"historical practice"

#13304676

11 February 2026

Professor Robin Coningham, UNESCO Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage at Durham University and co-director of the excavations, attends a press conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 11, 2026. A collaborative team of national and international experts from the Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust, and Durham University's UNESCO Chair uncovers Nepal's first example of an apsidal Buddhist temple within the ancient city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, one of the best-preserved Early Historic cities and hinterlands in South Asia. A clear category of temple in South Asia, they are called apsidal as they have a curved end wall that defines the religious focus of the monument, with an entrance platform at the other end. The earliest known examples are cut into rock, with later monuments constructed out of stone, timber, or brick. The monument revealed at Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, the first discovered in Nepal, follows this exact layout but is unusual in its location. It is a rare example of an apsidal temple constructed within a city rather than in a separate religious complex. The newly discovered apsidal structure is built near the center of the city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu over the remains of the city's earlier palatial complex. This central walled complex defines an area of 100 by 100 meters through a massive brick wall measuring 1.5 meters wide. After its abandonment, the complex becomes a focus for veneration, with Buddhist monasteries built over its ruined monumental walls. It is within the courtyard of one of these monasteries that the apsidal temple is built, enshrining and respecting an earlier Buddhist stupa within the earlier monastery.

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#13304678

11 February 2026

Professor Robin Coningham, UNESCO Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage at Durham University and co-director of the excavations, attends a press conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 11, 2026. A collaborative team of national and international experts from the Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust, and Durham University's UNESCO Chair uncovers Nepal's first example of an apsidal Buddhist temple within the ancient city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, one of the best-preserved Early Historic cities and hinterlands in South Asia. A clear category of temple in South Asia, they are called apsidal as they have a curved end wall that defines the religious focus of the monument, with an entrance platform at the other end. The earliest known examples are cut into rock, with later monuments constructed out of stone, timber, or brick. The monument revealed at Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, the first discovered in Nepal, follows this exact layout but is unusual in its location. It is a rare example of an apsidal temple constructed within a city rather than in a separate religious complex. The newly discovered apsidal structure is built near the center of the city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu over the remains of the city's earlier palatial complex. This central walled complex defines an area of 100 by 100 meters through a massive brick wall measuring 1.5 meters wide. After its abandonment, the complex becomes a focus for veneration, with Buddhist monasteries built over its ruined monumental walls. It is within the courtyard of one of these monasteries that the apsidal temple is built, enshrining and respecting an earlier Buddhist stupa within the earlier monastery.

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#13304679

11 February 2026

Professor Robin Coningham, UNESCO Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage at Durham University and co-director of the excavations, briefs about the findings during a press conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 11, 2026. A collaborative team of national and international experts from the Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust, and Durham University's UNESCO Chair uncovers Nepal's first example of an apsidal Buddhist temple within the ancient city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, one of the best-preserved Early Historic cities and hinterlands in South Asia. A clear category of temple in South Asia, they are called apsidal as they have a curved end wall that defines the religious focus of the monument, with an entrance platform at the other end. The earliest known examples are cut into rock, with later monuments constructed out of stone, timber, or brick. The monument revealed at Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, the first discovered in Nepal, follows this exact layout but is unusual in its location. It is a rare example of an apsidal temple constructed within a city rather than in a separate religious complex. The newly discovered apsidal structure is built near the center of the city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu over the remains of the city's earlier palatial complex. This central walled complex defines an area of 100 by 100 meters through a massive brick wall measuring 1.5 meters wide. After its abandonment, the complex becomes a focus for veneration, with Buddhist monasteries built over its ruined monumental walls. It is within the courtyard of one of these monasteries that the apsidal temple is built, enshrining and respecting an earlier Buddhist stupa within the earlier monastery.

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#13304680

11 February 2026

Professor Robin Coningham, UNESCO Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage at Durham University and co-director of the excavations, briefs about the findings during a press conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 11, 2026. A collaborative team of national and international experts from the Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust, and Durham University's UNESCO Chair uncovers Nepal's first example of an apsidal Buddhist temple within the ancient city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, one of the best-preserved Early Historic cities and hinterlands in South Asia. A clear category of temple in South Asia, they are called apsidal as they have a curved end wall that defines the religious focus of the monument, with an entrance platform at the other end. The earliest known examples are cut into rock, with later monuments constructed out of stone, timber, or brick. The monument revealed at Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, the first discovered in Nepal, follows this exact layout but is unusual in its location. It is a rare example of an apsidal temple constructed within a city rather than in a separate religious complex. The newly discovered apsidal structure is built near the center of the city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu over the remains of the city's earlier palatial complex. This central walled complex defines an area of 100 by 100 meters through a massive brick wall measuring 1.5 meters wide. After its abandonment, the complex becomes a focus for veneration, with Buddhist monasteries built over its ruined monumental walls. It is within the courtyard of one of these monasteries that the apsidal temple is built, enshrining and respecting an earlier Buddhist stupa within the earlier monastery.

