The Virtual Living Museum: Integrating the Multi-Layered Histories and Cultural Practices of Gadara’s Archaeology in Umm Qais, Jordan

Gehan Selim, Monther Jamhawi, Mohamed Gamal Abdelmonem, Shouib Ma’bdeh and Andrew Holland
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Gehan Selim: School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
Monther Jamhawi: Department of City Planning and Design, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
Mohamed Gamal Abdelmonem: School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
Shouib Ma’bdeh: Department of Architecture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
Andrew Holland: School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 11, 1-18

Abstract: This paper discusses a novel technological approach using virtual heritage technology to reflect Umm Qais heritage’s intertwining and interdependent nature that shapes its identity and value today. It developed the first model of a “virtual living museum” that brings both the tangible and intangible heritage of the site and community together into an integrated virtual environment that gives equal importance to local community narratives, traditions and history. We argue that integrating both human and digital records enriches the virtual twin of cultural heritage sites as a living and more humane experience that best represents the multi-layered and overlapping history of ancient Gadara’s archaeology and the cultural practices within Hara Fouqa and its Ottoman houses. As heritage is neither one dimensional nor frozen in time, virtual experiences must be fluid, dynamic, inclusive, integrative and open to change, reflecting living historical narratives.

Keywords: virtual heritage; living museum; Greco-Roman archaeology; Byzantine archaeology; Gadara; Umm Qais; Ottoman heritage; digital technology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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