Ação patrimonial, ocupação popular e os conflitos da preservação: o caso da comunidade da Gamboa de baixo em Salvador - Ba.

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of heritage actions in the Historic Center of Salvador and its surroundings, addressing the conflict generated by the popular occupation of buildings protected by heritage listing and the need for their preservation. The conflict is interpreted, on one hand, through the strategies of the public authorities, which, aligned with discourses of urban revitalization, heritage preservation, and state disengagement, seek to implement strategic planning in the urban center. On the other hand, the tactics of social movements are presented, as they strive to resist removals, legitimize themselves as part of the heritage to be revitalized, and force social participation in public decision-making processes. A closer examination is then provided of the popular occupation of the Forte de São Paulo, in the Gamboa de Baixo community, and the actions and decisions of the public authorities regarding this area to promote a conservation project for this military architecture, protected by heritage listing. Throughout the text, the actors involved in this conflict on both sides are presented, highlighting their actions to reaffirm their discourses, creating a dynamic of power and resistance that brings elements to discuss the issue of heritage in urban areas.