Behind the scenes: Neslihan Dogan, district scout

We have a large team at Collections of Ghent.. One of the people working on the project is Neslihan, our district scout.

What does your job as a district scout entail?

Neslihan: As a district scout, I stand between the neighbourhoods, where we are going to work with CoGent, and the museums. Through a long-term process with local residents in the three selected neighbourhoods (Wondelgem, Sluizeken-Tolhuis-Ham, Watersportbaan-Ekkergem), I search for the hidden stories of that neighbourhood. I relate these stories to the collections of the participating museums in the project. In this way, the collections of the museums will be enriched with the stories from the neighbourhood.

We are not only looking for stories, but also photographs, documents and objects that tell a certain history.

What is the biggest challenge for you in the project?

Neslihan: History touches people. It creates empathy and inspires. There are people who are very interested in the history of their neighbourhood. They are enthusiastic and present themselves spontaneously. to participate That is, of course, very rewarding. The challenge however is to reach those people who are curious, but would therefore not define themselves as amateur historians. We believe that they too make history. It is a challenge to reach those people who do not immediately flaunt their knowledge and skills. Their voices are also important in telling the story of Ghent. They help shape Ghent. The challenge is to let these two groups of residents have their say and meanwhile keep the balance.

What are you looking forward to the most?

Neslihan: For the moment, I am exploring the three neighbourhoods by taking walks with local residents. During these walks, they guide me through the neighbourhood and tell me their memories of certain places in the neighbourhood. In this way, I explore the neighbourhood through their eyes. I always look forward to such a walk. During each encounter I get to know the neighbourhoods in a completely different way. The most exciting thing is when people show me around their neighbourhood and reveal the hidden gems. Such a conversation does not start from the history, but rather from the present. This accessible approach ensures that everyone can participate who feels connected to the neighbourhood. That connection is essential. The curiosity of the local residents prompts one question after another during such a walk.

I am particularly looking forward to the long-term programmes that we will set up in each neighbourhood for four months. Our starting point will be the needs of each neighbourhood. What do the local residents themselves need in the district? But of course the thread remains the past. Which stories are untold in the neighbourhood? Which stories have been forgotten? You don't have to be a walking history book to take part in the project. Curiosity, however, is a must.

Are you a resident of one of the three neighbourhoods and would you like to go on a walk with Neslihan in your neighbourhood? Then send an email to collectie@gent.be