Local Traditions Research Articles

Evolution of Azerbaijani science fiction and emergency of Emin Mahmudov’s works

The evolution of science fiction literature in Azerbaijan has been characterized by a delayed emergence compared to European, American, and Russian counterparts. Despite this initial lag, Azerbaijani science fiction writers have made commendable strides, drawing influence from both global and local literary traditions. This article explores the historical context and thematic concerns of Azerbaijani science fiction literature, analyzing the impact of influential global authors on Azerbaijani writers and examining the stylistic elements present in their works. Additionally, the article delves into the life and career of Emin Mahmudov (1925-2010), a prominent Azerbaijani writer celebrated for his contributions to the genre. Mahmudov’s vivid imagination, intellectual depth, and exploration of cosmic themes have left an indelible mark on Azerbaijani literature. Through an exploration of Mahmudov’s works, such as “Prisoners of Neptune” and “Turbulence,” which delve into existential questions amidst rapid cosmic voyages, this article sheds light on the unique trajectory of science fiction literature in Azerbaijan and its broader significance within the global literary landscape.

Patient-related characteristics or local tradition: what predicts the admission to a locked ward or the use of coercive measures in psychiatric inpatient treatment?

Prior research shows that locked doors and coercive measures are not only applied due to safety concerns, but also due to the specific local tradition of an institution. We examined the association of the use of coercive measures and the admission to a locked ward with person-related characteristics compared to the admission to a specific clinic. In this 15-year, naturalistic observational study, we examined 230,684 admissions to 14 German psychiatric inpatient clinics from Jan 1, 1998, to Dec 31, 2012. To analyze the degree to which admission to a locked ward and coercive measures (received vs. not received) were connected with person- and clinic-specific factors, two-step logistic regression analyses were applied. 27% of the variance of the admission to a locked ward were explained by person-related characteristics (Nagelkerke r2 = 0.269). By adding the clinic the person was admitted to, the explained variance increased by 15% (Nagelkerke r2 = 0.418). 36% of the variance of the use of coercive measures were explained by person-related characteristics (Nagelkerke r2 = 0.364). By adding the clinic the person was admitted to, the explained variance increased by 4% (Nagelkerke r2 = 0.400). The local tradition of a psychiatric clinic seems to play a more prominent role for the decision to admit a person to a locked ward than for the decision to use coercive measures. Clinicians should be made aware of the connection of local traditions with clinical pathways in acute psychiatry to avoid unnecessary admissions to locked wards.

A Proposed School for Traditional Building Arts & Crafts in Kalongo, Uganda

Uganda is headed for exponential growth both in its population and in its building stock. The buildings of small Ugandan market communities such as Kalongo, a remote village in the north, reflect two distinct construction systems, as contemporary building practices have turned their back on tradition. Interventions by foreign NGOs in the area have contributed to the stigmatization of local building traditions as representing underdevelopment. This proposed design project for a School for Traditional Building Arts & Crafts in Kalongo seeks to bridge the disconnect between building traditions and the growing requirement for durable, sustainable buildings. The proposal sets out the concept of an innovative way of building through the elevation of local materials and traditions on a new scale.

INTEGRASI TEKNOLOGI LOKAL DALAM PEMANENAN RESIN DAMAR: STUDI KASUS BUDAYA PEMANENAN DI DESA PAHMUNGAN, LAMPUNG

Damar resin harvesting tools play an important role in the preservation of local community traditions and culture, economy and environmental sustainability. The purpose of the study was to examine the tools in the harvesting of damar resin in Pahmungan Village, Pesisir Barat Regency, Lampung Province. A qualitative approach is an option in this research. In-depth interviews, participant observation and documentation study were conducted for data collection, then examined to explain the production tools used by the community in damar resin harvesting. The results of the study show that harvesting activities start from the selection of trees to harvest. Harvesting is carried out at regular intervals, about 20 to 30 days, to ensure the resin produced is optimal and of high quality. Good harvesting techniques are carried out so that the quality of resin and the survival of resin trees are maintained. Resin harvesting is carried out using traditional tools. The tools used are axe, basket, ambon, and bebalang. Its use is part of a cross-generational culture that needs to be preserved for its sustainability. The use of resin harvesting tools is part of the community's culture, because it reflects its identity and knowledge. This is the result of interaction with their agroforestry land. Some of the tools have been changed, due to difficulties in obtaining raw materials and practical reasons; for example: the use of plastic buckets that replace basket made of rattan.

