recent book publication – Houseways in Southern Oman. Routledge, 2023
This book explores how houses are created, maintained and conceptualized in southern Oman. Based on long-term research in the Dhofar region, it draws on anthropology, sociology, urban studies and architectural history. The chapters consider physical and functional aspects, including regulations governing land use, factors in siting houses, architectural styles and norms for interior and exterior decorating. The volume also reflects on cultural expectations regarding how and when rooms are used and issues such as safety, privacy, social connectedness and ease of movement. Houses and residential areas are situated within the fabric of towns, comparison is made with housing in other countries in the Arabian peninsula, and consideration is given to notions of the ‘Islamic city’ and the ‘Islamic house’. The book is valuable reading for scholars interested in the Middle East and the built environment.
https://www.routledge.com/Houseways-in-Southern-Oman/Risse/p/book/9781032218595
forthcoming presentation about houses/ kitchens in Dhofar – “Changing Kitchens in Southern Oman.” Knowing Food: The Association for the Study of Food and Society & The Agriculture, Food and Human Values Society Conference, sponsored by Boston University. Forthcoming, May 31, 2023. https://www.food-culture.org/
forthcoming presentation about interior decoration in Dhofar – “Crafting a Home: Interior Home Design in Southern Oman.” Home/Making Symposium, Concordia University, Montreal. Forthcoming, May 12, 2023. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sU1fHYgk2WC7Be3b-sUAarjcfgFJjW4J/view
recent presentation about combining literature teaching and research – Creating Effective Research Projects with Students,” University of Technology and Applied Science-Salalah. Dec. 20, 2022.
recent presentation on historical sources about Dhofar – “Explorations in the North-west Indian Ocean: The Research Journeys of the ‘Palinurus’ along the Omani Coast in the mid-1800s.” Research Expeditions to India and the Indian Ocean in Early Modern and Modern Times, sponsored by the German Maritime Museum / Leibniz Institute for Maritime History. Nov. 3, 2022. https://www.dsm.museum/en/exhibition/news/call-for-papers-research-expeditions-to-india-and-the-indian-ocean-in-early-modern-and-modern-times
(photo by MRR)
Come From Away 
You must be logged in to post a comment.