Dragasi, E; (2014) The Legislative Process in Developing Cultural Heritage Protection Policy in Greece with Particular Reference to the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Law 3028/2002. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).

Abstract

This thesis explores the discourse of cultural heritage internationalism and nationalism as they were expressed within the broader theoretical discourse in the cultural heritage field, as well as their expressions during the making of Greek Law 3028/2002 on the Protection of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage in General. More particularly, this research investigates the underlying interests of powerful groups, motivations of actors, ideological beliefs, and the origins of conflicting interests on cultural heritage protection within Greece during the making of this particular Law in comparison to the theoretical debate over cultural heritage ownership and control of its use, value and meaning. Furthermore, it explains the origins of conflicting interests, power relations, and motivations of actors, groups and institutions in their attempt to dominate, accumulate capital, distinguish themselves and maintain their social position in the cultural heritage discourse by adopting Bourdieu’s theories of habitus and practice. Analysis of archival material from various primary and secondary sources constituted the methodological framework alongside interviews with officials, specialist lawyers, and academics in Greece. My thesis reviews specific examples of Greek law and policy by looking into trends that show how the ideas of cultural heritage nationalism have been reflected in Greek legislation to protect material representations and identities from the foundation of the Greek state in 1830, when Greece gained independence from the Ottomans, until the enactment of the current Law 3028/2002. Additionally, it examines the journey of this particular Bill of Law 3028/2002 throughout its legislative stages, analyses the main factors that necessitated a new cultural heritage protection law, and evaluates the policy priorities behind the Bill. The in-depth analysis of the lengthy discussions that took place during the making of Law 3028/2002 at three different stages of the legislative process indicated interwoven and structured dynamics between international and national arrangements in Greece’s case and that all forms of internationalism had an element of a ‘built-in’ nationalism. This evidence-based approach revealed, empirically, that during the enactment of the Law actors expressing both sides of the debate,attempted to systematise and orchestrate their ‘voices’ according to their practices, beliefs and personal interests in order to control the use and value of heritage exclusively, and maintain their ownership rights and social status.

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