The Digital Culture Project is a 12-month youth program designed for high school students aged 14–17, aiming to strengthen their connection with cultural heritage and transform this heritage into digital production through modern technologies. The project launches as a pilot in Çaykara, Trabzon, and is structured as a scalable model that can expand across the Balkans and, in later phases, Central Asia.

The core approach of the project is to enable young participants to explore the traces of Ottoman civilization on-site, reinforce their observations through structured educational programs, and reinterpret their experiences through AI-assisted digital creations. Cultural heritage is not treated as static knowledge, but as a living value that young people actively reinterpret and carry into the future.

The Digital Culture Project is implemented through a three-stage process. In the first stage, participants visit historical and cultural sites in Istanbul and the Balkans and build a digital archive using photographs, videos, and written content. In the second stage, students receive training in history, culture, arts, artificial intelligence, and project development. In the final stage, participants work in teams to produce AI-powered digital works, which are presented as a virtual exhibition on the Digital Culture Bridge platform.

The project aims to enhance cultural awareness and a sense of belonging among young people, develop practical skills in artificial intelligence and digital production, and empower participants to take active roles in national and international projects. Supported by education and mentorship, the program also contributes to students’ career awareness and personal development.

The Digital Culture Project is open to collaboration with educational institutions, civil society organizations, local authorities, and private sector partners. All project outputs will be shared through the Digital Culture Bridge website and digital channels, ensuring the sustainable preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage in the digital age.