Legal Implications of Incest Marriage in Balinese Customary Law

This study aims to discuss incest marriage in terms of marriage law, the legal implications of incest marriage, as well as the problems of customary law and national law governing incest marriage. This study uses empirical juridical research methods with a factual and sociological approach. Incest marriage has violated the provisions contained in Article 8 of Law Number 1 of 1974, Article 30 of the Civil Code, and Article 39 of the Compilation of Islamic Law which prohibits marriage between brothers and sisters who are still related by blood. The legal implications of incest marriage as stipulated in Article 22, Article 24, Article 26, and Article 27 of Law Number 1 of 1974 can be declared null and void. Incest marriage as a tradition that developed in Bonyoh traditional village is not in accordance with national law, but on the other hand customary law in force in the region does not prohibit incest marriage. The indigenous Bonyoh villagers consider incest marriages as an effort to preserve local traditions that have been passed down by ancestors over time

Exploring Cultural Competence in Art Education : A Literature Review on Enhancing Cultural Identity among Students in Taishan College in Shandong Province, China

This literature review explores the relationship between cultural competence in art education and the enhancement of cultural identity among students at Taishan College in Shandong Province, China. In an increasingly globalized world, understanding and integrating diverse cultural perspectives in educational curricula have become paramount. This study synthesizes existing research on cultural competence, art education methodologies, and their implications for fostering cultural identity. The review reveals that art education serves as a powerful medium for encouraging students to engage with their cultural heritage while also appreciating global artistic expressions. Key themes identified include the role of culturally responsive pedagogy, the impact of local traditions on artistic practices, and the significance of student engagement in culturally relevant projects. By highlighting best practices and potential strategies for implementing culturally competent curricula, this review aims to provide insights for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance cultural identity through art education in a Chinese context. The findings suggest that by embracing cultural competence, art education can not only enrich students' educational experiences but also promote a deeper sense of self and community identity among the youth in Shandong Province.

Revealing the pattern of causality between tourist experience and the perception of sacredness at shamanic heritage destinations in Northeast China

For religious heritage tourism, the key to a destination’s reputation lies in enabling visitors to fully experience the sacredness or a unique spiritual experience offered by the site. The authenticity of the tourism experience and perception is the most significant factor influencing visitors’ perception of the sacredness of religious or holy sites. However, there is currently a lack of sufficient references and evidence to explore the relationship between tourists’ authentic experiences and their perception of sacredness in religious heritage tourism. The aim of this study is to elucidate the causal relationship between the characteristics or attributes of tourists’ authentic experiences and their perception of the sacredness of the destination. Furthermore, it seeks to explore resource development and site creation strategies for religious tourism destinations to continuously enhance the sense of sacredness of these places. The Shamanic cultural traditions in the traditional settlements of Northeast China provide a subtly different context for this study. However, the topics discussed have broad applicability in constructing the network of relationships between the characteristics of tourists’ experiences and their perception of sacredness in religious heritage tourism. This study applied the causal decision analysis model based on data mining (RSA-DEMATEL) and established a causal network diagram between core attributes based on clarifying the behavioral rule knowledge (i.e., If…Then… rules) between tourists’ travel experience (conditional attributes) and the perception of place sacredness (decision-making attributes). The study finds that enhancing tourists’ perception of the sacredness of a destination is related to authentic tourism experiences, the ability to observe believers and participate in the religious activities of local residents, landscapes that reflect local traditions and historical culture, as well as the number of tourists and the extent of commercial activities. This research offers further insights into the sustainable development of religious tourism, providing a critical conceptual framework and data analysis model for subsequent related studies, contributing significantly to both theory and practice.

Strengthening Tourism Products Through Storytelling Exploration in Kemiriombo, Gerbosari Village, Samigaluh District, Kulonprogo Regency

Kemiriombo, a hamlet in Gerbosari Village, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, is known for its diversity of spices (empon-empon) cultivated and processed by the local community. This area has significant potential for developing tourism based on local culture and traditions, but the tourism narrative has not been optimally managed. This study aims to explore the potential of storytelling as a strategy for developing tourist destinations in Kemiriombo. The methods used include observation, interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), surveys, and community participation to understand the needs and expectations of the local community. The study found that Kemiriombo has tourism potential such as the processing of empon-empon at Rumah Jamu Menoreh, local cultural arts such as Jathilan, Gejog Lesung, and Karawitan, as well as culinary traditions like Sega Brongsong and Legondo. The 5W1H technique (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) was applied in the storytelling analysis to produce engaging narratives that can promote local cultural identity. Storytelling plays a crucial role in introducing local products and traditions, enhancing tourist attraction, and preserving community culture. Through the development of strong narratives, Kemiriombo is expected to become a tourist destination that offers not only visual experiences but also emotional and social dimensions for visitors. The integration of local traditions and storytelling innovation is expected to positively impact the welfare of the local community.

