CallQuest
I just stepped off a rewarding php/mysql learning curve and I’m only delighted to be able to introduce the project I mentioned last week, CallQuest. CallQuest is based on Steve’s application of a Google Map API in his nifty wireless hotspot mapping project, GeoWiFinder. The goal of CallQuest is to present the sights and sounds of Islam from around the world through examples of calls to prayer and images of mosques. Users are encouraged to upload their own images and audio files of mosques in their area, or wherever they happen to be. I’m hoping to capture some of the depth and breadth of this aspect of the Islamic experience.
The idea for this project fell out of a conversation on VoIP and Skype over at GenTech. As I pondered the “Skype Me” status of Skype users, it occured to me that I might cold call Muslims (in “Skype Me” mode) around the world, and when a call to prayer comes pouring out over the loudspeaker in the background, I could get them to stick their microphones out of their windows and capture the sounds “live”! It wasn’t long before I realized that GeoWiFinder was the perfect platform in this quest for calls, and something far more interesting than my own personal habit of collecting sound files ;->
Gargantuan heaps of thanks are due to Dr. Whitaker for his patient tutelage and keen insights… Thanks, Doc!
Technorati Tags: islam, masjid, mosque, adhan, call to prayer, skype, voip
August 18th, 2006 at 9:22 am
Great adaptation, Michael. The project works beautifully, and I hope you start seeing user contributions to it (keep soliciting input and ask those who add locations to also ask others they know to do the same…)
August 18th, 2006 at 4:21 pm
I hope so, too! I know I’ll be adding plenty, but the fun is in connecting with “unkown contributors.” I find it fascinating how the simple act of contributing an image to a collective endeavor, or dropping a comment on a blog gives one an immediate sense of community and gratification. Powerful stuff indeed, that.