Qirsi: reimagining Tigrayan heritage through an interactive spatial virtual experience

"Qirsi" (ቅርሲ), translating to "heritage" in Tigrinya, encapsulates a deeply personal and creative effort to preserve and re-envision the cultural heritage of Tigray, Ethiopia, amidst recent regional conflicts. Originating from a profound connection to Tigray and driven by the need to reconnect with one's own roots and confront the harsh realities imposed by the Tigray War—which inflicted significant damage on Tigrayan cultural heritage—Qirsi seeks to mend physical and cultural divides using spatial computing. In this project, the author converts over 55 Tigrayan cultural artifacts, from everyday items to significant historical landmarks, into 3D models in a virtual setting. Featured on Mozilla Hubs and Meta Horizon Worlds platforms, Qirsi offers an immersive, interactive experience that not only preserves but revitalizes Tigrayan cultural elements, allowing global users to explore and appreciate the rich cultural mosaic of Tigray. This initiative transcends conventional digital archiving, creating a vibrant space where history is not just observed but lived. Qirsi aims to deepen connections to heritage, encourage personal explorations, and redefine cultural narratives. This project aspires to motivate and enable individuals to engage with their heritage, contributing positively to digital humanities and celebrating Tigrayan culture.