AI-Enhanced Tour Experiences Launch in Hadrianopolis
In a pioneering move, the ancient city of Hadrianopolis in Karabük's Eskipazar district has introduced a new digital assistant, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance the visitor experience. The project, titled "Time Travel: Rediscovering Hadrianopolis with Artificial Intelligence," was presented during an on-site event and marks a significant advancement in cultural heritage tourism.
### Development
The project was developed under the TÜBİTAK 2209-A program by Associate Professor Ersin Çelikbaş, Head of the Archaeology Department at Karabük University, and his student, Sema Nur Zorlu. It was launched as part of the "Science Café" events coordinated by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Science Communication Office and Karabük University’s Science Communication Office.
### Features
The AI-powered digital assistant is accessible via QR codes strategically placed around the site, each linked to specific locations providing detailed, site-specific content. Visitors can scan a QR code and interact with the assistant through an AI-powered Q&A chat interface that generates real-time answers to their questions about the historical spot or the city overall. The assistant supports multiple languages—Turkish, English, and French—making it accessible for both domestic and international tourists.
### Impact
This is the first implementation of such AI-supported tour technology in Turkey’s archaeological heritage and particularly in an ancient city setting. The technology addresses a common challenge by providing accurate and detailed information independently, improving accessibility for all visitors. It merges ancient heritage with modern science, helping visitors visualize the city’s past life through interactive digital means.
Local officials, including Karabük MP Durmuş Ali Keskinkilic, have emphasized the project as a milestone that brings historical knowledge into the digital age, illustrating a future where archaeology and AI coexist to enhance cultural tourism. The system’s content is planned to be continuously enriched and updated to maintain and improve the visitor experience over time.
In conclusion, the AI digital assistant at Hadrianopolis represents a significant advancement in cultural heritage tourism by leveraging artificial intelligence to democratize knowledge, encourage independent exploration, and deepen engagement with the archaeological site. The technology could significantly enhance the visitor experience by combining historical knowledge with modern digital tools, providing a unique and interactive way to explore the ancient city.
As part of the development under the TÜBİTAK 2209-A program, visitors of Hadrianopolis can now engage with an artificial-intelligence (AI)-powered digital assistant, called Time Travel, during their travel. This AI system offers detailed, site-specific content about the ancient city, available in multiple languages, including Turkish, English, and French, enhancing the lifestyle of both domestic and international tourists by merging the past with the present through technology.
