Kazakhstan to digitize heritage sites under global Silk Road archaeology project
New digital database will use AI and satellite tech to monitor 60,000+ sites across Central Asia under UK-led CAAL initiative
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan is taking a major step toward digitally preserving its cultural and historical landmarks through a new geospatial database tied to an international Silk Road archaeology project.
According to El.kz, the initiative is part of the Central Asian Archaeological Landscapes (CAAL) project, a UK-led effort that has already mapped over 60,000 heritage sites across the region.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information plans to use this digital platform as the foundation for a national geoinformation database to monitor, analyze, and protect its cultural assets.
At a meeting held on August 2, Culture Minister Aida Balayeva met with Professor Tim Williams of University College London, a leading Silk Road archaeologist and the head of the CAAL project.
The discussion focused on how satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and open-access digital tools can help Kazakhstan respond to threats such as climate change, urban sprawl, and uncontrolled development.
“The preservation of historical and cultural heritage has become one of the most pressing global issues,” Balayeva said, noting that the project aligns with President Tokayev’s directive to integrate digital technologies into the country’s cultural governance.
The national database will not only catalog monuments but also provide tools for real-time monitoring and risk assessment. Authorities say this will allow for faster, evidence-based responses to threats, whether from natural disasters or human activity.
The project also emphasizes public accessibility, making heritage data available to both researchers and citizens.
Kazakhstan’s adaptation of the CAAL model will involve developing local digital infrastructure, adapting international methods to national standards, and training a new generation of heritage specialists. The collaboration reflects a broader regional shift toward using high-tech solutions to safeguard ancient cultures and promote cross-border academic exchange.
As Kazakhstan continues to balance rapid urban development with preservation, officials say the digital mapping of its archaeological and historical sites marks a turning point—where protecting the past depends on innovating for the future.
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