Shayan: A delegation from Tishk International University (TIU), led by Dr. Idris Hadi, the Head of the Board of Trustees, embarked on a journey as part of the ongoing joint project, Project Innovation Hub. The initiative, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) under the framework of Ta’ziz Science Cooperations 2023-2025, is managed by Prof. Julia Schnitzer from Technische Hochschule Brandenburg (THB), Germany.
The TIU delegation, including Mr. Muhammed Anwar, Head of Computer Education; Mr. Mousa M. Amin, Head of Computer Engineering; Mr. Shallaw Hamza, Faculty Member in Architecture; Ms. Yara Arjuman, Faculty Member in Computer Education, and seven students from Computer Engineering, Computer Education, and IT departments, along with Mr. Khalil Al-Barzinji, an external partner from the Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage-Erbil, engaged in a week-long exploration of cultural heritage and innovation. The participants represented universities from the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, Germany, Jordan, and Lebanon.
The event, held in Jordan from November 6th-13th, 2023, featured diverse activities aimed at fostering academic exchange and cultural understanding. The delegation commenced their journey with a visit to the Jerash archaeological site on Day 1, immersing themselves in the region’s rich history.
Days 2 and 3 saw parallel sessions of teacher and student conferences moderated by Dr. Julia Schnitzer (THB) and Dr. Paul Grimm (h_da) on the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) campus in Irbid city. Participants also explored the Umm Qais archaeological site, conducting assignments on-site with the guidance of supervisors and tour guides who explained the historical significance of the locations.
The experience took an adventurous turn on days 4 and 5 with an excursion to Wadi Rum. Participants enjoyed the hospitality of Bedouin camps, indulged in camel rides, and witnessed the breathtaking sunrise in the desert. Throughout, students and professors from diverse countries exchanged ideas and cultures and fostered meaningful networking opportunities.
Day 6 took the delegation to Wadi Mousa and the iconic Petra archaeological site, where a long hiking expedition unfolded, unraveling the mysteries of this ancient city. Students continued conducting their assignments on-site with supervisors’ guidance for Petra’s historical landmarks.
On Day 7, the Digitalization of Cultural Heritage Workshop kicked off at the German Jordanian University (GJU) campus under the patronage of Princess Dana Firas, a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage. The workshop provided a platform for discussing the intersection of technology and cultural preservation. Significantly, on the same day, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between TIU and GJU, further strengthening the relationship between the two universities and paving the way for enhanced collaboration on future projects.
The concluding day witnessed students presenting their interim assignments and outlining plans for future work, marking the successful completion of a week filled with exploration, collaboration, and celebrating cultural heritage. The event facilitated academic and cultural exchange and emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage through digital means in the modern era. The Ta’ziz Science Cooperations (“Project Innovation Hub”) stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration in fostering innovation and preserving the treasures of our shared human history.
