Which is the 43rd UNESCO heritage site

The 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee went down in 2019, in Baku, Azerbaijan. They added 29 new sites that year. But when people ask "Which is the 43rd UNESCO heritage site," they're usually talking about the order things got inscribed during that session. So, the 43rd site overall? That's the Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso — officially recognized on July 6, 2019. It's five different spots scattered across Burkina Faso, showing off iron smelting history and tech that goes way back to the 8th century BCE.

This was a massive deal because it marked the very first World Heritage site for Burkina Faso. The property has all these remains — iron ore reduction furnaces, slag heaps, and other structures — that prove a continuous tradition of iron production lasting over 2,000 years. Kinda mind-blowing when you think about it.

What was the 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2019?

Like I said, the 43rd site inscribed during that 43rd session was the Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso. It's a serial property with five components: Douroula, Tiwêga, Yamané, Kindibo, and Békuy. These places give you a complete, well-preserved picture of iron production — from mining to smelting to forging.

Honestly, this site is a testament to just how innovative and culturally significant ironworking was in West Africa. The furnaces? They're often shaped like human figures. Not just functional — they're artistic too. It reflects how deeply spiritual and socially important iron production was for these communities.

What are the key features of the 43rd UNESCO site?

The Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso have some pretty distinctive features:

• Diverse furnace types: You'll find natural draft furnaces, forced draft furnaces, and shaft furnaces — each one representing different technological phases.
• Excellent preservation: A lot of furnaces are still intact, with slag heaps, tuyeres (those clay nozzles), and production debris right where they were. Gives you a comprehensive view of the smelting process.
• Cultural continuity: Believe it or not, the tradition of iron smelting is still remembered and even practiced in some communities. There are oral histories and rituals tied to these sites.
• Landscape integration: The sites are embedded in the natural landscape. Iron ore mines, charcoal production areas, and water sources all form this integrated production system.

Why was the 43rd UNESCO site significant?

So why did this inscription matter so much?

• First World Heritage site for Burkina Faso: It finally brought international recognition to the country's cultural heritage.
• Representation of African technological heritage: It highlights the advanced ironworking technology that existed in West Africa long before any European contact.
• Outstanding Universal Value: The site shows a unique, continuous tradition of iron production — its longevity and preservation are basically unparalleled.

How does the 43rd UNESCO site compare to others?

To give you some perspective, here's a table comparing the 43rd site with other notable inscriptions from the 2019 session:

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