2025-08-08 ā, MOMBASA (š£ļø ar, es, fr, sw)
Language: English
š„ Session recording: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WIKIMANIA_Day_3_Mombasa_-_Query_Wikidata_using_SPARQL_like_a_Genius.webm š„
Unlock the power of Wikidata with SPARQL in this hands-on workshop! Designed for Wikimedians at all skill levels, this session demystifies SPARQL through interactive demonstrations, real-world examples, and practical exercises. Learn to craft efficient queries, troubleshoot common pitfalls, and discover how to extract meaningful insights from the worldās largest open knowledge baseāall while building skills that drive community impact and long-term sustainability.
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore both the fundamentals and advanced techniques of querying Wikidata using SPARQL. The session begins with an introduction to SPARQL and Wikidata, covering essential syntax, key concepts of semantic data, and how Wikidata structures its vast information. From there, attendees will learn how to craft effective queries, gain best practices for writing efficient and powerful searches ranging from simple data retrieval to complex pattern matching, and understand performance optimization. A live demonstration will showcase query-building in real time, allowing participants to follow along with practical exercises and experiment with their queries. The session will also address common troubleshooting challenges, helping attendees identify errors and apply strategies to turn obstacles into learning opportunities. Finally, real-world use cases will highlight how advanced SPARQL queries can support research, empower community projects, and unlock hidden data insights within Wikidata. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a strong grasp of SPARQLās capabilities and practical skills to query Wikidata effectively, whether for academic research, data journalism, or community-driven initiatives.
- What program track best fits your session? This is your sessionās primary thematic category.
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Technology
- What other themes or topics does your session fit into? Please choose from the list of tags below.
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Capacity building, Product development
- What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?
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Everyone can participate in this session
- How do you plan to deliver this session? You will be asked to confirm this closer to the date in case of changes to the format.
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Onsite in Nairobi
- Should your session be selected for the program, do you agree to release your session and supporting materials on-wiki and on the eventyay platform under CC BY-SA 4.0?
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I agree
- How does your session relate to the event theme: Wikimania@20: Inclusivity. Impact. Sustainability?
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Inclusivity: This session is designed to welcome participants of all backgrounds, from beginners to experienced data enthusiasts. By breaking down complex concepts into digestible steps, we lower technical barriers and empower diverse communities to engage with open data.
Impact: Mastering SPARQL opens new avenues for data analysis and storytelling. Participants will learn how to extract actionable insights from Wikidata that can inform community initiatives, support research, and drive decision-making processes across projects.
Sustainability: By building a foundation in structured data querying, this workshop equips Wikimedians with sustainable skills. These skills not only enhance personal capabilities but also contribute to the long-term viability of open data projects and knowledge sharing within the Wikimedia movement.
Houcemeddine Turki was born on May 24, 1994 in Sfax, Tunisia. He is a medical student at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Tunisia. He is also a computer science student at the University of the People, United States of America. From 2021 to 2024, He served as a co-founder and research assistant at the Data Engineering and Semantics Research Unit, where he conducted scholarly research related to Data Science, Biomedical Informatics, Semantic Web, and Scientometrics. An active proponent of open science, Houcemeddine is also a long-term contributor to Wikimedia projects such as Wikipedia and Wikidata. His commitment to improving the accessibility and quality of open knowledge is reflected in his leadership roles: he was a board member of the Wikimedia Tunisia User Group and the Wikimedia and Libraries User Group. His scholarly work has appeared in reputable journals like Scientometrics and the Journal of Biomedical Informatics, underscoring his dedication to advancing research and fostering collaborations at the intersection of medicine, data science, and open knowledge.