European inventory of
societal values of culture

Astor – Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral as contested cultural heritage. To whom does “world heritage” belong?

Astor, A. (2023) Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral as contested cultural heritage. To whom does “world heritage” belong?

Cordoba’s iconic Mosque-Cathedral receives millions of visitors each year and has been recognized by UNESCO as both a “World Heritage Site” and a monument of “Outstanding Universal Value.” The building’s mixed religious history and architecture make it a unique site of national cultural heritage. In recent years, however, controversies have emerged regarding the use, ownership, management, and representation of the Mosque-Cathedral, undermining its symbolism and practical functioning as a site of plurality and social openness. UNESCO has sought to remain at a distance from these controversies, but its representations of the building’s history and design have been mobilized by competing sides to legitimize their respective positions. The contention surrounding the Mosque-Cathedral raises a series of questions about cultural heritage and to whom it belongs, as well as the mechanisms in place for adjudicating such questions. This study highlights certain democratic deficits in the realm of cultural heritage and the challenges of managing contested heritage in contexts characterized by high levels of social and political polarization.