Project Anqa: Presenting the built heritage of Damascus, Syria through digitally-assisted storytelling

Abstract

There is a growing interest in using new technology to create high-quality 3D recordings of heritage sites at potential risk of damagefrom conflict or natural disaster. Project Anqa is a multi-partner initiative to digitally document and present seven such at-riskheritage sites, all of which are located in Damascus, Syria. Through a training program, we enabled Syrian locals to collect a varietyof data from all seven sites. With this data - a combination of photographs, laser-scan data and audio interviews - we present a webapplication that provides researchers and the public a visually rich experience that showcases these at-risk sites. We term thisapproach "digitally-assisted storytelling." Our goal is to raise awareness of the need to document and preserve at-risk heritage in theMiddle East while providing local professionals in the region with the skills to carry out these tasks. Furthermore, Project Anqa aimsto be an educational resource for both researchers and the public. By allowing all collected data to be downloaded at no chargethrough an open access platform, we encourage the transfer of knowledge and information while preserving the digital longevity ofthis endeavour.