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#13304681

11 February 2026

Professor Robin Coningham, UNESCO Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage at Durham University and co-director of the excavations, briefs about the findings during a press conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 11, 2026. A collaborative team of national and international experts from the Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust, and Durham University's UNESCO Chair uncovers Nepal's first example of an apsidal Buddhist temple within the ancient city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, one of the best-preserved Early Historic cities and hinterlands in South Asia. A clear category of temple in South Asia, they are called apsidal as they have a curved end wall that defines the religious focus of the monument, with an entrance platform at the other end. The earliest known examples are cut into rock, with later monuments constructed out of stone, timber, or brick. The monument revealed at Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu, the first discovered in Nepal, follows this exact layout but is unusual in its location. It is a rare example of an apsidal temple constructed within a city rather than in a separate religious complex. The newly discovered apsidal structure is built near the center of the city of Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu over the remains of the city's earlier palatial complex. This central walled complex defines an area of 100 by 100 meters through a massive brick wall measuring 1.5 meters wide. After its abandonment, the complex becomes a focus for veneration, with Buddhist monasteries built over its ruined monumental walls. It is within the courtyard of one of these monasteries that the apsidal temple is built, enshrining and respecting an earlier Buddhist stupa within the earlier monastery.

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#13278724

5 February 2026

A long-exposure photograph shows the rhythmic movement of devotees as they circulate around the Sacred Devnimori Relics at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on February 5, 2026

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#13259753

31 January 2026

In Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, the weathered hands of an elderly Kurdish man hold an open Holy Quran. The image captures a moment of spiritual devotion and lifelong faith, reflecting the central role of religious practice in the daily lives of the older generation in Erbil

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#13219413

20 January 2026

On January 20, 2026, in Incheon, South Korea, a flock of seagulls eagerly swoops down to snatch food thrown by visitors near Bomunsa Temple on Ganghwa Island, South Korea. Bomunsa Temple, located on Seokmodo Island in South Korea, traces its origins back to the year 635 during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Silla Dynasty. According to historical accounts, the monk Hyejeong, while practicing asceticism on Mount Geumgang, witnesses a divine manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Moved by the vision, he journeys to Ganghwa Island and establishes the temple. Legend holds that the temple's history begins when a sacred stone is retrieved from the sea and enshrined as a representation of the Buddha. This act of reverence marks the beginning of Bomunsa's spiritual legacy, which continues to draw pilgrims and visitors to this day.

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#13219414

20 January 2026

On January 20, 2026, in Incheon, South Korea, a flock of seagulls eagerly swoops down to snatch food thrown by visitors near Bomunsa Temple on Ganghwa Island, South Korea. Bomunsa Temple, located on Seokmodo Island in South Korea, traces its origins back to the year 635 during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Silla Dynasty. According to historical accounts, the monk Hyejeong, while practicing asceticism on Mount Geumgang, witnesses a divine manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Moved by the vision, he journeys to Ganghwa Island and establishes the temple. Legend holds that the temple's history begins when a sacred stone is retrieved from the sea and enshrined as a representation of the Buddha. This act of reverence marks the beginning of Bomunsa's spiritual legacy, which continues to draw pilgrims and visitors to this day.

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#13219418

20 January 2026

On January 20, 2026, in Incheon, South Korea, a view of the Rock-carved Seated Bodhisattva at Bomunsa Temple on Ganghwa Island, South Korea, is observed. Dancheong, ornate designs painted in striking reds, blues, greens, and golds, not only enhance the aesthetic beauty of the sacred space but also symbolize protection and spiritual harmony. The craftsmanship reflects centuries of cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into Korea's enduring artistic and religious traditions. Bomunsa Temple, located on Seokmodo Island in South Korea, traces its origins back to the year 635 during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Silla Dynasty. According to historical accounts, the temple is founded by the monk Hyejeong, who, while practicing asceticism on Mount Geumgang, is said to witness a divine manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Moved by the vision, he journeys to Ganghwa Island and establishes the temple. Legend holds that the temple's history begins when a sacred stone is retrieved from the sea and enshrined as a representation of the Buddha. This act of reverence marks the beginning of Bomunsa's spiritual legacy, which continues to draw pilgrims and visitors to this day.

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#13181931

11 January 2026

Members of a religious brotherhood carry silver ceremonial staffs and a richly decorated banner during Semana Santa in Seville, Spain, on April 2023.

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#13181933

11 January 2026

A hooded penitent carries a wooden cross during a Holy Week procession in Seville, Spain, on April 2023.

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#13181934

11 January 2026

A hooded penitent carries a wooden cross during a Holy Week procession in Seville, Spain, on April 2023.

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#13138371

29 December 2025

A group of musicians participates in the Parranda de los Santos Inocentes (Feast of the Holy Innocents) in the town of Caucagua in Miranda, Venezuela, on December 28, 2025. In 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declares the Parranda de los Santos Inocentes de Caucagua an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

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#13138379

29 December 2025

A man participates in the Parranda de los Santos Inocentes in Caucagua, Miranda, Venezuela, on December 28, 2025. In 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declares the Parranda de los Santos Inocentes de Caucagua an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

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#13112361

20 December 2025

Egyptians and devotees of Ahl al-Bayt celebrate the birth anniversary of Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin in the Sayyida Zaynab district of Cairo, Egypt, on December 19, 2025.

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