Almost the same, but not quite: an analysis of Late Bronze Age swords in the Balearic Islands

In the present work we carry out a study of all the Late Bronze Age swords recorded in the Balearic Islands. They represent a set of local practices and traditions alongside foreign ideas and archetypes. To carry out the study, we employ a strategy that joins technological and archaeometric analyses with approaches that consider isotopes and typologies. Of note among the data considered is the importance of metal coming from deposits in Linares, followed by Menorca and Mallorca, and finally, more marginally, Sardinia. A technological analysis of the manufacturing processes provides evidence, in a local context, of the use of the lost-wax casting technique, compound objects, and ternary bronzes, all technologies foreign to the Balearic Islands. Finally, we reflect on the local practices in which these objects were embroiled. All of this allows us to provide an in-depth examination of the interaction networks as well as the changes that took place in local metallurgical practices as the result of the circulation of ideas and knowledge.

THE PARTHO-ROMAN RELIEFS FROM TUR ABDIN: ROCK-CUT RELIEFS OF BEGANI

This paper analyses the Begani rock reliefs, a crucial body of works reflecting the complex cultural and artistic interactions of the Partho-Roman period in northern Mesopotamia. The study investigates the strong links between the reliefs and Parthian and Mesopotamian artistic traditions and focuses on the iconographic elements that characterise this period, such as clothing, postures, and weapons. The analyses indicate that the Begani reliefs have common features with sculptural works from prominent artistic centres such as Edessa, Hatra and Palmyra, pointing to a broader cultural network in the region. The synthesis of local traditions in the depicted garments, including tunics and trousers, demonstrates the widespread influence of these artistic expressions across different regions. Furthermore, the paper highlights the Adiabene kingdom's role as a major regional power, which probably influenced artistic production in neighbouring principalities by evaluating the reliefs in the context of the kingdom of Adiabene. The influence of the Parthian Empire and subsequent Roman control has been recognised as crucial in shaping the region's artistic landscape. Despite the difficulties posed by the damage the reliefs suffered, which made it challenging to identify the figures, the details provide insight into the artistic transformations of the period. The results emphasise the importance of further research into the iconography of the Begani reliefs and their relationship with other regional works. This approach aims to improve our understanding of the social and religious contexts of the sculptural traditions of northern Mesopotamia and their interrelationships within the framework of artistic production in the region.

Straw Craftsmanship from Port of Sauípe-BA: Possibility of Become a Geographic Indication

Objective: Present the potential of the Geographical Indication for straw handicrafts from Porto de Sauípe – Bahia based on the Methodology for Identifying Potential Brazilian Geographical Indications, developed by the Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae). Theoretical Framework: The article shows some reports that provide information about the history and context of straw crafts in Porto de Sauípe, including local traditions and the role of artisans in the production of the products. Method: The research has a qualitative approach with data collection through bibliographic survey and interviews with local artisans. Results and Discussion: The results showed that the Porto de Sauípe region has factors that provide a quality product (handicrafts) with unique characteristics. The handicrafts have market potential, notoriety and great socioeconomic importance for local artisans. One of the main restrictions for the Geographical Indication is related to the criteria that require more attention, such as governance, research involved and vision of the future. Research Implications: The research makes it possible to analyze the potential of Geographical Indications in other regions that have potential for manufacturing products with notoriety and requirements for registration. Originality/Value: The study provides support to academics and artisans in Brazil, demonstrating the importance of the piassava production chain for maintaining crafts and generating local employment and income.

