International Digital Heritage Collaboration

A delegation of seven students and one academic staff member from the Computer Engineering Department, along with a student from the Computer Education Department, participated in an international Project Week in Germany under the theme “Digitalization of Cultural Heritage.” This visit was conducted within the DAAD-supported Project Innovation Hub (PIH) program, organized in close collaboration with Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences (THB), Germany, alongside partner universities from Iraq including Mosul University and University of Thi-Qar.

Three-Year Collaborative Initiative Culmination

The Project Week marked the concluding phase of three years of collaborative activities dedicated to the digital preservation of cultural heritage in crisis-affected regions. In total, 35 students and researchers from different regions of Iraq—the north, south, and the Kurdistan Region represented by TIU—joined their German counterparts in Brandenburg, forming international and interdisciplinary teams.

Program Core Objectives:

  • Strengthening academic cooperation between German and Iraqi institutions

  • Enhancing applied digital skills through hands-on project work

  • Fostering cultural dialogue through shared academic experiences

  • Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration across technical and cultural fields

  • Providing practical application of theoretical digital preservation knowledge

Hands-On Cultural Heritage Digitalization Work

A central component involved practical work on digitizing the historic cloister at the Archaeological Museum in Brandenburg:

Advanced Digital Techniques Applied:

  • 3D scanning and photogrammetry for precise spatial documentation

  • Digital documentation of tangible heritage elements and structures

  • Concept development for virtual representation and accessibility

  • Content creation and storytelling for cultural preservation narratives

Students expressed deep appreciation for the historic architecture and unique atmosphere of the site, many experiencing such environments firsthand beyond cinematic representations. This project enabled them to translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications, demonstrating how digital technologies can effectively safeguard heritage for future generations.

Intensive Academic Program at THB

During the week, students participated in comprehensive workshops and academic sessions hosted on the THB campus in Brandenburg an der Havel:

Workshop Focus Areas:

  • Digitalization workflows specifically for cultural heritage preservation

  • Professional use of FARO laser scanner technology for precise documentation

  • Team-based concept development for heritage presentation

  • Interim and final presentations evaluated by both German and Iraqi professors

These activities complemented earlier fieldwork conducted in Iraq, including the digital documentation of the UNESCO World Heritage Al-Chibayish Marshes, ensuring continuity between local data collection and international processing and presentation.

Cultural Exchange and Social Integration

Beyond academic work, the program placed strong emphasis on meaningful cultural exchange:

Joint Activities Included:

  • Visits to Berlin, Potsdam, and the Brandenburg lake district

  • Experiences at traditional German Christmas markets

  • Informal networking and teamwork across cultural boundaries

  • Social integration opportunities fostering international friendships

The program concluded with a joint Christmas dinner at the shipyard and a formal reception at the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin hosted by the Iraqi Ambassador, underscoring the diplomatic and cultural significance of this collaborative initiative.

Outcomes and Future Collaboration

The successful completion of the Project Week highlighted the strong partnership between German institutions and TIU while reaffirming the critical role of digital technologies in preserving cultural heritage. Participants gained valuable international experience, technical competencies, and intercultural skills that will benefit their academic and professional development.

Building on this success, partner universities have expressed commitment to continuing collaboration in the future, further expanding opportunities for students and staff in the fields of digital heritage, innovation, and sustainable development.

Keywords: DAAD Project, Cultural Heritage Digitalization, International Collaboration, Brandenburg University, 3D Scanning, Academic Exchange, Digital Preservation, Intercultural Learning