Community-based Approach to Collection of Oral History for Documentation of Kelaakrè, An Ancient Citadel in Kurdistan

Abstract

Many archaeological sites particularly in the mountainous areas of Kurdistan Region of Iraq have limited archaeological documentary records despite their historic significance. Among these is KelaAkrè, a local term for an ancient rocky hillfort dating back to the Assyrian Empire period. This pilot study aimed to document the history of Kela Akrè and its connection to the lower historical Akre town through collection of oral history from the local people in an attempt to establish a historical background research for this monument. Rare availability of literature about this site necessitates collection of oral history from the living memories especially of the elderly local people who have witnessed or remember the past events. Two approaches of oral history interviewing (rifle and shotgun) were used for collection of rich historical information that will serve as a helpful tool for documenting KelaAkrè. Narratives about this site and the historical Akre town explored not only the physical structures but also their functions and uses in addition to the relationships among the existing historical monuments. The community-based approach to collection of oral history about Kela Akrè has proved to be instrumental in compiling useful information that can be documented for future documentation purpose