Employing Virtual Reality to Simulate the Evolution of Islamic Ornaments and Restore Cultural Identity

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need to facilitate access to religious sites, prompting researchers to explore digital solutions. Virtual reality (VR) has proven effective in various fields, including architecture, heritage, and education; however, its potential to strengthen cultural and religious identity remains underutilized. This gap highlights a lack of research interest despite the risk of Islamic architectural heritage being lost due to Western influences and implementation challenges. For that, this research explores the potential of VR in addressing the challenges facing mosques, particularly in preserving Islamic ornamentation and fostering a deeper connection to religious identity. To achieve its objectives, the study employs questionnaires, interviews, and a VR experiment. Findings indicate that VR effectively enhances awareness of Islamic decorations, reinforces cultural identity, and serves as a crucial tool for sustaining social and religious interactions. However, it is significantly influenced by age, individuals' willingness to utilize the glasses and their prior experience with them. The elderly typically do not engage with virtual reality. Furthermore, the recall of information was greater among individuals experiencing virtual reality for the first time compared to those with prior experience. The research highlights the need to incorporate virtual reality into mosque design and heritage conservation to maintain engagement with Islamic architectural identity. Simultaneously, there is an ongoing necessity to follow technological advancements for their application in preserving and presenting heritage.