The selective geography of volcanism in oral traditions

Abstract Oral traditions describing details of ancient volcanic eruptions and their effects survive throughout the inhabited world. Many such eruptions, especially those having catastrophic environmental and societal consequences, proved sufficiently memorable to form the basis of enduring oral traditions. Using global databases, we identified 2306 such eruptions from 477 inhabited locations that occurred before the start of the Common Era (CE) and are therefore likely to have been the subject of oral traditions. Of these, we selected 20 events (‘remembered’ Holocene eruptions) for which there are extant oral (-derived) traditions that demonstrate how such traditions can reveal details of past volcanism that often are undetectable by retrodictive geoscientific enquiry. We also selected 20 events (‘forgotten’ Holocene eruptions) about which no oral traditions are known and discuss the possible reasons for this. Such oral traditions, while often challenging for conventionally trained geoscientists to interpret, are valuable yet largely overlooked sources of information about the nature and effects of Holocene volcanism that can usefully complement geoscientific enquiry. In particular, we identified locations where memories of such volcanism appear ‘forgotten’ in the hope that scientists might focus their attention on revealing, identifying, and analyzing local traditions.

Urban design leadership: Part 2, the case of public architects

AbstractThis paper, in two parts, explores the styles and application of urban design leadership as a dimension of urban design governance. This second part takes the theoretical framework for understanding urban design leadership developed in Part 1 and applies the theory to the varied practices of public architects across Europe. Based on interviews with protagonists involved in the delivery of these roles, the paper teases out how these functions can be understood in terms of leadership. Ultimately, urban design leadership is not a simple thing that should be replicated according to a standard formula from place to place. Instead, as the case of public architects demonstrates, in different ways that relate to opportunities provided by local governance and political traditions, such roles demonstrate the value of urban design as a form of design leadership at the urban scale. Their analysis also demonstrates the value of the framework advanced in Part 1, which proves to be a robust means to interrogate forms and episodes of urban design leadership. It provides a starting point for a research agenda that is ripe for further investigation.

The Advaita Vedānta Monastic Tradition of Nampūtiri Brahmins in Kerala: Tracing the Order’s History in the Inscriptional Evidence

Abstract This article attempts to reconstruct the origins of the Nampūtiri Advaita Vedānta maṭhas in Kerala, which constitute an independent vernacular variant of Śaṅkaran monasticism. The early history of the Nampūtiri monastic centres of Kerala still remains very much obscure. This article aims to fill the lacuna and propose a working hypothesis of order in question, tracing its sources to the local institution of a ‘temple saṃnyāsin’, referred to in the Keralan epigraphs as bhaṭāra-tiruvaṭi or paḻāra-tiruvaṭi. In order to reconstruct the early history of the local monastic tradition, I focus primarily on the available inscriptional material, which I discuss at length in the latter part of the article, that follows the elaborate description of the vernacular sampradāya based on the ethnographic material, constituting foundation for integrating the epigraphic evidence.

Decolonizing IS through tecnologia social: Fostering epistemic plurality in the design of solidarity cryptocurrency in Latin America

AbstractWesternised paradigms dominate the information systems (IS) field, often overshadowing alternative epistemologies. This study challenges the prevailing hegemonic view and contributes to the decolonization of IS research and practice by proposing a Latin American and decolonial approach to technological development that emphasises community centrality and epistemic justice through recognition of local knowledges and Indigenous traditions. Using design ethnography, we follow the development of a solidarity cryptocurrency in a Brazilian favela. Our paper offers two key contributions. By introducing tecnologia social, an underrepresented perspective in IS, we highlight ecology of knowledges, centrality of the local and decolonial reconfiguration as principles that can enrich the understanding of IS projects from a decolonial perspective. In addition, we propose a new concept—epistemic dialogical tension—as a process wherein different epistemologies coexist and accommodate each other, encouraging a dynamic interplay of distinct human experiences and worldviews. It offers new paths to IS scholars and practitioners in navigating the complexities of epistemic plurality. We argue that tecnologia social and epistemic dialogical tension provide fertile ground for developing reimagined, decolonized approaches where multiple epistemologies can coexist, favouring the often‐silenced communities they are intended to benefit.

The Politics of Memory and Its Limits in Conflict with Oral Tradition: The Interwar Period in the Imagination of the West Belarusian Population

Abstract Often overlooked on the world stage, the Republic of Belarus harbours a complex historical narrative interwoven with its national identity and political landscape. While the country is known for widely representing the cult of the Great Patriotic War and its importance to the local historical imagination, this article focuses on a less explored era: the interwar period. The study examines the coexistence of state-sponsored historical narratives and local oral traditions in attempts to shed light on the complicated relationship between personal memories and official discourses. By applying a multidisciplinary approach that includes anthropology, history and political science, this study sheds light on the dynamics that shape Belarusian historical consciousness. The research focuses on how the state narrative intersects with and excludes personal memories from the broader discourse in order to illuminate the limits of state authority in shaping collective memory.

