Memory
Mosaics
Fall 2023In my Honors Experiential Learning Project,
Memory Mosaics: Illuminating Albania’s Intangible
Islamic Heritage,I immersed myself in the
pre-Communist era of the Muslim Community in Albania.
Employing a combination of hands-on experiences an
in-depth research,I conducted interviews spanning
over six cities, capturing the memories of elderly
community members. To bring this historical narrative
to life, I utilized methods such as publications,
audio recordings, and mapping,presenting a compelling
exploration of the stories uncovered during my project.
In remembrance of this endangered tradition,I chose to visually narrate my journey using the metaphor of prayer beads, known as tasbih, instruments crafted for the remembrance of God. Each bead corresponds to a specific city, symbolized by an outlined map.
Accompanying these maps is an interactive NFC tag that links to the respective interview, a tribute to the memories etched in each bead.
Accompanying these maps is an interactive NFC tag that links to the respective interview, a tribute to the memories etched in each bead.
Complementing the diverse mediums of publications,
audio recordings, and mapping, I enhanced the project’s
narrative with a video presentation. This visual element
served as a connection, weaving together interviews,
vibrant visuals, and the audified compositions. Through
this multimedia experience, I aimed to offer a nuanced
and immersive portrayal of Albania’s intangible
Islamic heritage, capturing the essence of the stories
and cultural richness found during my exploration.
>> Click to watch the full video
During my firsthand research,
I discovered the significant
role of storytelling within
the elderly community.
I explored various methods of
presenting the content. Also,
I collaborated with Enris Qinami,
a musicologist specializing in
this tradition, to audify a
collection of pre-communist
compositions from Albanian
Muslim community.
I discovered the significant
role of storytelling within
the elderly community.
I explored various methods of
presenting the content. Also,
I collaborated with Enris Qinami,
a musicologist specializing in
this tradition, to audify a
collection of pre-communist
compositions from Albanian
Muslim community.
For the interviews, I used NFC tags linked
to a visual chain of maps, complemented by
the 3D installation of taspihs.
>> Click to listen to excerpts from the interviews
