WITIHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE II. TURKIC CULTURE FORUM AS PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL BAKSHI FESTIVAL, THE SESSION ENTITLED "DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE TURKIC CULTURES" WAS SUCCESSDULLY HELD

Within the framework of the II. Turkic World Culture Forum, organized by the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan as part of the International Bakhshi Festival, the session entitled “Digital Transformation of Turkic Cultures” was successfully held on April 26, 2025, in Khiva.

The session was jointly organized by the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation (TCHF) and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).

Moderated by Mr. Nuri Aksu, Project Manager of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, the session gathered internationally recognized experts in the fields of cultural heritage and digitalization. During his opening speech, Mr. Aksu highlighted the story of the collaboration between TİKA and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, mentioned the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two institutions, and outlined the joint projects planned for 2025, with special emphasis on the “Digitalization of Turkic Heritage in Hungary” project. Mr. Aksu also noted that this session was organized within the framework of the planned cooperation project between TİKA and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.

The President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Ms. Aktoty Raimkulova, honored the session with her presence.

During the session:

• Mr. Hasan Fevzi Çügen, Secretary General of the Turkic Architectural Research Center, presented projects related to the Restoration and Digitization of Turkic Architectural Heritage in the Balkans. In his presentation, he highlighted various heritage sites restored with the support of TİKA across the Balkans and Turkistan region, including prominent examples such as the Gül Baba Tomb and Museum and the Mahmut Pasha Bath in Serbia.

• Mr. Erdinç Gökçe, Conservator, detailed the 3D imaging and conservation processes of the Divriği Great Mosque, demonstrating the use of photogrammetry and laser scanning technologies for the restoration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Prof. Mario Santana, Professor at Carleton University and honorary president of ICOMOS-SIPA, participated online and discussed Digital Tools in the Conservation, Protection, Management, and Presentation of Historic Places, highlighting global best practices and challenges in heritage documentation.

• Prof. Tim Williams, Professor at University College London, participated online and presented the Central Asian Archaeological Landscapes (CAAL) Project, focusing on satellite imaging, GIS technologies, and open-access digital archives for the heritage of the Turkic World.

• Assoc. Prof. Fatma Sezin Doğruer, expert at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, showcased Türkiye’s ongoing and planned digitization projects such as the Ephesus Digital Experience Museum, Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum, and Virtual Troy Museum, alongside national inventory systems for movable and immovable heritage.

The session emphasized the vital role of digital technologies in preserving and promoting the rich cultural legacy of the Turkic World.