The 1,600-year-old basilica located in Bursa's Iznik district, which was discovered in 2014 near Lake Iznik's coast, has been recognized as one of the top 10 most significant archaeological discoveries globally. Now, with the support of Bursa Uludağ University (BUÜ), the basilica will be made accessible through virtual visits using cutting-edge augmented reality "metaverse" technology. 
Approximately seven years ago, research studies were initiated by BUÜ's Archaeology Department, under the leadership of Professor Mustafa Şahin, with permission from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as reported by Anadolu Agency (AA).
The data obtained from the excavations will be digitized and uploaded to the metaverse environment, enabling visitors to explore the Lake Iznik Basilica using VR goggles. Additionally, BUÜ plans to create a virtual classroom equipped with VR goggles, offering students immersive three-dimensional experiences for their Archaeology Department courses.
BUÜ Rector Ferudun Yılmaz expressed his gratitude for the valuable artifacts unearthed during Şahin's direction. He emphasized the significance of embracing digital technologies and the pride in showcasing such a historical structure virtually. Yılmaz believes that this project will not only benefit the university but also promote the country, support the economy, and serve humanity.
The project is a collaborative effort between BUÜ's Center for Archaeological Research and Application and a technology firm, Vival-Verse Art Technologies Inc. Cafer Demir, the chairperson of Vival-Verse, stated that the company is not seeking additional fees for the project and foresees significant revenue generation for the country's economy in this field.
Professor Şahin pointed out that metaverse technology makes it easier to access important and remote cultural sites. He highlighted that this project holds significant potential for obtaining a patent and will breathe life into the basilica, attracting visitors from all over the world, including disadvantaged groups who previously faced challenges visiting the underwater site.
The success of this project is pivotal, as it sets a precedent for using modern technologies to make ancient cities and structures in Turkey and globally accessible to visitors. Once the infrastructure work is complete, the basilica will soon be open for virtual visits in the metaverse environment.
Approximately seven years ago, research studies were initiated by BUÜ's Archaeology Department, under the leadership of Professor Mustafa Şahin, with permission from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as reported by Anadolu Agency (AA).
The data obtained from the excavations will be digitized and uploaded to the metaverse environment, enabling visitors to explore the Lake Iznik Basilica using VR goggles. Additionally, BUÜ plans to create a virtual classroom equipped with VR goggles, offering students immersive three-dimensional experiences for their Archaeology Department courses.
BUÜ Rector Ferudun Yılmaz expressed his gratitude for the valuable artifacts unearthed during Şahin's direction. He emphasized the significance of embracing digital technologies and the pride in showcasing such a historical structure virtually. Yılmaz believes that this project will not only benefit the university but also promote the country, support the economy, and serve humanity.
The project is a collaborative effort between BUÜ's Center for Archaeological Research and Application and a technology firm, Vival-Verse Art Technologies Inc. Cafer Demir, the chairperson of Vival-Verse, stated that the company is not seeking additional fees for the project and foresees significant revenue generation for the country's economy in this field.
Professor Şahin pointed out that metaverse technology makes it easier to access important and remote cultural sites. He highlighted that this project holds significant potential for obtaining a patent and will breathe life into the basilica, attracting visitors from all over the world, including disadvantaged groups who previously faced challenges visiting the underwater site.
The success of this project is pivotal, as it sets a precedent for using modern technologies to make ancient cities and structures in Turkey and globally accessible to visitors. Once the infrastructure work is complete, the basilica will soon be open for virtual visits in the metaverse environment.