Silk Road's Chain of Inter-cultural Bases and World Heritage in ECO Members

Countries of the historico-geographical expanses covered by the Economic Cooperation Organization constitute the main terrain through which the most important trade, cultural and social routes have passed since time immemorial. The roads link the communities in these countries and have served as platforms on which capabilities and heritage have been shared. Thus, collective identity and common cultural and historical heritage have long been the main bond among these nations. According to modern research, thousands of kilometers of road constitute the Silk Road network. Half of these roads are situated in the ten Member States of the ECO. More than their primary function which was commercial and economic, these roads served the higher purpose of transmitting this intellectual and material heritage among societies. This network acted like a chain connecting the cultural hubs together, for which reason, these roads, particularly in ECO countries, merit the name ‘Culture Roads’. Through historical research methodology the current article has sought to study the inter-cultural role of ECO members in civilization and cultural heritage of the ancient roads. Tangible, intangible, written and natural heritage as is common to ECO countries constitute the most important feature of the Silk Road. These countries can play an important role in nominating the Silk Road to be registered globally.