On December 31, 2024, a webinar titled **“Geographical Indications in the Context of Cultural Heritage Transmission”** was organized online by the Iğdır University Center for the Protection of Cultural Heritage. The event was conducted with the participation of academics, cultural heritage experts, and other relevant stakeholders to address the importance of geographical indications in the preservation of cultural heritage and to raise awareness on this subject.
The webinar was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oğuz Doğan, Director of the Center for the Protection of Cultural Heritage. The event emphasized that geographical indications are not only an economic tool but also a significant means of reinforcing cultural identity and transferring traditional knowledge.
In the presentation delivered by Dr. Yasemin Domaç Yaşar, it was stated that geographical indications go beyond identifying products unique to a specific region, as they also carry historical and cultural value. Dr. Yaşar emphasized that, in addition to contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage, geographical indications also strengthen the cultural identity of local communities.
The current situation regarding geographical indications in Iğdır was also addressed during the event. Iğdır stands out as a region suitable for the implementation of geographical indications due to its agricultural diversity and natural wealth. In this context, it was emphasized that the protection of local products unique to Iğdır through geographical indications would not only contribute to regional development but also play a crucial role in transmitting cultural heritage to future generations..
The event also presented significant findings regarding the critical role of geographical indications in the preservation of cultural heritage. It was concluded that geographical indications are not only a tool for contributing to economic development but also an effective means of preserving cultural identities. Iğdır University will continue its research in this field, providing academic contributions to the protection and development of geographical indications.
