Sacred Ground, Divided Histories: Conflicts Over Religious Sites and Their Impact on Cultural Memory

This study analyses the impact of the destruction of contested sacred spaces on the cultural memory and identity of the communities involved. Contested sacred spaces involve one or more religions claiming ownership of the site. Conflicts that arise from these disputes can affect the cultural memory of the groups involved. The shared communal and cultural practices shape the narratives passed down through the generations. When sacred spaces are contested and destroyed, there is disruption and sometimes distortion of the information passed down due to political and religious agendas. This dissertation investigates the concepts of “Sacred Spaces” and “Cultural Memory”. Next is an analysis of three disputed sites: Ayodhya, Temple Mount and Bamiyan. Each case study examines the historical background of the sites that have led to their present contested state. It highlights current conflicts and evaluates the impact of contestation on the cultural memory and identity of the societies concerned by studying the dual sacrality and identity politics involved. There is a need for continuous effort to safeguard sacred spaces to ensure cultural traditions and narratives are preserved, and a few ongoing ventures are highlighted in the final chapter.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

ma

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Rajendram, Prasanthee

• BL Crefydd

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3866