Cultural Policies and Earthquake Zone Statements from Minister Ersoy

In his conversation with journalists within the scope of the Kahramanmaraş program, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy talked about the work carried out in the earthquake zone and the stage reached in the cultural policies of the Ministry. Reminding that he came to Kahramanmaraş in 2023 right after the earthquake, Ersoy stated that he saw that the traces of the earthquake in the city were significantly erased today.

Stating that he also met with the Governor of Kahramanmaraş about returning to the city, Ersoy said that the majority of the citizens returned. Stating that among those who did not return, there were citizens who established a new order with their children and those who settled in other cities for education, Ersoy noted that, looking at the general picture, the city began to recover from the earthquake psychology to a large extent.

THE HISTORICAL TEXTURE AROUND THE GRAND MOSQUE IS BEING REMOVALED AGAIN

Ersoy stated that they are working together with local governments to protect and restore the historical texture around the Grand Mosque in Kahramanmaraş and announced that 10 buildings were determined in the first stage in the area where the old mansions are located.

Stating that the restoration will start with these mansions, Ersoy said that municipalities will also carry out work in the area extending upwards from the Grand Mosque. He explained that the completion of the remaining areas together with the urban transformation areas on the opposite side will enable the historical texture to be revealed in its entirety.

34 BILLION LIRA INVESTMENT IN CULTURAL HERITAGE IN THE EARTHQUAKE ZONE

Emphasizing that the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums and the General Directorate of Foundations carried out comprehensive studies in the provinces affected by the earthquake, Ersoy stated that the total investment amount of the completed, ongoing and planned works is approximately 34 billion liras. Stating that the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums has completed 79 works and that work is continuing on 17 works, Ersoy said that the tender processes for 4 new works, the project design of which has been completed, will begin.

Ersoy stated that approximately 12.2 billion liras of resources were allocated for these studies; He stated that structures that citizens directly benefit from, such as museums, libraries, gastronomy centers and cultural activity areas, have been put back into service.

Stating that 301 of the 678 registered works under the responsibility of the General Directorate of Foundations were not damaged in the earthquake, 377 were damaged at different levels, Ersoy said that 209 of them were completed and reopened for use.

Ersoy, who also shared the completion schedule of the remaining works, said:

"We aim to complete 58 more works by the end of the year. We will open them gradually in September, October, November and December. We plan to complete and put the remaining 110 works into service in the first six months of 2027."

Thus, Ersoy stated that a total of 168 more works are aimed to be completed in the remaining period of 2026 and the first half of 2027, and noted that a budget of approximately 22 billion lira is envisaged for the works of the General Directorate of Foundations. He said that more than 12 billion lira of this was used, and the remaining part is planned to be transferred to restoration works until the first half of 2027.

GRANT UP TO 5 MILLION LIRAS TO HISTORICAL BUILDING OWNERS

Explaining that they also provide support for privately owned historical mansions, houses and other registered buildings in the earthquake zone, Ersoy stated that with the change in legislation made after the earthquake, restoration projects of citizens can be prepared free of charge by the Ministry.

Stating that project support of up to 750 thousand liras can be given to those who want to have their projects prepared, Ersoy said that the works have been completed or are near completion in most of the 1,297 project applications received. Emphasizing that implementation assistance was started after the project and up to 5 million lira support was provided depending on the condition of the damage, Ersoy said, "This is not a loan. It is a direct grant." he said.

Ersoy stated that more than 300 building owners completed the project phase and signed the implementation contract and started the restoration process.

LIBRARY AREA WILL INCREASE APPROXIMATELY 6-fold IN KAHRAMANMARAŞ

Giving information about library investments in Kahramanmaraş, Ersoy reminded that a significant part of the library areas, which were approximately 5 thousand 200 square meters before the earthquake, were damaged during the disaster.

Stating that they have completed the new library area of ​​approximately 8 thousand 100 square meters so far, Ersoy announced that the total area will reach 31 thousand 600 square meters with the 5 large libraries in the work program being put into service. Stating that they will increase the library area to approximately 6 times the size before the earthquake, Ersoy noted that they are considering investments based on the number of buildings, usage area, capacity and services offered.

CULTURE ROAD FESTIVAL WILL BE IN 32 CITIES IN 2027

Announcing that they will hold the Türkiye Culture Road Festival in 32 cities in 2027, Ersoy said that they will achieve the goal of covering all metropolitan cities with the inclusion of the last 6 cities in the program. Stating that 30 of the cities in the program are metropolitan cities, Ersoy stated that Nevşehir and Çanakkale are included in the festival as two cities of special cultural importance, where the area directorates are located.

