Visual Communication for Documenting Material Culture
Ethnic groups often share cultural, linguistic, and architectural traits shaped by their environment over time. Forced displacement profoundly disrupts these heritages.The Circassians, native to North-West Caucasus, were exiled during the late 19th century due to Russian conquest. Survivors were scattered across the Ottoman Empire, creating a Circassian diaspora spanning 52 countries. This displacement drastically altered Circassian cultural landscapes.
My Media Architecture master’s thesis explored how media intersects with architecture, focusing on lost Circassian houses. By using cultural techniques like narrative storytelling, the research aimed to illuminate the impact of displacement on cultural heritage and identity.
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Adobe Premiere Pro
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Situation
The field research conducted in Jordan aimed to uncover the fate of Circassian architectural heritage in the region. This film sought to address the question: "Is there any surviving Circassian houses in Jordan?" Through filmed interviews with members of the Circassian community and relevant researchers, the documentary process involved combining visual imagery with personal testimonies about Circassian livelihoods, building skills, and history.
Results
“Mountaineers in the Desert” captured people's memories, emotions, and sense of belonging towards this heritage. It followed individuals as they walked through old houses, narrating their experiences within these locations. By intertwining architectural space with oral history, the film provided contextual information and captured details that traditional sources might overlook.
The memory of Circassian houses, known as "Wuna," persists among the community. Shared memories offered insights into the building process and maintenance practices passed down through generations.
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Documentary Film
Situation
The conventional understanding of vernacular architecture typically involves contextualizing traditional building styles within a specific time frame and geographic region. This approach attributes the form and structure of buildings to local influences such as materials and environment.
However, when examining the vernacular architecture of the Circassian ethnicity in the Middle East, it becomes evident that a broader exploration is required. Merely focusing on one area is insufficient; there is a need to trace the migration of architectural patterns back to their origins in the Caucasus.
Task & Actions
To achieve this, a comprehensive approach was undertaken. This included a thorough historiographical literature review, incorporating chronological analyses and content assessments. Additionally, interviews were conducted with members of the Circassian community and researchers in Jordan. A historical-comparative analysis was performed to identify key elements of Circassian architecture, shedding light on changes and continuities across different periods and locations.
Results
Through this rigorous investigation, it was discovered that Circassian vernacular architecture, known as "Wuna," has undergone adaptation in different contexts outside of its original terrain. This adaptation is attributed to the transmission of knowledge and skills across generations, emphasizing collective technical expertise, a culture of collaboration in construction, and a communal sense of space ownership.
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