Preservation of Tangible Heritage - A case of Major Tourist Attractions of Swat, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Heritage sites are integral to the city’s physical identity. The inhabited architecture, the placement, and the function of these structures over the period unveil the tale of where the city belongs to, and where it might be in the future. These attributes are a valuable addition to the city’s character and when preserved well, can improve the social, environmental, and economic stature of the community. It has been observed that heritage sites in Saidu Sharif, Swat are being overlooked due to a lack of awareness, and neglected preservation strategies and laws; risking the region on the verge to lose its valuable assets. This article recognizes the value of heritage sites in the area by highlighting their social and economic benefits as well as the related values. It proceeds with discussing various landmarks of Saidu Sharif Swat and concludes by proposing recommendations for preserving the sites on aspects of prevention and maintenance, by considering the context of the region.