Situational Analysis of Archaeological Site’s Interpretation Based on Examples from Jordan

Abstract

The significance of the cultural archaeological heritage sites, however, is still not wholly expressed. This study will critically review the current interpretation policy for different archaeological sites. The objects of this research are heritage interpretation methods conducted by the authorized institutions in and around archaeological sites for heritage tourists. It examines organizational structure, process of intervention and existing interpretive facilities. Thus, this paper attempts to identify problems and perspectives for more efficient interpretive planning and then towards a better heritage management. It reviews modes of functions of interpretation and policies of key players at key archaeological sites in Jordan. Key archaeological sites’ literature sources on interpretation development and practice guide the study. The key literature sources were synthesized with descriptive data from on-site observation. In fact the weak standard of interpretive context at archaeological sites counters the appreciation of sites values and their integrity and bounds their management. Finally, the results of this study were intended to develop better interpretive programmes to meet archaeological sites visitors’ needs and heritage management objectives. The investigation of this study provides an important contribution to national heritage and interpretation studies on archaeological sites; besides, it attempts to illustrate practical and theoretical lessons for administration course of action towards heritage interpretation.