DOHA: The UCL Qatar has conducted the first formally accredited marine archaeology course in the region.
The two-week intensive course, with a focus on maritime archaeology in the Gulf, provided students with an overview of principles and practices of maritime archaeology.
It was held between March 30 and April 10 under tutorship of Dr Lucy Blue, Maritime Archaeology Stewardship Trust Mast University of Southampton, and Dr John Cooper, University of Exeter. The specialised course attracted individuals from Qatar, the Gulf and the world.
In addition to students from the MA Archaeology of the Arab and Islamic World degree programme at UCL, invitations were accepted by employees from the Omani Ministry of Heritage and Culture, Italian archaeologist Lorena Giorgio and members of the University of Birmingham Underwater Survey team conducting surveying for Qatar Museums Authority in the country.
The course addressed the development of underwater research and how the subject is defined.
It highlighted key theoretical perspectives and the way in which archaeological sites in the coastal zone are managed and protected. Aspects of marine archaeological survey were outlined, including remote sensing and diver survey, as well as issues of site formation and excavation techniques.
To gain first-hand training in the documentation and drawing of maritime vessels, students spent a day and a half working on extensive and rare collection of traditional boats belonging to the future National Museum of Qatar, with the help of its staff.
First aid conservation of finds was introduced by Dr Franca Cole, Conservation Specialist, UCL Qatar.
The archaeological potential of some of the major site types were considered, including shipwrecks, boats, harbours, submerged settlements and maritime ethnography, and tuitions were offered in survey, ethnography and heritage management.
The underwater survey training was carried out in a large swimming pool, and students were taught techniques of underwater documentation in a controlled environment. Equipment and assistance were provided by Qatar National Historic Environment Record. The final day was spent in the field undertaking a coastal management assessment of Fuwairat and visiting World Heritage Site of Zubarah.
Dr Robert Carter, Degree Coordinator, Archaeology Programme, UCL Qatar, said “The course sets the scene for future training so that the potential for maritime and underwater archaeology in Qatar and the Gulf can be realised.”
UCL is accepting online applications for the MA Archaeology of the Arab and Islamic World degree programme. Applications must be submitted by May 1, with studies commencing in September. The Peninsula
