VIRTUAL ISTANBUL HERITAGE(S)

Abstract

In the digital age, advanced technologies are opening up new and fascinating possibilities for the reconstruction of cultural heritage, with the potential to fundamentally change our understanding and interaction with artworks. These digital reconstructions raise complex ethical questions, situated in the tension between authenticity, scientific accuracy, and artistic innovation. This paper investigates the implications of digital reconstructions, focusing on stone sculptures, within the framework of established conservation principles and ethical considerations. Compared to physical reconstructions, virtual reconstructions offer a non-invasive method that potentially allows for greater freedom and creativity in the hypothetical restoration of artworks. This approach is examined in light of theoretical foundations to determine whether and in what ways virtual reconstructions impact the authenticity and integrity of the original stone artworks, particularly the influence on collective memory and the potential risks to the artworks’ auratic effect. Building on this, the article explores whether virtual reconstructions need to adhere to the same ethical standards as their physical counterparts or if, given the unique challenges of the digital age, they require rethinking. The paper aims to formulate comprehensive recommendations for the responsible use of digital technologies in restoration. These approaches are intended not only to preserve authenticity but also to leverage the transformative potential of digital innovations to best preserve our cultural heritage and make it accessible to future generations. In doing so, it strives to create a symbiotic connection between traditional and modern restoration methods that honours both the past and the future of the artworks.