Bridging the present to the past: developing a virtual archaeological park of the Garmian region

The Garmian region represents a territory of extraordinary historical and archaeological significance. As a millennia-old crossroads between Mesopotamia, the Iranian plateau, and the northern mountains, it has long been a focal point of cultural exchange and settlement activity. Yet, many aspects of its historical and archaeological landscape remain understudied.This paper presents a new project developed within the activities of the Italian Historical-Archaeological Mission in Kurdistan (MiSAK), aimed at creating a virtual archaeological park for the Garmian region. In its early development phase, the project seeks to integrate archaeological data, digital tools, and oral testimonies from local communities to create an interactive platform that will enable users to virtually explore the region’s historical and archaeological landscape, covering a timespan from the Achaemenid period (550–330 BCE) to the present day.By georeferencing key archaeological sites and collecting data from archaeological excavations and surveys, the virtual park is envisioned as a multi-layered digital archive. This archive will include archaeological data, interviews and oral testimonies, historical photographs, and educational resources, providing a comprehensive and dynamic repository of knowledge.The project aims to develop new tools for archaeological research and to strengthen the connection between local communities, collective memory, and cultural heritage. Developed in collaboration with the Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage of Garmian, the initiative aims to go beyond a mere database, serving as a living, interactive space where archaeology, technology and storytelling converge to create a new model to engage with the past while fostering active participation in the preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage.