RAPID 3D DIGITALIZATION OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE: A CASE STUDY ON ISTANBUL SULEYMANIYE SOCIAL COMPLEX (KULLİYE)

Abstract. Determination and documentation are the basis of all studies in the context of conservation and sustainability of cultural heritage. Considering the number of historical and cultural properties and their deterioration status, the fastest and most accurate method of documentation is required to be used in these studies. With the development of technology, traditional documentation methods have been replaced by digitization which enables the acceleration of the whole process. 3D laser scanning technology is the most rapid, accurate (metric) and reliable method used in digitization studies of cultural properties / cultural heritage nowadays. By using laser point cloud data, 3D model of cultural properties can also be generated quickly and in detail as well as documentation and digital archiving. At this point, the integration of digital camera or 360° panoramic camera, which is very popular today, and point cloud data makes a significant contribution to further analyzes. This study expresses the 3D digitalization processes of the Suleymaniye Külliye (Mosque and Complex), which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 3D model and VR applications, which are also outputs of the study, are discussed at the end part.