This illuminating book explores the pivotal role of sacred landscapes in today's globalized world, analysing the latest research of how political, social, and historical factors influence their creation, preservation, and transformation. It examines the significance of sacred landscapes in shaping social identity and community history, providing valuable insights into their rich heritage and evolving traditions.

Darius Liutikas brings together renowned scholars to discuss religious rituals, practices, and sanctuaries, comparing sacred sites from different religions and revealing the cultural and spiritual importance of these spaces across diverse regions. Contributors discuss globalized challenges, and outline theories, concepts, and practical examples relating to the anthropological and sociological backgrounds of sacred landscapes. Exploring the nexus between religion and geography, the book demonstrates how sacred spaces adapt to meet the needs of evolving societies, highlighting the relationship between religious traditions and their spatial expressions.

Geographies of Religious Spaces and Sacred Landscapes is a thought-provoking and highly accessible read, designed for students and academics in cultural sociology, human geography, religious studies, and pilgrimage studies. Its discerning insights will also greatly benefit practitioners in cultural anthropology and tourism.

About the Author
Edited by Darius Liutikas, Senior Scientific Researcher, Institute of Sociology, Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences, Vilnius, Lithuania

Reviews
'This cutting-edge volume encompasses diverse perspectives on sacrosanct places and landscapes across the globe. Its strengths lie in the multitude of localities it includes and its treatment of sacred spaces in a wide diversity of faith traditions. This book deserves to occupy a prominent position on the shelves of all social scientists with an interest in sacred spaces.' -- Dallen J. Timothy, Arizona State University, USA
'This book offers a thoughtful evaluation into the role of religious landscapes in the global world. It illustrates progressive research from religious geography, shedding light on the importance of sacred spaces in reflecting the social identity, history, and cultural distinctions of various communities and regions. It also provides a persuasive analysis of sacred sites, from personal platforms to globally significant spaces such as Jerusalem, Makkah, and Rome, highlighting their value in cultural and architectural terms. It demonstrates how sacred spaces, such as houses of worship, pilgrimage routes, and cemeteries, are not only essential religious landmarks but also central to the socio-economic fabric of their regions.' -- Razaq Raj, Leeds Business School, UK



Book Information
ISBN 9781035343812
Author Darius Liutikas
Format Hardback
Page Count 274
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd