Knowledge Transmission Among Preservation Practitioners in Dubai

The economic importance and strategic position of theMiddle East have epistemologically twisted most of itstrue cultural recognition. Both late urban definition andmutual communications have crippled some of its Bedouinsocieties from proving their participation in globalculture. Each society has some to share in human accumulativeknow-how, but geo-political environments andbarriers have lots to do in such mutuality. Many investigationshave proved effective transmission of knowledge,but also pointed out black and mysterious zones withinthe societies themselves. The main obstacle is generatedfrom the oral Arabic culture itself, when episteme is conditionedwith biological memory, synchronized interchangeand ethical referrals.The necessity of scientific and standard approaches of archeologicalresearch and architectural preservation existand is proven to be of value in preservation of architecturalknowledge. However, it is distinctly a hard task touse such standards to challenge the fast urbanization andsocial developments of our time.While archeological research is apart from contemporaryexplanations, preservation research is proposed as beingmore important. Investigations on building conceptsrequire in-depth analysis of habits and behaviors of bothcraftsmen and beneficiaries, which is a folkloric approach.The lack of linguistic research blocks sufficient use of traditionalpoetry, literature and folklore to reproduce evidenceof technologies from the past. Obviously, the limitednatural resources in the Arabian Peninsula have simplifiedboth the architectural setting and construction methodologiesand hidden the natural creativity or know-how of earliersocieties. Unique architectural contributions need notbe limited to definitions of monumental constructs or otherimpressive achievements. Rather, architecture is definedmainly by cultural and epistemological expressions. Thisis important in discovering the continuity and distributionof societies in human and global civilization. It is also importantto include Middle Eastern architecture in the ongoingintensive identification of architectural perspectives.Despite the late attention that has been given to preservationactivities in Arabic States in the Persian Gulf, it istime to start assessment and evaluation of architecturaltraditions to challenge the remarkably fast developmentthat is occurring. Various organizational, social and politicalfactors are involved in the few serious attempts thathave been made. Interventions by ambitious ruling powershave alternatively supported or thwarted such efforts.Lessons can be learned from these examples that highlighteffective approaches useful in maintaining the immovableheritage elements in underdeveloped countries.These elements contain most of the remaining importantand creative features of human architectural inputs thatnow benefit most of the globe. International involvementmay be drawn to fill scientific gaps and requirements,while paths for serious cooperation are blocked with eitherhesitation or insufficient awareness of the matter.Bridging the true knowledge needs not only willingness,but also serious identification of both obvious and unconsciousmotivations that rule decision-making and practice.The conclusions may support the ongoing development ofmethodologies and professional practices

Archaeology · Civilization · Episteme · Folklore · Political science · Politics · Social science · Sociology · Anthropology · Archaeological Research and Protection · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation · History · Law