Rahaf Orabi

Rahaf Orabi is a Research Technical Scientist at The Cyprus Institute's Science and Technology in Archaeology Research Center (STARC), specifically working within the Andreas Pittas Art Characterization Laboratories (APAC Labs). She joined The Cyprus Institute in 2022 and contributes to cutting-edge research in digital cultural heritage and archaeological documentation, with particular focus on post-conflict sites in Syria.

Her academic background includes:

• PhD in History and Archaeology at Pázmány Peter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary (2017-2023)
• MSc in Digital Cultural Heritage from The Cyprus Institute (2020-2021)
• MArch in Architectural Design/Digital Architecture from Damascus University (2013-2016)
• BSc in Architecture from Damascus University (2012)

Rahaf's research focuses on digital documentation of endangered cultural heritage sites using laser scanning, photogrammetry, and point cloud analysis. She specializes in post-conflict recovery of cultural heritage, particularly in war-torn regions like Syria. Her work combines technical precision with deep historical understanding, allowing for accurate digital reconstructions of damaged heritage. She has pioneered urban-scale digital documentation projects in historic cities including Aleppo and Damascus, creating detailed records that support academic research and conservation efforts. Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on urban heritage reconstruction, with significant work on Aleppo's historic districts using parametric modeling and historical map analysis.

Her achievements include the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (2017) and 19 publications with over 5,830 reads and 24 citations on ResearchGate. She has collaborated on major international projects including "Project Anqa" for documenting Syrian heritage and has participated in documenting Palmyra after its liberation from ISIS.

Rahaf has been instrumental in developing digital methodologies for heritage documentation in challenging post-conflict environments. Her work bridges practical field documentation with academic research, creating valuable resources for heritage conservation and urban recovery planning. She maintains active collaborations with researchers across European institutions and continues to advance methodologies for digital reconstruction of war-damaged urban heritage sites.