IN-PERSON ISTANBUL HERITAGE(S)

Abstract

This abstract presents a proposal to create a virtual museum dedicated to traditional coastal fishing heritage over the past millennium. The initiative envisions an immersive metaverse platform designed to document, interpret, and disseminate the cultural, political, environmental, and technological dimensions of maritime fishing practices. Developed and curated by a multidisciplinary team of scientific and pedagogical experts, the project also invites the wider community to contribute relevant information, provided such data can be rigorously validated. In doing so, the initiative seeks to foster collaborative knowledge-building while actively searching for partners who may embrace and further enhance the concept. Conceived as a work-in-progress case study, the virtual museum aims to serve as a scalable prototype for broader applications across Southern Europe (Turkey included), where similar socio-environmental, climatic, and more recently political conditions may offer opportunities for comparative or contrasting analyses. The digital format significantly enhances accessibility, bringing historical, ecological, and artistic maritime heritages such as traditional boatbuilding—to diverse audiences, including researchers, policymakers, educators, and the public (in general). The platform democratizes heritage dissemination and fosters deeper engagement with otherwise dispersed or fragile cultural assets. Also important, the virtual environment offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional museum infrastructures, eliminating the financial demands associated with acquiring, adapting, and maintaining a physical exhibition space. This approach ensures long-term sustainability while enabling continuous updates and expansions. Ultimately, the project aspires to advance inclusive, innovative, and cross-regional approaches to preserving and interpreting maritime cultural heritage in the digital age.