BEU-BUCEA DDP Master's Student Researches AI-Based Restoration of Millennium-Old Frescoes in China

Sanur Mammadli, a master's student pursuing studies in the People's Republic of China within the framework of the dual-degree program between Baku Engineering University (BEU) and Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (BUCEA), took part in a research trip to the country's historic Dunhuang region.

During the trip, the young researcher explored the possibilities at the intersection of artificial intelligence, culture, and art, conducting research and collecting real data on the restoration of the wall paintings of the Mogao and Yulin caves — included in UNESCO's World Heritage List — through artificial intelligence models.

Within the framework of the research program, scientific studies were carried out at the Mogao caves, including the specially protected caves numbered 156, 158, 220, 45, and 57, covering a total of 21 caves. Research was also carried out at the Yulin caves, including caves numbered 2, 3, 4, and 25, covering a total of 9 caves. In total, scientific examinations were conducted in 30 caves, each more than a thousand years old. In addition, Yumenguan (the Yumen Pass), one of the important historical monuments of the Silk Road, was also visited.

Taking part in seminars organized by the Dunhuang Academy, the BEU master's student held scientific discussions with the renowned scholar Professor Liu Yongzeng.

In addition, meetings were held with world-famous artists Zhang Huan and Hu Junjun, creators of the monumental "Dàmò Wèn Jì" land art project and the "Wú Suǒ Cóng Lái" installation located in the Gobi Desert. During the meetings, the possibilities of integrating artificial intelligence into art were discussed.

For successfully restoring, using artificial intelligence models, the frescoes from which samples were taken in the initial stage of the research, as well as for actively participating in the art workshops organized by the Dunhuang Academy, the young researcher was awarded a special certificate and gifts by the Academy at the end of the program.

It should be noted that the implementation of the master's-level dual-degree program between BEU and BUCEA began last year. Currently, a group of BEU students is continuing their studies at BUCEA. Students who successfully complete the program will receive master's diplomas from both universities.