The Digital Transformation of Cultural Heritage International Workshop
Iraq is home to several historical sites, including six that have been officially recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Erbil Citadel. Some cultural sites have been demolished during times of conflict or have decayed over time. Furthermore, certain sites are presently inaccessible to individuals who are not part of the community or to researchers. The Cultural Heritage of Iraq primarily comprises tangible artefacts. Nevertheless, in order to guarantee its autonomy from regional occurrences and broaden its accessibility to a global audience, digitalization is essential.
On April 29th, 2024, the Computer Education Department, Faculty of Education at Tishk International University (TIU) organized an International Workshop on The Digital Transformation of Cultural Heritage, in which Professor Julia Schnitzer from Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences held a session titled “Digitalization of Cultural Heritage.” The workshop examined the dynamic domain of how digital technologies are transforming the manner in which we preserve, access, and interact with our cultural heritage.
Professor Schnitzer, a highly regarded expert in the field, likely addressed the substantial potential of digitalization in conserving artefacts, historical documents, and monuments. The workshop participants gained valuable insights into the latest techniques for digital documentation, 3D modelling, and virtual reality applications in the realm of cultural heritage management.
The remarkable advancements in digital technology in recent decades have presented an unparalleled chance to safeguard, conserve, revive, and distribute our physical cultural heritage. Contemporary documentation methods now enable us to not only recognise the visual and cultural importance of these resources, but also to effortlessly spread and share them worldwide. Nowhere is the influence more prominent than in the vast realm of imaging.
The event offered a dynamic setting for exchanging ideas and implementing efficient strategies in the realm of cultural digitization. Professor Schnitzer’s compelling lecture emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, urging participants to bridge the gap between cultural conservation and technological advancement. Participants gained knowledge about cutting-edge methodologies and emerging technologies that are presently shaping the field through engaging discussions and real-life examples. Participants were inspired by Prof. Schnitzer’s extensive expertise and passion to explore innovative methods of safeguarding and showcasing cultural artefacts in the digital age.
Keywords: Cultural Heritage, Digital Transformation, Collaboration, Global Cooperation, Higher Education
