The MEDLANDS Project has been organized about three Work Packages (WP) that represent consecutive steps in the development of the research, and a series of parallel actions directed to the training of the of the individual researcher, the acquisition of specific skills and sets of data needed for the project and the scientific and social dissemination of our work. WP1 was focused on the acquisition of geographical information about the region, including historical cartography, satellite images and current topographical and environmental data. These data have been led to the development of a Geographic Information System database (GIS). WP2 has processed the archaeological information for the region, including available archaeological materials and sites, the study new sets of archaeological data, a comprehensive analysis of the existing bibliography and the gathering of information through new technologies such as satellite survey. A third WP has consisted in the use of the previously processed information to develop analyses combining GIS tools and other archaeological and historical data. This information has been processed into a comprehensive interpretative framework which summarizes the data and conclusions of the project. So far, the academic outputs of this work plan have been five published articles with three more forthcoming, the development of a comprehensive GIS database and the compilation of data that will be published and presented in academic forums in the following years.
In addition to the research Work Packages, the Fellow has received an extensive training in technical skills – GIS management, photogrammetry and other related software- and has participated in two fieldwork campaigns in Somaliland under the umbrella of the Host Institution and directed by his supervisor. These two campaigns have provided first-hand knowledge on the environment and the materiality of the Sultanate of Adal, as well as an useful network of partners in Somaliland, essential for future projects in the area. In addition, they have trained the Fellow in project management skills that have been fundamental for the Fellow’s future career. The results of these campaigns are being incorporated to those gathered through the Work Packages and will be published in forthcoming papers. The individual researcher has also developed a fruitful collaboration with the Department of Northeast African Archaeology and Cultural Studies of the Humboldt University of Berlin, from which he has received an Honorary Fellowship. As a part of his development as a researcher, the Fellow has also started the supervision of masters and PhD dissertations related to his research. Finally, the participation of the Fellow in academic meetings has helped to enhance the visibility of the project and the importance of the Somaliland medieval heritage.
