Revitalising abandoned heritage villages: the case of Tinbak, Qatar

Abstract

As an archaeological heritage, valuable heritage settlements entail preservation to avoid destruction and eventual extinction. Intending to propose a study for revitalising heritage villages, Tinbak is selected as a case study. It is an old abandoned village in Qatar identifiable by its distinct yet straightforward local architecture features. This article applies the concept of sustainable tourism to architectural heritage with consideration to social, cultural, and economic factors. The study employs qualitative research methods, grand and mini-tours, interviews and SWOT analysis with attention to three objectives, 1. Maintain the domestic identity of Tinbak; 2. Shift the value of space from residential to an attractive, sustainable touristic place; and 3. Highlight the connectivity to adjacent communities and open lands as a means of enhancing accessibility and ecotourism. To implement tourism sustainability, the study suggested the guidelines of the albergo diffuso model that promote local culture, stimulate the local economy and considering environmental sustainability. Recommendations suggested protecting and conserving the existing heritage, considering the surrounding rural area as part of revitalising the village, engaging the ABOUT THE AUTHORS

How has rural tourism influenced the sustainable development of traditional villages? A systematic literature review

“…The strategic integration of rural tourism with traditional villages, taking into account their cultural, social, and economic dimensions, is widely regarded as a promising approach to rejuvenate rural areas. This integration leverages the cultural and social bonds inherent in traditional villages to drive economic growth [ 1 , 159 ].…”

Spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of traditional villages based on geodetector: Jiarong Tibetan in Western Sichuan, China

“…Since then, as the population continues to gather, the influence of the Jiarong Tibetan culture will also grow, gradually radiating outward to form the Jiarong cultural circle 62 . A good economic foundation, meanwhile, can change people's living needs and enhance their spiritual pursuit, thus bringing market opportunities for traditional villages and ICH preservation 26 , 33 , 51 . Examples include the establishment of ICH experience bases, transforming ancient houses into ICH exhibition halls and village museums, all of which can preserve cultural heritage in traditional villages.…”

“…Besides, it is conducive to the integration of cultural heritage into modern life. Common approaches such as establishing heritage parks 31 , developing rural heritage tourism 32 and creating ethnic villages 33 , 34 . Additionally, technological advances have led to emerging research directions.…”

“…Compared to this, China's Tibetan regions have not discussed in sufficient depth in this regard, and those focusing on the Jiarong Tibetan are even rarer. Current research still mostly stay in architectural heritage 39 and localized tourism 32 , 33 , and there is a paucity of meso- and macro-explorations. Therefore, analyzing the overall distribution pattern of the traditional villages of Jiarong Tibetan will open up perspectives for the conservation of cultural heritage in high-altitude areas.…”