Over 250,000 museum artifacts in Türkiye identified using AI-Powered DNA application

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has launched an AI-powered DNA coding project to ensure the security of museum artifacts and combat smuggling.

The application, which began at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, has digitally identified a total of 254,698 artifacts.

Birol Incecikoz, General Director of Cultural Heritage and Museums, described the project as the “Identification for the Security of Historical Artifacts” and emphasized that it was developed entirely with local and national resources.

Incecikoz noted that all 2.86 million artifacts in museums will undergo digital identification by 2028.

Invisible markings on artifacts

Providing details about the substance used in the project, Incecikoz stated: “We use a type of material that contains various DNA traces created with an artificial intelligence algorithm, which is invisible and imperceptible by touch.

After processing each artifact’s identity information, we leave a mark on it in a way that does not harm the artifact.

These marks can only be seen with special reading systems.”

Alongside this project, the ministry has also launched a broader initiative called the “Legacy for the Future” project.

This project aims to preserve new finds from excavations, ensure their conservation and introduce them to museums, where they will also be digitally identified.

Application at Museum of Anatolian civilizations

The Anadolu Agency (AA) captured the DNA coding process in the highly secure storage area of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Entering the storage with security, restorers documented the inventory numbers and photographed the artifacts from various angles.

They then applied inorganic nanotechnology to the artifacts and completed the identification process with DNA coding.

The data is recorded in the Museum National Inventory System (MUES), accessible only to authorized personnel.

This innovative approach represents a significant step forward in preserving Türkiye’s cultural heritage and combating artifact smuggling.