Challenges and opportunities for heritage sustainable management: a case study on vandalism of built heritage in Jordan

Maysoleen Al-Adayleh; Mariana Correia; Bruno Andrade; Firas Gandah

doi:10.14568/cp36018

Authors

Maysoleen Al-Adayleh Architecture Department - Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7502-3950
Mariana Correia CIAUD-UPT - Research Unit in Architecture, Urbanism and Design; DAMG - Department of Architecture and Multimedia Gallaecia, Portucalense University, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3053-1382
Bruno Andrade School of Architecture, UFBA - Federal University of Bahia; UNIFACS - Salvador University, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1191-8082
Firas Gandah Department of Architecture - Al-Balqa Applied University- Al-Salt, Jordan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4347-9715

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14568/cp36018

Keywords:

Built heritage, Vandalism, Sustainable management, Heritage Conservation

Abstract

Vandalism poses a significant threat to the integrity and sustainability of heritage sites worldwide. While existing literature addressing heritage sites’ management provides useful insights, there is a gap in knowledge regarding specifically on vandalism in the Middle East. Hence, this study examines the phenomena of vandalism on Jordan's built heritage, focusing on: 1) types of vandalism; 2) motivations behind it; and 3) its impact on the site's integrity and sustainability. The research applied a qualitative approach and a comparative case study analysis of Petra, Jerash, and Machaerus fortresses. Data was collected through a rigorous review of existing literature, analysis of archival records, observations, and interviews. Results revealed that unwariness and delinquency are the critical reasons for vandalism, underscoring the urgent need for conservation strategies. The findings highlighted trends about the importance of community engagement, public awareness campaigns, and effective law enforcement in combating vandalism to safeguard Jordan's built heritage for future generations.

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