Can community-based participatory research enhance our understanding of Arabian archaeology?

Abstract

We examine the scholarly and local implications of integrating traditional fieldwork with participatory approaches in Arabian archaeology through a case study of community outreach and interview research by the Bat Archaeological Project. Our work builds on research from community archaeology with the aim of building collaborations with the Bat community and designing research methodologies around local needs and interests. Bat is of international importance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with decades of foreign mission-led archaeological research. The community holds the social memory of all archaeological work at Bat, both discoveries and their modes of practice. There is a great interest and pride in the research that has taken place, but a feeling of disconnection from the findings. They are also keenly aware of the concerns of preservation and outreach. Based on our findings, we discuss models for local engagement, best practices, challenges, and how engagement can be integrated into scholarly outputs. As foreign scholars, we are in a privileged position to support local learning and opportunities. We argue that formally integrating these approaches into archaeological research in Arabia is timely and presents opportunities to both enhance research rigour and build sustainable community relationships within the region.