Mobile App to Preserve Kurdistan’s Cultural Heritage

On June 23, 2025, two senior students from the Computer Education Department at Tishk International University (TIU) successfully developed a groundbreaking mobile application, Dêrin Archives, as part of their graduation thesis. This app is designed to preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kurdistan using modern technology.

The Dêrin Archives app digitally documents historical sites, monuments, and artifacts. It features an interactive map, detailed site information, educational blogs, and immersive 3D models of cultural artifacts. The application provides a user-friendly and educational platform for students, researchers, tourists, and the wider community to explore Kurdish history and culture.

Achievements and Recognition

This innovative project quickly gained recognition, earning several prestigious awards and presentations at national conferences:

2nd Place in the Software Category at the NICE Competition 2025.
3rd Place at the 1st Student Graduation Projects Competition (SGPC 2025), which featured over 40 projects from across the university.
Officially presented at two national conferences: COPIT 2025 and the National Young Researchers Conference (NAYREC).

The success of Dêrin Archives highlights the innovative spirit of TIU students and their commitment to using technology for cultural preservation.

Future Developments and Global Impact

The research team plans to expand the application by integrating Augmented Reality (AR) features, virtual tours, and an offline mode for users in remote areas. They also envision allowing user-generated content, enabling communities to contribute their own cultural materials to the archive.

By blending modern technology with cultural preservation, the Dêrin Archives project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in protecting cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism. This initiative not only showcases academic excellence but also positions Kurdistan as a pioneer in the digital preservation of cultural heritage.

Keywords: Mobile App, Cultural Heritage, Digital Preservation, Kurdistan, Tishk International University, Innovation, NICE Competition, SGPC, COPIT, NAYREC, Student Project, Technology.