2. CONTENTS What is Unpleasant place tourismJalianwala Bagh
HistoryTourism and sentimentsInterpreting unpleasant
placesSummary
3. Unpleasant place tourism Thanatourism : We humans are very
curious; very curious to know, to see and to feel. This curiosity
attracts us to places where stories beautiful or painful reside.
When we visit these places we feel connected to that place,
connected to the story that many lived ages ago. Government may
preach their citizen to ignore the unpleasant past and move on but
on same time preserve these unpleasant places to attract the
tourism. Tourism of these unpleasant places is called
thanatourismCambodia Killing fields: Approximate 2.5 Millions of
total 8 Million population of country killed by Khmer army Major
tourist attraction and part in country economyAustralia Port Arthur
Massacre: 35 people killed by an Australian teenager Martin Bryant
Major Australian tourist attraction
4. Unpleasant place tourismRape of Nanking: Approximate 300,000
Chinese killed by Japanese army Major Chinese tourist
attractionJalianwala Bagh Massacre: Approximately 1000 Indians
killed by England army/forces Major Indian tourist attractionBabi
Yar Massacre: Approximately 150,000 lives taken by Nazis rule Major
Ukrainian tourist attraction
5. HISTORY: Jalianwala bagh 13th April, 1919, approximately
1500 Indians grouped together in a park called Jalianwala Bagh for
religious pray and also to show non-violent protest against British
armys illegal capture of Indian leaders. Brigadier-General Reginald
E.H. Dyer has covered the area with army and without any reasons
started firing on the more than 1500 people including innocent
women, children and men. Firing last for more than 15 minutes till
all ammunition exhausted. More than 1000 innocent Indians have been
killed and a garden became blood pond.
6. Today: Jalianwala bagh A monument in remembrance of innocent
lives is created in Jalianwala Bagh. Architecture based on
symbolism including a 30-feet high pylon, with stone lanterns on
four sides, stands in the middle of a shallow tank in the garden.
The lanterns are carved with Ashok Chakra and the words, In memory
of martyrs, 13 April 1919, have been inscribed on all four sides of
the pylon. A lamp, burning to pay homage to the martyrs, is placed
at the entrance. It is the Eternal Flame of Liberty.
7. Tourism and sentiments It is interesting and probably must
for few to visit unpleasant places to calm their curiosity and live
a time where time stopped once. As a tourist it is important to
understand the feeling of people who are part of that brutal
reality. Sentiments and feelings of local should be
respected.Government might be using these places to boost tourism
economy also some locals might be capitalising on tourism but in
last it is the harsh reality on humanity and this should be
respected. There has been police action due to issues between
police and locals at Amtitsar when a tourist made a joke of
incident.
8. Interpreting Unpleasant placesJalianwala Bagh: Marks of
bullets still exist, facts from speech of British government still
exists and People who lost their family still exist and visit
Jalianwala Bagh often to pay tribute. Interpretation of this site
is not difficult as site still speaks through bullet marks. For
remembrance three symbols of peace, eternal life and respect are
created in Jalianwala BaghAs a tourist it is difficult to
understand these symbols till message explaining them is read.
9. Interpreting Unpleasant placesNanking Memorial: Nanking
massacre, one of the most painful massacre has limited visible
Interpretation possible without knowing the history. Although the
structure created At memorial shows shows pain, grief and fight for
survival. Feelings rise up in Jalianwala Bagh when we see bullet
marks and well where many killed but in this memorial museum
creates the medium for interpretation.Museum and art galleries are
great medium for interpretation. Cambodia's killing fields display
is one soul shaking example.
10. Interpreting Unpleasant places Tourists Dark tourist
Homage, pay tribute and respect Pleasure tourist Fun, curiosity,
completing travelDark Tourist Relationship Unpleasant place No
Relationship Pleasure Tourist
11. Architecture and Unpleasant places Architecture living
socio-culture and presenting a hope.Architecture with open plan
creating hollowness in heart for what we lost.Architecture with red
colour or black shades structure symbolising painPlain, raw
structures, speaking through their stories
12. summary They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow
old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going
down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Laurence
Binyon
