The landscapes of Islamic Merv, Turkmenistan: Where to draw the line?

Tim Williams

Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-34 Gordon Square, LondonWC1H 0PY. Email: tim.d.williams@ucl.ac.uk

Cite this as: Williams, T. 2008 The landscapes of Islamic Merv, Turkmenistan: Where to draw the line?, Internet Archaeology 25. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.25.1

Summary

Composite image of the Merv landscape, the process of surveying, aerial photograph and artistic representation of the city

This article outlines approaches for interpreting the Islamic city of Sultan Kala (Merv), c. 8th-13th centuries AD, based upon aerial photographic and satellite imagery. Hierarchies of assumptions (identification of individual wall lines; which frame spaces, rooms and courtyards; which are grouped as parts of specific buildings; which are part of urban blocks) and ontologies (information about these assumptions and the variable confidence of interpretation, from the position of lines to spatial function) provide a dynamic structure for the presentation of data, interpretation and theory.

The article establishes procedures and protocols within two sample areas (selected to represent the diverse features of the urban and suburban landscapes) to:

Explore the theory and methodology of documenting interpretation (and uncertainty) in the transcription of aerial photographic and satellite imagery
Develop ontological approaches to structuring interpretations and assumptions, within a hermeneutic model.
Provide a textual and graphic narrative of the development of the areas.
Establish an online forum (weblog) to contribute to the long-term project.
Explore the use of other forms of electronic archive material, in particular, how imagery and audio files can be used to develop the discussion of landscapes and buildings.

Preparation of this electronic publication and associated archive was assisted by a grant from the AHRC under the ICT Strategy programme.

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Features

This article will appeal to: those interested in the presentation of data, interpretation and theory
Keywords: Merv; Silk Route; Turkmenistan; interpretation; uncertainty; aerial photographs; satellite

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