Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, School of Information Technologies Master’s Program has brought in an innovative project. The project titled “Design and Implementation of a Three-Tier Mobile Application for Landmark Recognition and Multilingual Tourist Guidance Using AI” has recently been introduced during Famagusta Walled City Association (MASDER) visit. The project is developed by Assist. Prof. Dr. Cem Yağlı from the School of Information Technologies Master’s Program and, master’s student Mustafa Mehmet Yaman.
By promoting the digital representation of local cultural heritage, the project aligns directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Moreover, its multilingual and accessible nature also supports Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The project aims to enhance the tourist experience in Famagusta Walled City. The system will be developed as a three-tier architecture, consisting of a React Native-based mobile interface, an application server with a relational database (middle tier), and the integration of an AI-powered image recognition model. The application will allow tourists to take photos of city landmarks, which will then be identified by the AI model. After identification, the system will present multilingual descriptive content from MASDER’s existing database in both visual and audio formats. The product will be offered as a smart and interactive guide application, available to all visitors on Android and iOS platforms. The application will be managed by MASDER and made freely accessible to the public.
Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Rizaner made remarks on the matter, saying; “Our faculty gives priority to projects that not only advance technological innovation in education and research but also deliver societal benefits and support sustainable development goals. This project is a prime example of how digital transformation can be applied to preserve and promote local cultural heritage. Using information technologies in areas such as smart cities, accessible tourism, and multilingual digital guidance strengthens both social inclusivity and cultural sustainability. Through such innovative and socially impactful research, our faculty remains dedicated to contributing to regional development”.
“Strengthened the Organic Connections between EMU and the City of Famagusta”
Stating that one of the faculty’s foremost goals is to provide direct value to society, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Rizaner emphasized that projects of this kind further strengthen the organic connections between EMU and the city of Famagusta. Stressing that the university cannot develop independently of the community, he affirmed that the faculty is always prepared to design systems that address the needs and demands arising from society for the public good. At the conclusion of his remarks, Prof. Dr. Rizaner invited non-governmental organizations, local authorities, and the private sector to collaborate in developing joint projects.