Diaspora Involvement in Heritage Reconstruction: The Role of Displaced Communities in Shaping Narratives and Priorities in Heritage Recovery

Abstract

This paper examines the complex relationship between diaspora communities and heritage reconstruction processes, analyzing how displaced populations influence narrative construction and priority determination in heritage recovery initiatives. Through theoretical analysis grounded in postcolonial theory and diaspora studies, this research demonstrates that diaspora involvement fundamentally transforms heritage reconstruction from mere physical restoration to active processes of cultural renegotiation and identity formation. The analysis reveals that displaced communities operate as both preservers and innovators of cultural heritage, creating hybrid narratives that challenge traditional authenticity paradigms while establishing new frameworks for cultural continuity. This study contributes to heritage studies by illuminating the dynamic interplay between displacement, memory, and cultural reconstruction, offering implications for policy makers, heritage professionals, and diaspora communities engaged in reconstruction efforts.