Heritage, Identity, and Memory: Results of the XI International Forum “Cultural Heritage of the North Caucasus as a Resource for Interethnic Harmony”

This review aims to analyze the key outcomes of the XI International Scientific Forum, “Cultural Heritage of the North Caucasus as a Resource for Interethnic Harmony,” held in Kabardinka from September 11 to 14, 2025. The primary objective is to identify the main research trends, theoretical debates, and practical initiatives presented at the event, which addressed pressing issues of interethnic, interfaith, and societal interaction, as well as heritage preservation. The analysis is based on the forum’s proceedings, with particular attention given to the plenary session and the specialized roundtable, “Religious Heritage in Modern Society: History, Tradition, and Practices of Engagement.” Methodologically, the review employs qualitative analysis of the presented papers, discourse study, and thematic synthesis to map the interdisciplinary field of heritage research. The structure of the forum is outlined sequentially, beginning with its international scope and institutional framework. The content of the plenary presentations is detailed, focusing on the reflection of the Great Patriotic War in historical memory and memorial culture, the formation of patriotic consciousness among youth, and fundamental challenges in the development of library science in Russia. The core of the analysis is devoted to a systematic examination of the roundtable reports on religious heritage, which are grouped into thematic clusters: theoretical foundations of religious consciousness; case studies of specific traditions (Islam, Tengrism, Buddhism, Old Believers); the intersection of religion with art and architecture; issues of heritage preservation; the social role of clergy; and contemporary sociological studies of youth religiosity. The discussions encompassed all traditional religions of Russia, pre-Christian and pre-Islamic paganism, modern neo-paganism, and extra-institutional religiosity. The findings of the review indicate a paradigm shift from descriptive-historical approaches toward a comprehensive, problem-oriented understanding of heritage as a dynamic resource that actively shapes identity, social policy, and international dialogue. The analysis highlights the dialectic between universal religious systems and their local ethnic adaptations, a growing emphasis on the practical application of research in tourism and cultural policy, and the demonstrated value of interdisciplinary exchange. The forum revealed that cultural heritage, especially within the multifaceted context of the North Caucasus, is increasingly studied as a living, integrated phenomenon of critical importance for fostering sustainable interethnic harmony.que rem repel excerro venduci samet oditis illes es ad que cusapit.