On 7 July 2008, Melaka and George Town were fêted as Malaysia's newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is the first time that cultural sites in Malaysia have been inscribed into Unesco's prestigious World Heritage Listing. But what is the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site, what is its history, where is it? In this feature article, I am providing background information on the inscribed site in George Town (as relevant to Penang Travel Tips) and will handle Melaka separately. By the way, the official title for the inscription should read "Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca". "George Town Unesco World Heritage Site" is just an inofficial definition for one of the two component sites inscribed in the list.
Here is the Nomination Dossier submitted to UNESCO. "Melaka and George Town, Cities of the Straits of Malacca" was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the 32nd session of the World Heritage Committee which met in Quebec City, Canada, on 2-10 July, 2008.
Continue: http://www.penang-traveltips.com/george-town-unesco-world-heritage-site.htm
World Heritage Site Inscription Details
Inscription Year: 2008
Type of Site: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: II, III, IV
The properties were celebrated for the following outstanding universal value:
Melaka and George Town represent exceptional examples of multi-cultural tradting towns in East and Southeast Asia. They were established by trading activities that result in the blending of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures with three successive European colonial powers, over a period of 500 years. This creates a lasting imprint on their architecture and urban form.
Melaka and George Town are a living testimony to the multi-cultural heritage and tradition of Asia, and of the European colonial influences. The tangible as well as intangible heritage of the two cities are expressed in its religious buildings of different faiths, ethnic enclaves, spoken dialects, festivities, dances, attire, artform, cuisine and lifestyle.
Melaka and George Town reflect the blend of influences that result in a unique form of architecture, culture and cityscape incomparable elsewhere in East and South Asia. The cities showcase an exceptional range of shophouses and townhouses from differing eras, providing snapshots of building styles and types.
