Sounds of Qatar: Preserving Qatari Aural Culture Through Digital Sound Archives

Abstract

Although the introduction of emerging technologies has enhanced the position and value_x000D_ of culture within societies, it has also started a conversation on the need to preserve and_x000D_ protect the same- particularly during times of rapid change and development. The need to_x000D_ remember the past in order to establish the present and understand the future continues to_x000D_ grow, especially as the possibilities of what can be preserved increase through digital_x000D_ technology. One of such possibilities is aural culture; sounds that distinguish or represent_x000D_ a culture or region._x000D_ _x000D_ Despite tendencies to perceive the Gulf states as historical bastions of Gulf_x000D_ futurism. Qatar like most countries has a rich history and deeply rooted traditions, in_x000D_ addition to being a rapidly modernizing society. As efforts are made in preserving other_x000D_ traditional aspects of its unique culture, efforts in preserving its aural culture or soundscape,_x000D_ are still in their infancy stage. Hence, this thesis project aims to highlight and demonstrate_x000D_ the significance of Qatari aural culture in the field of Qatari cultural heritage preservation,_x000D_ by creating a sound map of an iconic traditional urban landmark- Souq Waqif._x000D_ _x000D_ This project not only aims to document the sounds unique to Souq Waqif, in order_x000D_ to preserve its identity and aural experience for future generations, but it also aims to justify_x000D_ the use of sound maps as a tool for the preservation of sound through an interactive method,_x000D_ providing an authentic aural experience of the place, even to those who have physically_x000D_ never visited. As digital sound archives become more prominent in the field of cultural_x000D_ heritage preservation, with many researchers actively undertaking projects across the globe,_x000D_ this project aims to put Qatar on the map for the same- and showcase not only the growing_x000D_ impacts of modernization on sounds that may be lost amidst a dynamic urban landscape._x000D_ _x000D_ Word Count: 8,630

Date of Award	2020
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Humanities and Social Science