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Saving the East's Architectural Heritage

Decades of neglect, misuse and now the threat of commercialization have left much of the rich architectural heritage of Eastern and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union in tatters. While some countries, notably the Czech Republic and Estonia, have made an impressive start in restoring some of their treasured sites to their former glory, many historic buildings in Central Asia and the Caucuses may soon be lost forever. In this four-part series, RFE/RL news correspondent Lindsay Percival-Straunik looks at preservation projects throughout the region.

RUSSIA: Tsar's Palace Receives New Lease On Life

Washington, 12 May 1997 (RFE/RL) - Tsarskoye Selo, or Tsar's Village, near Russia's second city of St. Petersburg, draws millions of visitors every year from around the world.

THE EAST: Neglect Threatens Historic Jewish Sites

Prague, 12 May 1997 (RFE/RL) - The rich Jewish cultural and architectural heritage in Central and Eastern Europe has faced countless threats down the centuries. Today, the perils are more likely to be neglect or environmental damage than deliberate destruction.

THE EAST: A Rich Architectural Heritage At Risk

Washington, 12 May 1997 (RFE/RL) - Decades of neglect, misuse and now the threat of commercialization have left much of the rich architectural heritage of Eastern and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union in tatters.

WORLD: How The United States Saves Its Heritage

Washington, 12 May 1997 (RFE/RL) - Historic preservation in the United States began some 200 years ago, shortly after the country itself was born.

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special reports 1997