The architect Michel Polge, of the ICOMOS Historical Cities and Villages International Committee, evaluated Budapest's old Jewish Quarter at the invitation of the Secretariat of the Hungarian National World Heritage Committee and the Budapest City Council in November 2007.
The so-called "reactive monitoring" visit followed concerns that developments along and around Andrássy Avenue, especially in the capital's old Jewish quarter, might threaten its historical character.
"Excessive demolitions and other changes could compromise the overall value of Andrássy Avenue and the area's architectural and cultural character, which formed the basis for its inscription on the World Heritage List in 2002, Hungary's Office for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (KÖH) said in a statement at the time.
In an assessment based on the visit and published this week, Mr Polge blamed loose regulations for the demolitions of historic buildings in the quarter and their replacement with modern structures. He said investors have little incentive other than profits and urged Hungary to introduce regulations that reward developers for rehabilitating historic areas, rather than taking a wrecking ball to them.
"We can only regret the demolitions that have already taken place," especially that of the last standing remains of the old ghetto wall, Polge said in the assessment, though he pressed for authorities to examine projects that have already been granted permits, but have not yet begun "in the shortest possible period". He said a moratorium should be placed on all other development projects without permits until the local council of District VII draws up a new rehabilitation plan.
Tamás Mezős, of (KÖH), said work on undoing what has been done has already started. "Currently we are working on making the mistakes and damages...reparable to a degree," he said, promising KÖH would act on Polge's recommendations and take the appropriate steps.
Budapest deputy-mayor Imre Ikvay-Szabó expressed his unquestionable agreement with Polge's recommendations and promised to support them. "In spite of the difficult budget position, we will do everything possible," he said.
District VII mayor György Hunvald said Polge's report contained little that was new, but he agreed with his recommendations. At the same time, he urged Parliament to draw up legislation that rewards developers for rehabilitating historic areas.
The World Heritage List programme was founded with the Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO on November 16, 1972. Since then, more than 800 sites have been included on the list. Hungary became a participant in the programme in 1985.
In addition to Andrássy Avenue, cultural sites in Hungary already included on UNESCO's World Heritage List are the view of Budapest along the Danube; the capital's Castle District; the area around Fertö, or Neusiedlersee, on Hungary's border with Austria; the Hortobágy National Park, better known as the "Puszta" in Hungarian; the Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma; and the famous Tokaj wine region. On UNESCO's World Heritage List of natural wonders are the caves of Aggtelek, which Hungary shares with Slovakia.
Source: Múlt-kor
