ENU students presented an innovative project on the recognition of runic inscriptions using OCR and ICR technologies

At the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, students of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University presented their research project “Recognition and Analysis of Runic Script through Optical and Intelligent Character Recognition” to the Speaker of the Senate of Parliament and senators. The exhibition of projects took place within the framework of the dialogue platform “Ұлттық мүдде (National Interest)” under the theme “The Digital Era: National Value and Uniqueness.” 

The project focuses on the recognition and analysis of ancient Turkic runic inscriptions using modern Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) technologies. The main goal of the research is the digital processing, preservation, and promotion of Kazakhstan’s historical and cultural heritage. The project authors are third-year students of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, Amanzhol Askarov and Dana Bakhytkan, under the scientific supervision of K. Akanova. 

Within the framework of the project, it is planned to carry out automated analysis and translation of the runic texts from the Kültegin monument using a modern transliteration system. This work will contribute to the creation of an accessible digital database of ancient Turkic written monuments and to the development of national science, digital humanities, and historical linguistics. 

The Vice-Rector for Digitalization of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Gulmira Bekmanova, emphasized the importance of student initiatives that combine technology and the humanities:

“Our students’ project is a vivid example of how digital solutions can serve the preservation of cultural heritage. ENU consistently supports research aimed at advancing digital humanities and introducing innovations into the educational process.” 

The initiative of ENU students demonstrates the synthesis of traditional historical knowledge and modern digital technologies, opening up new opportunities for studying and preserving the unique cultural heritage of the Turkic world.