Auditory distance cues, which enable and constrain sonic communication, relate to proxemics, contextualized understandings of distance relationships that are fundamental to human social interactions. The documentation and accurate translation of human sensory perspectives is fundamental to the ecological validity of cultural heritage fieldwork and the preservation of heritage acoustics. Here we report on human-centered acoustical data collection strategies from our project “Digital Preservation and Access to Aural Heritage via a Scalable, Extensible Method,” supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in the USA. We examine the praxis implications of our working definition of aural heritage: spatial acoustics as physically experienced by humans in cultural contexts aligned with the aims of anthropological archaeology (the study of human life from materials). The formation of multi-slope sound energy decay is discussed in light of different spiritual and acoustical needs expected from such monumental sacred spaces. Common room acoustics parameters as of reverberation time and clarity are utilized in comparisons. The impact of historical plasters on the acoustics of domed spaces is highlighted. Acoustical simulations are utilized for comparison of unoccupied versus occupied conditions and also for discussion on original materials. The methodology includes the field tests carried both within the scope of this research as well as the published test results by other researchers. Initially, the major features of Hagia Sophia and Süleymaniye Mosque are presented, and later, basic alterations in regard to function and materials are provided. A comprehensive study is undertaken by a comparative analysis over acoustical field tests held in different years and over an extensive literature review on their material and architectural characteristics. Within the context of this study, sound fields of these two sacred multi-domed monumental structures are analyzed with a focus on their architectonic and material attributes and applied alterations in basic restoration works.
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Hagia Sophia and Süleymaniye Mosque, built in the 6th and 16th centuries, respectively, are the two major monuments of the İstanbul World Heritage Site.