Historical Artifact Restoration Support System IGU’s Digital Step for the Future of Cultural Heritage Presented to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism

Representatives of Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) presented their academic and technological initiatives aimed at preserving cultural heritage and contributing sustainably to tourism during a meeting with Vice Minister Nadir Alparslan of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye. One of the main topics of the meeting was the “Historical Artifact Restoration Support System” developed within IGU.

A Data-Driven and Interdisciplinary Approach to Restoration

The “Historical Artifact Restoration Support System” developed by Istanbul Gelisim University introduces a digital technology-focused, data-driven, and interdisciplinary model for the restoration of historical structures. Rather than limiting restoration to physical interventions, the project integrates digital documentation, analysis, simulation, and decision-support mechanisms into the process.
The system aims to produce high-precision digital records of historical artifacts, conduct comparative analyses of pre- and post-restoration phases, provide experts with digital decision-support tools, and enhance the accessibility of cultural heritage in virtual environments.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that the project, described as a “digital hand in historical restoration”, is an innovative model that supports expert insight, reduces error margins, increases transparency, and strengthens scientific, data-driven decision-making processes.

Concrete Contributions from IGU to the Science-Public-Tourism Ecosystem

It was highlighted in the meeting that digital restoration support systems not only contribute to preserving cultural heritage but also offer significant opportunities in cultural tourism, digital museology, and international promotion. The model developed by Istanbul Gelisim University was underscored as being strongly aligned with the sustainable management of Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage and value-added tourism strategies.
The representatives expressed that IGU is ready to further develop its academic expertise and practice-oriented projects in cooperation with public institutions, stating that such initiatives will offer concrete contributions to the science, public, and tourism ecosystem.
The meeting concluded with the intention of holding a technical session in the near future to examine the project in greater detail.