Karabük University launches digital preservation project for Turkic cultural heritage

Karabük University (KBÜ) has introduced a comprehensive policy report titled “Policy Report on the Digitalization of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Turkic World.” Developed by the Public Policy Research and Development Center (KAPGEM) Turkic World Policy Desk, the initiative aims to document and preserve the traditions, customs, and lifestyles of Turkic nations that are at risk of being lost to modernization and globalization.

During the report's presentation, KBÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Fatih Kırışık emphasized the importance of preserving these values to maintain national identity and collective memory. He introduced the concept of “Social Homeland” (Sosyal Vatan), suggesting that just as a nation has land, sea, and air territories, it also possesses a social dimension comprised of its language, history, religion, and arts. Kırışık stated that by moving these cultural assets into the digital sphere, they will become permanent, recorded, and protected from being forgotten.

The event included academic representatives from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, highlighting the international collaborative nature of the project to safeguard the shared heritage of Turkic states.