Narrate Project: Digital Recording and Documentation of Ecclesiastical Cultural Treasures in Monasteries and Temples
Narrate, an Erasmus+ project supported by the European Union, aims at the digital recording and documentation of ecclesiastic cultural treasures placed in monasteries and temples in Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria. The purpose of the Narrate project is to protect, present and promote world heritage ecclesiastic cultural treasures. Additionally, it is aimed to raise awareness on the use of new technologies and digital literacy in preserving and sharing cultural heritage. The project, coordinated by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, with partners: Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria, the Association for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (KMKD), Türkiye, Cognitive UX GmbH, Germany and the International Hellenic University, Greece.
First, as to carry out the user needs evaluation, surveys were prepared to determine the needs and priorities regarding the documentation and digitization process of ecclesiastical cultural heritage by bringing together experts from different profiles such as priests, restoration experts, art professionals and architects. The Association for the Protection of Cultural Heritage contacted the members of Rum Foundations, priests, church workers, restorers, architects and art historians in Türkiye and collected data through surveys.
A digitalization project is being designed in line with the results obtained by the partners. This project will include documenting the ecclesiastical cultural treasures in churches, together with specific information they carry. Thus, an accessible and informative archive will be created for stakeholders. This digital inventory will make it possible to document, protect and preserve those treasures against natural or human made disasters. The project selected the Ayios Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church in Kuzguncuk, Istanbul as a pilot study where KMKD carries out the digital documentation.
This digitalization project promises substantial advantages in the realms of cultural heritage preservation and promotion, while concurrently enhancing interfaith dialogue and appreciation for those cultural assets. The platform will facilitate convenient access to invaluable information for researchers, art historians and restoration experts, thereby enabling more efficient execution of their respective responsibilities. Moreover, by harnessing these resources, clergy will be empowered to play a active role in safeguarding and protecting cultural heritage artifacts.
One of the main milestones of the Narrate project was the “International Conference on Documentation of Ecclesiastical Cultural Heritage”, hosted by Sofia University, Bulgaria between 11-13 March 2024. During the conference, scholars delivered academic presentations focusing on the most recent advancements and methodologies pertinent to the preservation and digitalization of ecclesiastical cultural heritage. These presentations served to elevate awareness regarding the significance of safeguarding and digitizing cultural heritage, while also disseminating the latest methodologies within this domain.
In addition, recently the Association for the Protection of Cultural Heritage took part in the Heritage Istanbul 2024 which aimed to raise awareness for the cultural heritage in Türkiye. Engaging in this significant event, which showcased KMKD projects together with the Narrate project, enabled us to broaden our audience and enhance the project’s visibility.
The project, which started in January 2023 will extend throughout the year with a series of webinars and will culminate in significant workshop days scheduled for December 9-10-11, 2024, in Istanbul, marking the project’s completion. These workshops will disseminate information on new technologies in documentation and digitalization of cultural heritage.
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