Publications
Society in Qatar before the Oil Industry in Light of Archaeological Evidence
Archaeological excavations in Qatar have uncovered significant remains of towns and villages from the 18th to early 20th centuries, providing unprecedented insights into pre-oil industrial society. The study focuses on two key sites: al-Zubarah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, and Ra’s ‘Ushayrig, along with adjacent settlements like al-Ruwaydah and al-Burayqa. Analysis of architectural structures, material culture such as vessels and tools, and other artifacts reveals the communal identity and micro-history of Qatar during this period. The research highlights the importance of these sites in reconstructing the social fabric and cultural dynamics of Qatar before the oil industry's influence.
The urban fabric of Al Zubarah city: Unveiling an urban regeneration vision for modern urbanism in Qatar
Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Qatar, offers a unique glimpse into the urban design principles of Islamic cities. The study reveals that the city's preserved urban fabric, untouched since its abandonment in the early 1900s, reflects sociocultural and economic factors that shaped its development. Analyzing the site using Petruccioli's methodological approach, which examines the urban organism, urban fabric, and building types on three scales, the research demonstrates how Al Zubarah manifests key principles of Islamic urbanism. These findings provide valuable insights for modern urban regeneration projects in Qatar, offering a vision for sustainable and culturally informed urban development.
Imagining the past visitor specific applications for Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, Qatar
Mobile applications with augmented reality (AR) elements and interactive components have been successfully developed to enhance the visitor experience at Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, Qatar. Since its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, visitor numbers have nearly tripled, necessitating innovative solutions to protect fragile remains while engaging audiences, particularly younger visitors. The applications, created in collaboration between the Qatar Islamic Archaeology and Heritage Project and DNP, aim to support the dissemination of ongoing excavation findings by providing immersive, educational experiences that encourage reflection on the site's historical significance.
“Society and Daily Life Practices in Qatar Before Oil Industry, A Historic Study in light of Texts and Archaeological Evidence”
Al-Zubarah, a 17th to mid-20th century walled town in Qatar, offers profound insights into pre-oil society and daily life practices in the Gulf region. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its strategic coastal location, fortified architecture, and rich material culture reveal its significance as a major pearl and trade hub. Excavations, led by Qatari missions and later the University of Copenhagen in collaboration with Qatar Museum Authority, uncovered palaces, courtyards, mosques, markets, and tools from diverse regions, providing a comprehensive view of Islamic trade planning, social structures, and cultural exchanges. This study reconstructs societal dynamics, gender roles, communal identity, and regional interactions through architectural remains, material artifacts, and textual evidence, offering a nuanced understanding of Qatar's historical landscape before the oil era.
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