Unlocking AI, Islamic Finance, and Web3: Highlights from Istanbul Blockchain Week 2023!
The Istanbul Blockchain Week 2023 event took place on August 22 and 23, attracting experts, developers, enthusiasts, and investors in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. The event stood out due to its location in Istanbul, a growing hub of interest in blockchain technology. The event's focus on Islamic finance and Web3 technologies captured significant attention.Having evolved from small gatherings in the past, Istanbul Blockchain Week has grown into a global event with thousands of attendees. This year's edition covered diverse topics such as DeFi, Trading, Regulation, Mining, Venture Capital, and more, catering to the varied interests of its attendees.Notably, the event omitted discussions on NFTs, reflecting a shift in market trends as interest in NFT trading had significantly declined. Instead, the event showcased activities and engagements that involved artificial intelligence and blockchain integration.One of the event's highlights was Desi, a conversational AI robot developed by SingularityNET and Yaya Labs. This demonstrated the integration of AI technology within the blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem.The event's major focus was on Islamic finance, recognizing the potential of aligning blockchain with the principles of Islamic finance. Experts in this field discussed the importance of ethical finance and sustainable development, addressing a market of 1.9 billion people dissatisfied with traditional financial services.Artificial intelligence was also prominently featured during the event. Speakers explored how Web3 and AI could synergize and transform data ownership, privacy, and control. The concept of using blockchain technology to enable individuals to own and manage their own data was discussed as a potential disruptor to the existing "Big Tech monopoly."While the crypto industry has been rapidly growing worldwide, including in Turkey, adoption in the country has been somewhat slower. Nevertheless, Istanbul remains an active center for blockchain and crypto-related activities.
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