Wiki World Heritage User Group/Told Cities/About

The project	World Heritage Cities		Wikipedia Contest

Told Cities, a project of Wiki World Heritage

There are innumerable cities across the world that are rich in architectural, historical, and cultural gems. The UNESCO World Heritage Cities stand out among them as remarkable locations that have been acknowledged for their exceptional universal worth. These cities are home to numerous tales that have all been woven into the fabric of time. To ensure that these cultural narratives and the remarkable architecture of these cities doesn’t go unnoticed and is documented before it perishes, the Wiki World Heritage initiated the project called “Told Cities” By utilizing Wikimedia projects and tools, Told Cities aims to create a comprehensive documentation of the monuments, significant buildings, and other components that define these World Heritage Cities.

The Importance of World Heritage Cities:

UNESCO World Heritage Cities represent the pinnacle of human achievement in architecture, urban planning, and cultural heritage preservation. These cities are living testaments to our shared history, traditions, and values. They provide us with a glimpse into the ingenuity, creativity, and cultural diversity of past civilizations. By preserving and celebrating these cities, we enrich our understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit.

The Role of Told Cities:

Told Cities seeks to produce a thorough record of the monuments, important structures, and other elements that characterise these World Heritage Cities using Wikimedia projects and resources.Documentation of Monuments and Significant Buildings: The documenting of the monuments and important structures of World Heritage Cities is one of Told Cities' main objectives. Told Towns aims to offer a virtual window into the architectural wonders that adorn these cities through images, in-depth explanations, and historical context by co-relating each information with the other tools of Wikimedia such as Wikibooks, WikiData etc. This guarantees that the delicate craftsmanship and cultural value of these monuments will be recognised by and appreciated by future generations and is accessible to all who seek the information.

The aim of the initiative is to highlight the narrative of each site while making it accessible for the people across the world.

The Power of Wikimedia Projects:

Wikimedia projects, with their collaborative and open nature, provide the ideal platform for Told Cities' documentation efforts. Wikipedia offers a vast array of articles that can be expanded and enriched with in-depth information about World Heritage Cities. Wikimedia Commons serves as a treasure trove of photographs and visual materials, showcasing the splendor of these cities. Wikidata provides a structured database that can link relevant information about cities, their monuments, and their cultural heritage.

Engaging the Global Community:

Told Cities is an initiative undertaken not by an individual but rather a collective effort of various organisations, volunteers and institutes who recognises the potential of heritage and importance of this information on open source platforms. The collaborations on such initiatives also paves way for further cross-cultural initiatives.

Told Cities serves as a catalyst for the documentation and preservation of the invaluable World Heritage Cities. Through the utilization of Wikimedia projects and tools, this initiative harnesses the collective knowledge, passion, and expertise of a global community. By telling the stories of these cities, we ensure that their cultural heritage is not lost to the passage of time. Let us embark on this remarkable journey together, celebrating and cherishing the world's most treasured urban landscapes.