Azərbaycan respublikasi elm və TƏHSİl naziRLİYİ

3.3. Digitalization of cultural heritage in Azerbaijan: current situation and perspectives

The government and cultural institutions of Azerbaijan have made digitizing cultural heritage a top goal. The government has taken a number of steps to digitize cultural heritage items and make them available to a larger audience because it recognizes the value of protecting and promoting cultural heritage. The National Digital Library, which was established in 2012, is one of the most important projects in Azerbaijan. Access to digitized books, manuscripts, pictures, and other pieces of cultural property from Azerbaijani libraries, archives, and museums is made possible by the National Digital Library, a digital platform. The platform seeks to advance cultural appreciation, education, and awareness while preserving and safeguarding cultural heritage for upcoming generations.
Several cultural institutions in Azerbaijan, in addition to the National Digital Library, have started digitization projects to protect and promote cultural assets. As an illustration, the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum has made its collection of carpets and textiles online accessible to a larger audience ²⁰¹.Additionally, the ceramics, jewelry, and currency collection of the Azerbaijan National Museum of History has been digitally preserved and made accessible online. Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture and Tourism has also created a program for the preservation and advancement of intangible cultural assets²⁰².A number of activities are included in the program that are aimed at fostering cultural heritage, including the planning of cultural festivals, the growth of cultural tourism, and the digitization of intangible cultural material. The preservation of cultural objects, the advancement of cultural awareness, and the growth of cultural tourism are just a few advantages that come with the digitization of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage. By making cultural heritage accessible through digital platforms, institutions in Azerbaijan can engage a wider audience and promote intercultural understanding²⁰³.
However, the digitization of cultural heritage in Azerbaijan also presents several challenges, such as funding, technical resources, and the need for standards and guidelines for digitization. To overcome these obstacles, Azerbaijani cultural institutions must form alliances and partnerships with international organizations and institutions and devise plans for the long-term sustainability and protection of digital cultural property²⁰⁴.
Overall, the digitalization of cultural heritage in Azerbaijan is a promising development, highlighting the country's commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage. Azerbaijan can secure the long-term preservation and accessibility of its cultural legacy for future generations by continuing to invest in digitization efforts and partnerships with foreign organizations. The National Digital Archives is a project launched by the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. The project aims to digitize archives from different institutions, including government agencies, universities, and research institutions. The archives include documents, photographs, and maps, among other things, and provide valuable information about Azerbaijan's history and culture. In Azerbaijan, a number of online museums that offer online access to artifacts of cultural heritage have been constructed. For instance, the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art offers access to digitized works of art, such as paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, through a virtual museum. The virtual museum allows visitors to view the artworks in high resolution and learn about the artists and their techniques.
As part of the program, Azerbaijan has developed several initiatives to preserve and digitize important historical and cultural documents, such as manuscripts, books, and archives. Through these collaborations, Azerbaijan has gained access to knowledge and technical tools to support the digitization of cultural treasures.
Digital storytelling is becoming a crucial component of Azerbaijan's efforts to digitize its cultural treasures.
Cultural institutions are using digital storytelling to engage audiences and promote cultural awareness²⁰⁵. For example, the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum has developed digital stories that showcase the history and significance of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. In the digitalization of cultural heritage in Azerbaijan has become a priority for the government and cultural institutions, highlighting the country's commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage²⁰⁶. Through initiatives such as the National Digital Library, virtual museums, and partnerships with international organizations, Azerbaijan is promoting the accessibility and visibility of cultural heritage. Azerbaijan can secure the long-term preservation and accessibility of its cultural property for future generations by addressing issues like finance and technical resources and continuing to engage in the digitization of cultural assets. In addition to virtual museums, several cultural institutions in Azerbaijan have developed virtual tours of their exhibitions and collections. The tours allow visitors to experience the exhibits and artifacts in a virtual environment, providing a new way of engaging with cultural heritage. For example, the Heydar Aliyev Center has developed a virtual tour of its museum, which showcases the life and achievements of Heydar Aliyev, the former president of Azerbaijan²⁰⁷.
The organization has created a number of programs to encourage the digitization of cultural material, such as the creation of digital archives and cooperation with international organizations. The agency also provides training and support for cultural institutions to develop their digitization capabilities. Several cultural institutions in Azerbaijan have developed digital exhibitions, providing a new way of engaging with cultural heritage objects. For example, the Azerbaijan National Museum of History has developed a digital exhibition on Azerbaijani history, which includes photographs, documents, and artifacts from the museum's collection. The digital exhibition provides an interactive and immersive experience for visitors. In addition to the National Digital Library, a number of additional digital libraries have been created in Azerbaijan, offering access to a variety of works from the country's rich cultural legacy. For example, Azerbaijan Electronic Library provides access to digitized books, articles, and other publications from Azerbaijani institutions and publishers. The digital library aims to promote research and education in Azerbaijan and increase access to cultural heritage²⁰⁸.
Azerbaijan has developed several initiatives to address the challenges of digital preservation, such as technical obsolescence and lack of standards. For example, the National Archives of Azerbaijan has developed a digital preservation strategy, which includes the use of open standards and the development of metadata standards for digital archives²⁰⁹.The plan strives to maintain the usability and accessibility of digital cultural property across time. In Azerbaijan, the process of digitizing cultural material is varied and includes, among other things, the creation of digital archives, virtual museums, virtual tours, and digital exhibitions²¹⁰. The government and cultural institutions in Azerbaijan are committed to preserving and promoting cultural heritage, and are working to overcome challenges such as funding and technical resources. Through partnerships with international organizations and the development of digital preservation initiatives, Azerbaijan can make sure that its cultural treasure is accessible to and preserved for the long term for future generations.
Table 16: Azerbaijani Institutions and Initiatives for the Digitalization of Cultural Heritage: