University of Garmian in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Heritage - the Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Garmian Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage and Garmian Directorate of Tourism is pleased to announce its fifth international scientific conference entitled ‘‘Revitalising Historical and Cultural Gems for Dynamic and Sustainable Tourism Growth’’.

The Conference will be held at the University of Garmian, Kalar, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

ISC-RHCG-2025 aims:

1. Discovering strategies to balance safeguarding historical and archaeological sites with growing tourism demands by minimising environmental and cultural detriment while maximising economic and educational benefits, emphasising policy frameworks, urban planning and stakeholder collaboration for sustainable heritage tourism.

2. Researching the impact of new technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality, digital storytelling on the preservation and development of tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well as on the sustainable development of tourism.

3. Exploring the role of cultural heritage in shaping shared cultural and national identities.

4. Examining the potential of cultural tourism to foster cross-cultural understanding, highlighting its role in preserving genocide memory and safeguarding minority heritage.

5. Investigating the impact of environmental factors, war and human-induced conflicts on the deterioration of cultural sites and artefacts.

6. Researching the role of local communities in fostering resilience and proposing practical, innovative solutions for the protection and preservation of endangered historical and archaeological heritage by leveraging technologies for monitoring, documenting and mitigating risks.

7. Investigating the impact of applicable laws and regulations on the protection of archaeological and historical sites.

8. Researching the significance of intangible cultural heritage, such as festivals, exhibitions and re-enactments, in raising awareness, revitalising cultural sites and creating economic opportunities.

All accepted papers will be published in a special issue of Aran Journal (University Of Garmian).

For further information, please click on:

https://rhcg.garmian.edu.krd/home