Digital convergence and knowledge integration in the "Contemporary Egyptian Memory" and " Digital Egyptian Heritage" platforms

Towards a map of digital heritage in Egypt

Abstract

This study aimed to compare two online platforms targeting Egyptian heritage: "Contemporary Egyptian Memory" and "Digital Egyptian Heritage." It sought to understand why integration between them was lacking, especially given that the heritage belongs to a single country, and what distinguishes each platform. However, the comparative study—with its detailed informational, technical, and other characteristics—did not merely focus on similarities and differences based on established and widely accepted elements found in Arabic and international literature on digital repositories, archives, and libraries targeting cultural heritage. The study aimed to facilitate access to this heritage and maximize its benefits for the intended users. The researcher used the results of this comparative study to plan and develop the general framework for the first digital heritage map in Egypt. The researcher deliberately described the proposed map as a digital heritage map to encompass all types of cultural heritage: tangible (movable), intangible (immovable), and intangible, in addition to natural heritage. The researcher was able to identify more than fifty completed projects aimed at cataloging, compiling, organizing, and making available heritage materials in Egypt. A small portion of these projects relied on printing techniques for documenting heritage or creating audio-visual recordings, while the majority utilized emerging technologies to document heritage in digital format. This study reaffirms the role of digital convergence in bringing together all types of media used for heritage materials under the umbrella of "digital heritage," thus providing a comprehensive understanding, the true story, and the most complete description of heritage materials. Furthermore, this study serves the national strategic plan for all types of heritage by providing a digital heritage map for those making decisions or undertaking digital documentation projects in this field. This ensures the efficient use of resources, maximizing their benefit, and delivering integrated knowledge characterized by accuracy and diverse sources.