Cultural Heritage in Poland - the Background, Opportunities and Dangers

Abstract

Cultural heritage plays an invaluable role in the existence, sustenance and development of society. It is a factor in intergenerational transmission, exemplification and the formation of personality and identity. This book discusses the determinant factors, threats, history, the legal basis and actions undertaken in Poland for the protection of cultural heritage. It shows the multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-faith Republic of Poland, which owes a significant proportion of its development in science, culture and art to representatives of other nations. It presents the issue of Jewish cultural heritage and national and ethnic minorities in cultural borderlands. Other subjects under discussion include e.g. protection of intangible cultural heritage, monuments and literary cultural property, but also cultural education. These reflections are accompanied by praxeological propositions, because for protection of cultural heritage to be of substantial impact, it must consist not only in scientific deliberations, but also practical, forward-looking applications built on intercultural dialogue.