled by the whole of mankind and methods and policies for their solution with the twenty-first century firmly in view.

For this reason, the World Conference of Historical Cities was convened in response to a call for Mayor Imagawa of Kyoto, starting from 18 November and lasting for three days, with participants from all over the world gathering in Takaragaike in Kyoto. The participants compared experiences and exchanged accomplishments in the three fields of city planning, cultural properties, and urban industries, thus bringing together a wealth of accumulated cultural and societal experiences.

The sharing of such diverse experiences can only help to deepen mutual recognition of the unique cultural legacy that each historical city processes, and will point the way towards new initiatives that will take advantage of urban vitality. We believe that this kind of exchange can make a major contribution to the development of the community of mankind, and to the enrichment of world culture.

We hope to strengthen the links that bind the historical cities of the world through the mutual exchange of information and materials. We also hope to continue to strive for the stabilization and the betterment of the livelihood of the world's citizenry. We pledge that we shall proceed hand-in-hand with the rest of mankind, aspiring for everlasting peace.

Kyoto, November 20, 1987