Legacy of war, pillars of peace: german WWII bunkers and fortifications as touristic assets in northern France, Belgium, and Poland
Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This thesis looks on the conversion of German World War II bunkers and defences in Northern France, Belgium, and Poland into valuable tourist and educational resources. These once-powerful military fortifications, built by Nazi Germany as defensive strongholds, have subsequently been transformed as places of recollection and historical reflection. The study digs into the complex process by which these bunkers transitioned from being emblems of war and oppression to being vital parts of dark tourism and heritage preservation. The study's primary concerns include the ethical implications of reusing locations of trauma and violence. The thesis critically investigates how these constructions, which are often located in war-torn areas, have become commodified as tourist attractions. This commodification poses crucial considerations about how to strike a balance between honouring those who have suffered and capitalising on tourism's economic benefits. Furthermore, the study investigates the significance of these sites in conserving collective memory, emphasising how they serve as effective teaching instruments for engaging the public with the historical events of World War II. The dissertation illustrates how communities have integrated these bunkers into local economies while preserving their historical relevance by examining both the cultural and economic implications of converting them into tourist attractions. The study also includes case studies of successfully changed bunkers, which demonstrate best practices for sustainable tourism, preservation, and community involvement. At last, this thesis explains how WWII bunkers and fortifications, which were once symbols of violence and division, have developed into pillars of peace and education. Their transformation not only preserves World War II history, but also contributes to the socioeconomic development of the communities in which they are located, teaching lessons in recollection, contemplation, and responsible heritage tourism.
Author: Silva, Gonçalo José Pinheiro da
Language: English
Subfield: Cultural Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7020234031