The words alone conjure up images of vast expanses of burning and arid land, mountain passes buried under eternal snows and intrepid voyagers somewhere between China and Italy, drawn by the lures of trade in silk and other precious commodities. But in addition to its use as a trade route, this network of roads covering Eurasia helped to spread ideas, values, cultures and knowledge. The resulting enrichment and technological progress contributed significantly to the flourishing and development of civilizations.
The UNESCO project on an 'Integral Study of the Silk Roads: Roads of Dialogue' (1988-1997) examined the various types of contact and exchanges which took place along these roads and their impact on the history and civilization of our modern world, shedding light on the many identities and common heritage of the peoples involved.
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UNESCO World Heritage Centre Workshops :
2005: UNESCO Workshop on the Serial World Heritage Nomination of the Silk Roads
2008: UNESCO Sub-regional Workshop on the Serial World Heritage Nomination of the Silk Roads