The last semester was filled with not only graduate courses, but opportunities to become more involved in not only Alexandria’s Maritime Archaeology community, but a chance to collaborate with the ambitious Maritime Archaeology Outreach Program, also known as M.A.O.P.
Who is Bahar
Since this was a program designed for children, the character بحّار – Bahar (Arabic for “sailor”) is the mascot for the project and joined by his friends “Najma” (Arabic for “Star”) and “Ghawas” (Arabic for “Diver”). In fact, the project is in the final stages of publishing the Middle East’s first Arabic children’s book about Maritime Archaeology.
In Egypt, the importance of Underwater Cultural heritage and archaeology is well known outside of the country; however, this project aimed to educate children about not only the significance of archaeology, but also to introduce children to archaeological methodology, including scuba diving, recording and documentation, in situ preservation and virtual reality. The project was started last year by my dear friends and colleagues Nada, Sara and with the funding and support of the renowned Honor Frost Foundation
Events with Bahar
Under the supervision and guidance of Emad, the MAOP hosted a large event at there Bibliotheca Alexandrina, as well as working with various schools and providing fun and hands-on in-class workshops. In total, a remarkable 750 students participated in the Project.
Bahar’s Reception Abroad
It is with the greatest pride that I am proud to have added a little bit of my photography and videography skills to the outstanding work of my colleagues. It is with even greater pleasure to say that the Project was presented at this week’s MAGS at Worcester College a constituent college of University of Oxford.
The project was well received by the student participants and our colleagues abroad— we hope to continue the work and ensure that the students of today are a part of the scholars of tomorrow.
Check out the video below to see what Bahar’s day at The Bibliotecha Alexandria looks like!
