Glimpses from Palestine: Preserving the Inaccessible in VR Technology

Authors: Samer Shawar, Konstantin Kosta Aal, Volker Wulf

Virtual reality bridges the impossible. In this research, we explore how digital technology can transcend physical boundaries and preserve cultural memory. Palestine exists not just as a geographic space, but as a complex narrative of human experience.

Digitization has transformed how we remember. No longer confined by physical limitations, we can now reconstruct moments, explore histories, and connect with places previously unreachable. This virtual reality application becomes more than technology—it is a portal to understanding.

Our research delves into the power of VR to navigate politically complex landscapes. By creating immersive experiences, we offer users a chance to walk through different historical periods of Palestine, experiencing the nuanced layers of cultural identity.

The technology speaks beyond words. It grounds individual experiences in geographic and political contexts, allowing users to feel the emotional landscape of a place often misunderstood or inaccessible.

Key findings reveal that virtual reality can be a profound tool for cultural preservation. It transforms abstract historical narratives into tangible, personal journeys. Users do not just observe—they participate in a living memory.

This research challenges traditional boundaries of storytelling. We demonstrate how advanced technologies can create empathy, understanding, and connection across geographical and political divides.

By preserving cultural memory through VR, we offer a new lens for understanding complex human experiences. The application becomes a bridge between past and present, between personal and collective narratives.