Pamphlet Against Awarding the Fortifications of Vauban UNESCO World Heritage Status
in private ownership, collection Edelmayer
In 2007, Catalan nationalist circles in France still spoke out vehemently against the inclusion of Vauban's structures in the World Heritage List, accusing Vauban of participating in the suppression of the Catalan language and culture. Thus pamphlets appeared at the 39th Catalan Summer School in Prades (16–25 August 2007) that heavily criticised the French policy in the 17th century and accused Vauban of complicity in the oppression of the Catalans. The four-page text concludes with the words: "What is Vauban's significance? … All this clearly indicates the desire to militarily suppress the Catalan people, their culture and language. Now that you know the truth, do you still think it is appropriate to honour Vauban? We should show a minimum of respect for our ancestors who suffered so much. Let's say 'no' to including Vauban and his military constructions in the UNESCO cultural heritage." The organization responsible for the leaflet was "La Federació per la defensa de la llengua i la cultura catalanes", founded in Perpignan in 1980, cf. http://www.federacio.cat.
Pamphlet Against Awarding the Fortifications of Vauban UNESCO World Heritage Status, 2007, ed. by the Federació per la defensa de la llengua i la cultura catalanes; source: in private ownership, collection Edelmayer.