Stating that these 32 cities cover approximately 65 percent of Türkiye's population, Ersoy emphasized that one of the main goals of the festival is to increase citizens' access to culture and art.

Stating that approximately 168 thousand people passed through security and decontamination points on a concert day in Kayseri, Ersoy explained that the participation was also monitored with drone and satellite images, and the density could be measured based on the size of the area. Ersoy said that this interest shows the strong response of culture and art in society.

THE FESTIVAL REVIVALS THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LIFE OF CITIES

Ersoy stated that the Türkiye Culture Road Festival created a significant dynamism in the cities and added that the events also contributed to the re-strengthening of social life in the cities affected by the earthquake.

Noting that gastronomy and tradesmen revived with the festival and citizens met again with music, art and events, Ersoy said that this activity was clearly seen in Kahramanmaraş as well. Emphasizing that the city has a vibrant cultural structure, Ersoy stated that the festival makes this accumulation more visible.

Explaining that a strong cohesion environment has been created with events that appeal to all age groups and different segments of society, Ersoy stated that they have seen examples of this from Hakkari to Istanbul. Pointing out that in some cities, children are introduced to activities they have never encountered before for the first time, Ersoy stated that children can spend hours in these areas and that they care about the social impact of the festival.

GASTRONOMIC HERITAGE IS BEING TRANSFERRED TO NEXT GENERATIONS WITH "TASTE POINTS"

Stating that gastronomy has become one of the most important pillars of the festival, Ersoy pointed out that despite Türkiye's strong culinary background, traditional recipes are on the verge of being forgotten in some cities. Explaining that they created the "Taste Points" model by involving chefs and gastronomy professionals in the process, Ersoy said that Taste Point signs were given to the businesses determined within the scope of the work carried out with the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency.

Stating that these businesses were guided through GoTürkiye during and after the festival, Ersoy noted that there was a significant economic activity in the selected restaurants.

Emphasizing that they attach importance to the preservation of local culinary heritage as well as taste during the selection process, Ersoy stated that businesses should keep forgotten local dishes alive in their menus. Stating that this is followed by the jury, Ersoy said that a business that removes traditional food from its menu after being selected may not be re-elected the following year. Ersoy said, "Our goal is not only to increase the turnover of the restaurant; it is to transfer the gastronomic heritage of that city to future generations." he said.

Stating that Kahramanmaraş also has a high gastronomy potential, Ersoy stated that it has a strong culinary background in addition to its world-famous ice cream, and that the festival makes a significant contribution to the promotion of this potential.

RESULTS OF THE 12-MONTH STUDY MODEL IN ARCHEOLOGY ARE BEING RECEIVED

Stating that the new finds coming from Göbeklitepe, Karahantepe and different excavation areas of Türkiye are the result of the archeology policy implemented for approximately 8 years, Ersoy said that when he took office, a significant part of the excavations lasted approximately 60 days a year.

Explaining that the 12-month excavation program does not mean uninterrupted soil excavation throughout the year, Ersoy said that excavations were carried out when the season was suitable; He explained that documentation, reporting, restoration and scientific studies were continued in other periods.

Stating that the number of excavation directorates increased from 157 to 267, Ersoy also stated that Turkish coordinator excavation directors were appointed to all foreign excavation directorates. Pointing to the approximately 163-year history of archaeological excavations initiated by foreigners in Türkiye, Ersoy noted that they strengthened control and coordination by preserving scientific memory.

"WE DO NOT COMPROMISE FROM SCIENTIFIC METHODOLOGY"

Making evaluations about the excavation model they applied, Ersoy said:

"We do not do fast excavations. We do intensive excavations. In the past, a team of 10 people could work at a single point in a huge ancient city like Ephesus. Today, we work with larger teams in 10 different points at the same time. When you provide resources, teams and equipment, the excavation process naturally accelerates. But we do not compromise on scientific methodology."

Stating that approximately 3-4 thousand experts, archaeologists, art historians and technical personnel and approximately 6 thousand workers work in the field within the scope of the Heritage to the Future Project, Ersoy emphasized that only a small part of Türkiye's archaeological potential has been revealed. Noting that the excavated section in some areas remains below 10 percent, Ersoy stated that this rate is at 3.5 percent in Hierapolis, which has been excavated for approximately 70 years.

