On 15 June 2026, CBRL hosted the online launch of the Surfacing Zarqa Digital Exhibition, bringing together researchers, community participants, and members of the public to explore the diverse social histories and lived experiences of Zarqa. 

Funded by the British Academy through the ODA International Interdisciplinary Research Projects Programme 2024, the Surfacing Zarqa project uses oral histories, memories, photographs, and creative methodologies to document and reflect upon the city’s rich and complex heritage. The digital exhibition presents a collection of participant-generated narratives and materials, highlighting place-based experiences and offering new perspectives on Zarqa’s past and present. 

The event was chaired by Dr Fatma Marii, CBRL Amman Deputy Director, and it opened with welcoming remarks from Dr Jane Humphris, CBRL Director and Firas Bqa’in, CBRL Amman Director of Operations, followed by presentations from the project team, including Dr Sarah Linn (Manchester Metropolitan University), Dr Hala Ghanem (Hashemite University), and Abdallah Abolouz (Michigan State University). The speakers introduced the project’s objectives, research process, and the collaborative approach underpinning the exhibition’s development. 

Attendees were guided through the exhibition website and its interactive features, learning how oral histories were transformed into a publicly accessible digital archive. The presentation also highlighted the collaborative work of the exhibition’s designers and developers, who worked closely with the research team to create an engaging platform that allows visitors to explore and contribute to the project. 

A particularly engaging part of the event was the Youth Researcher Panel, during which members of the youth research team reflected on their experiences conducting oral histories, the skills they developed through the project, and the insights they gained into Zarqa’s history and communities. Their contributions underscored the value of participatory research and community engagement in documenting local heritage. 

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session and an invitation for the public to continue contributing stories, photographs, and memories to the growing digital archive. Through this ongoing collaborative effort, Surfacing Zarqa aims to preserve and celebrate the many voices, experiences, and histories that shape the city. 

The event was supported by Bara’ah Alshorman, CBRL Events and Communications Officer, who assisted with its organisation and delivery. 

The exhibition is now available online. Explore the exhibition here: https://surfacingzarqa.com/

To learn more about the project, including blogs, publications, and project updates, visit: https://surfacingzarqa.mmu.ac.uk/