São Luiz do Paraitinga: o rio e os cenários pós-enchentes

The city of São Luiz do Paraitinga has had a unique trajectory in relation to the context of cities in the Paraíba Valley region, in São Paulo, Brazil. Since the foundation of its settlement and the planning of its layout in the 18th century by Morgado de Mateus, the town has remained on the fringes of regional development, playing a less important role in the coffeeproduction circuit, which has allowed certain local traditions to remain, such as the caipira culture, the rural way of life and the religious festivities that are still local attractions today. In 2010, an unprecedented floodswept through its historic center. Buildings made of wattle and daub were unable to withstand the water and collapsed, with partial and total damage remaining. The reconstruction of the city, as well as the landmarks listed at state and federal level, represent a unique case among similar Brazilian cases, which justified a more in-depth study. The 1982 Conselho de Defesa do Patrimônio Histórico, Arqueológico, Artístico e Turístico do Estado and 2010 Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional registrations reiterated the importance of the city center, its architectural ensemble and its landscape, as it was one of the first planned foundations. However, the social, cultural and economic contrasts between the Historic Center and other neighborhoods in the city raise the question of the effectiveness of landmarks and their management as a Historic and Landscape Heritage. In 2022, the cycle restarted and a flood again caused damage to at least 120 buildings. Faced with this fact, the question arises of how to preserve a landscape that is permanently at risk.

Education System for Indigenous Communities: A Review of Social Ecology

This research aims to integrate traditional knowledge in the formal education system of indigenous communities, improve access, and preserve local culture. The methods used involve interviews, observations, and reviews of local education policies. Local governments and indigenous community leaders were involved in the reform process to develop a bilingual curriculum that respects local languages and traditions. The results of the study show that socially and ecologically relevant education can increase student participation, strengthen cultural identity, and support environmental sustainability. The policy implications underscore the importance of collaboration between the government and communities in sustainable indigenous education planning.

Embracing Tradition and Modernity: Tendencies of Interwar (1918–1940) Wooden Architecture in Lithuanian Resorts

Summary The emergence of leisure culture in Lithuania began in the late 19th century, gradually giving rise to resort towns. Although in some cases, recreational architecture can be associated with relatively luxurious examples that follow the European resort tradition, the article argues that the dominant type of Lithuanian resort architecture manifested itself as a subtle synthesis of local traditions and external influences. The balance between architectural traditionalism and the constantly changing social demand is particularly well represented by wooden architecture. The modernising society of inter-war Lithuania brought significant changes to the development of resort architecture. Not only did new functional types, such as seaside restaurants characteristic of resorts, took shape, but private residential architecture also acquired specific features. The article presents the phenomenon of wooden resort architecture which has not been sufficiently explored and illustrates how resort architecture has influenced the most cost-effective segment of construction, which is also the segment most closely linked to tradition. The text assumes that this layer of the resort environment was as important a part of resort life as more modern and expensive brick construction.

Unveiling Regional Dynamics and Factors Influencing Fish Purchase and Consumption in Odisha, India

Despite India being a major global fish producer, per capita fish consumption remains notably low in several regions, raising concerns regarding the nutritional adequacy of diets. This study explores the factors influencing fish purchase and consumption patterns in the Cuttack and Khordha districts of Odisha, India. A comprehensive survey (n=400)was conducted, and a trans-regression analysis was applied to identify key factors. The results reveal that fish quality, with an emphasis on freshness, taste, and texture, is the most crucial factor influencing consumer preferences in both districts. Affordability, represented by fish prices, ranked second, while dressing facilities unexpectedly held significant importance, reflecting consumer preference for convenience in fish preparation. Sociocultural factors, including local traditions and dietary customs, also played a role but were less significant compared to other factors. The study highlights apromising trend of fish consumption exceeding recommended levels, contributing positively to nutritional goals. A comparative analysis betweenregions showed variability in meat consumption, with fish standing out as a primary dietary staple. These findings underscore the need for region-specific strategies to promote sustainable fish consumption, considering both economic and socio-cultural influences. The study contributes to the understanding of regional variations in fish consumption patterns and provides a foundation for targeted interventions to address nutritional challenges and promote sustainable dietary practices.