TIU Students Participate in DAAD Digital Heritage Project in Cyprus

Tishk International University (TIU) proudly took part in the 2nd Conference on Digitalization of Cultural Heritage, held by the American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo (AUB Med) in Paphos, Cyprus, on April 7, 2025. This event was a key component of the DAAD Project Innovation Hub (PIH), a German Academic Exchange Service-funded initiative that brings together academic institutions and experts from across the Middle East and Europe to work on the digital preservation of cultural heritage.

The TIU delegation was a strong representation of our university’s commitment to academic and technological excellence. It was led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Idris Hadi, and included Mr. Muhammed Anwar, Mr. Mousa M. Amin, and Ms. Yara Arjuman. Additionally, seven talented students from the Computer Education, Computer Engineering, and Information Technology departments showcased their innovative projects, demonstrating TIU’s academic strength and creativity on an international stage.

Contributions to the Conference

The conference, which took place from April 2nd to 8th, combined academic exchange with cultural activities. A significant moment for TIU was when Ms. Yara Arjuman delivered a keynote presentation titled “Introduction into the Archeological and Historical Significance of the Erbil Citadel.” Her presentation highlighted the cultural value of the citadel and its potential for digital preservation, placing our university at the center of important international discussions.

Our students also excelled in the Pitch Talks and Poster Session, where they presented cutting-edge digital heritage projects, including:

• Photogrammetry on HPC Clusters
• Photogrammetry-Based Digital Twin for Mar Mattai Monastery
• Al-Tahira Churches: An Interactive Virtual Museum
• Photogrammetry-Based Digitalization of Key Structures in the Erbil Citadel

These projects garnered significant attention from peers and experts, underscoring the innovative and technical expertise of our students. The conference also included visits to key Cypriot heritage sites like the Tomb of the Kings and the Kourion archaeological site, connecting the academic sessions with real-world examples of preserved heritage.

Looking Ahead

The conference concluded with a celebratory dinner that reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration. TIU’s presence at this event highlighted our growing leadership in digital education, cultural preservation, and international academic cooperation.

We extend our sincere gratitude to DAAD, AUB Mediterraneo, and all partners in the Project Innovation Hub for making this initiative possible. TIU is proud to be a committed partner of PIH, consistently contributing to its vision of bridging technology, culture, and education across borders.

Keywords: Digital Heritage, DAAD, Tishk International University, Conference, Cultural Preservation, Digitalization, International Cooperation, AUB Mediterraneo, Project Innovation Hub, Academic Excellence, Student Projects.