Tishk International University (TIU) proudly participated in the 2nd Conference on Digitalization of Cultural Heritage. The American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo (AUB Med) hosted this event in Paphos, Cyprus, on April 7, 2025. The conference operated under the Project Innovation Hub (PIH) umbrella. Prof. Julia Schnitzer from THB coordinated the PIH, which is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) within the Ta’ziz Science Cooperation Program 2023-2025. This initiative unites academic institutions and experts from Kurdistan Region-Iraq, Iraq, Germany, Lebanon, Jordan, Sudan, and Cyprus. Their collaboration focuses on the preservation and digital transformation of cultural heritage.

TIU’s delegation included four academic members. Asst. Prof. Dr. Idris Hadi, Head of the Board of Trustees and Head of Delegation, led the group. Mr. Muhammed Anwar, Head of the Computer Education Department, and Mr. Mousa M. Amin, Head of the Computer Engineering Department, also attended. Ms. Yara Arjuman, Research Assistant in Computer Education, completed the academic team. They were joined by seven students from the departments of Computer Education, Computer Engineering, and Information Technology. TIU’s participation showcased both academic commitment and a contribution to global dialogue on heritage preservation through digital innovation.

The program ran from April 2 to April 8, featuring a rich agenda of academic activities and cultural exchange. The official conference day, April 7, began with a ceremonial opening. Prominent figures like Prof. Dr. Wassim El Hajj (Rector of AUB Med) and Prof. Dr. Andreas Wilms (President of Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences) spoke. Dr. Marina Solomidou-Ieronymidou (UNESCO Cyprus National Commission) and representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Iraq were also present. Opening remarks emphasized cross-border cooperation. This cooperation is vital for safeguarding tangible and intangible cultural assets threatened by conflict, climate change, or neglect.

Keynote speeches highlighted groundbreaking research and projects. Among them, Ms. Yara Arjuman represented TIU in the afternoon keynote session. Her presentation was titled “Introduction into the Archeological and Historical Significance of the Erbil Citadel.” Her talk explored the ancient site in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It also detailed its digitalization potential. Other keynote speakers included Dr. Marinos Ioannides (UNESCO Chair for Digital Cultural Heritage), Dr. Gösta Hoffmann (German Commission for UNESCO), and Prof. Dr. Farès el-Dahdah (AUB, Lebanon). They addressed diverse topics, from memory preservation to geotop digitization.

TIU students actively contributed to the Pitch Talks and Poster Session. This session showcased 21 student-led projects across two groups. TIU teams presented innovative digital heritage projects, such as:

  • “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 explored advanced applications of photogrammetry, immersive virtual environments, and gamified heritage interfaces. They drew attention from both peers and expert reviewers. Outside the academic setting, participants enjoyed cultural excursions. They visited important Cypriot heritage sites, including the Tomb of the Kings, Kourion archaeological site, Omodos village, and Troodos Mountains. These excursions complemented the conference’s mission. They allowed attendees to witness living examples of preserved cultural heritage.

The week concluded with a celebratory dinner and closing remarks. These emphasized continued collaboration. Tishk International University’s active presence reflected its growing leadership. This leadership spans digital education, internationalization, and cultural conservation. The university extends sincere appreciation to DAAD, AUB Mediterraneo, and all project partners. Their commitment fosters meaningful academic exchange and innovation.

It is also worth noting that TIU has been a proud and supportive partner of the Project Innovation Hub since its inception. The university consistently contributes to its vision. This vision aims to bridge technology, culture, and education across borders.