TOTAL 20 AREAS IN STONE HILLS

Reminding that Göbeklitepe is a part of the Stone Hills project, Ersoy said that in addition to the 12 important Neolithic sites announced to the public, there are 8 more sites that have not yet been announced, bringing the total number to 20.

Emphasizing that the region is one of the most important centers of the world in terms of the Neolithic Age, Ersoy reminded that they held the world's first Neolithic Congress in Şanlıurfa. Stating that Türkiye has become one of the leading countries in the world in research in this field, Ersoy explained that scientists from different countries, including China, Russia, the USA and Italy, also participated in the excavations and provided working space, equipment and support to the teams.

Pointing out the importance of Göbeklitepe's approximately 12 thousand years of history, Ersoy said that the emergence of older finds cannot be considered scientifically unlikely. He stated that the Stone Hills line formed a wide Neolithic arc extending from Şanlıurfa to Mardin and further south.

THE NUMBER OF FINDS INCREASED, THE CAPACITY OF THE MUSEUM STORAGE IS BEING EXPANDED

Stating that the effect of the intensive excavation model is also seen in the number of finds, Ersoy noted that the number of artifacts unearthed increases as the excavations reach certain levels. Stating that there were approximately 5 thousand works one year and approximately 6 thousand the next year, Ersoy said that they expect new works to be revealed intensively this year as well.

Ersoy explained that the large museum warehouse area planned to be established at Ataturk Airport was also enlarged in line with the increasing need, and stated that the area was preferred due to its security, earthquake-resistant infrastructure and logistics facilities suitable for the shipment of works from different points of Türkiye.

COOPERATION WITH 14 COUNTRIES IN THE RETURN OF CULTURAL ASSETS

Describing the work carried out to bring cultural assets smuggled abroad to Türkiye, Ersoy said that legal basis and scientific evidence are decisive in the return processes.

Describing the year 1906 as an important legal threshold in these processes, Ersoy stated that Türkiye's legal position was stronger in the works taken abroad after that date, and that it became difficult to prove unauthorized removal in the works taken before. Pointing out that cases, especially in countries such as the USA, can take 8-10 years and cost millions of dollars, Ersoy explained that for this reason, they focus on bilateral protocols with the recipient or transit countries of the works.

Stating that there are agreements in this scope with 14 countries today, Ersoy said that some extradition processes can be reduced from 8-9 years to 7-8 months thanks to the protocols.

"WE HAVE A TEAM THAT WORKS LIKE SHERLOCK HOLMES"

Stating that anti-smuggling teams constantly monitor auction houses, websites and social media accounts, Ersoy explained that it is difficult to detect works kept in private safes and that action is taken as soon as they are put up for sale or exhibited.

Stating that auction houses and potential buyers were warned after the artifact was identified, Ersoy stated that excavation leaders, scientific committees and experts revealed the Anatolian origin of the artifact and the region where it was excavated using scientific methods. Citing the return process of the Marcus Aurelius statue as an example, Ersoy said that a foot piece found in the area where the statue belonged was scientifically matched with the work, and that such physical matches constitute strong evidence.

Stating that Türkiye is shown as an example in UNESCO and international platforms in the fight against cultural property smuggling, Ersoy stated that other countries also want to benefit from Türkiye's experience in tracking and return processes. He noted that the increase in the number of countries acting together will make the trade of illegal cultural assets more difficult.

APPROXIMATELY 9 THOUSAND CULTURAL ESTATES RETURNED TO Türkiye

Stating that they ensured the return of approximately 9 thousand cultural assets to Türkiye, Ersoy emphasized that the return efforts have a deterrent effect that reduces the demand in the illegal market. Stating that those who want to buy works of Turkish origin now know that the state will follow these works, Ersoy said:

"As soon as this artifact comes to light, the Turkish state realizes it, pursues it and fights for its return, regardless of the cost. This awareness reduces the value of the artifacts in the illegal market. This is where the real deterrence begins. You cannot end treasure hunting with just catching them in the field. You need to break the demand."

COMPREHENSIVE RESTORATION WHILE WORSHIP AND VISITS CONTINUE IN HAGIA SOFIA

Stating that they carried out one of the most comprehensive restorations in the history of the Republic in Hagia Sophia, Ersoy said that the work continues in the visible areas as well as in the sections under the building that are not accessible to visitors.

Stating that some parts of the main dome have not been handled on this scale for centuries, Ersoy stated that water leaks resulting from cracks can damage the decorations in the interior. The dome is intervened from the outside to protect the mosaics and decorations.