Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy received the 2026 Paestum Award at the ceremony held within the scope of the 28th Mediterranean Archaeological Tourism Meeting held in Paestum in the Salerno region of Italy.
The award, given to those who contribute to the promotion of archaeological heritage, cultural tourism and intercultural dialogue, was presented to Minister Ersoy this year for his contributions within the scope of the Heritage to the Future Project. Ersoy received his award from the founder and director of the organization, Ugo Picarelli.
Under the auspices of UNESCO; The meeting, organized in cooperation with the Italian ministries of Foreign Affairs, Culture and Tourism and the National Tourism Board, brought together international representatives from the field of archeology and cultural tourism at the Cafasso Tobacco Factory.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ersoy said that he was very pleased and honored to be deemed worthy of the Paestum Award, which is given within the framework of preserving the global historical heritage and transferring human history to future generations.
Stating that they are working determinedly to unearth, protect and promote the historical and cultural heritage in Turkey, which is located at the intersection of civilizations, Ersoy said, "We see every step we take as a contribution to illuminating the history of humanity and strengthening the ties between civilizations." he said.
FROM THREE-FOUR-MONTH EXCAVATION PERIOD TO YEAR-ROUND WORK
Explaining the transformation that Turkey has implemented in the field of archeology, Minister Ersoy stated that their first step was to extend the excavation work to the whole year, rather than being limited to three-four month periods.
Stating that they made it possible for the projects to continue uninterrupted by providing the excavation teams with sufficient budget to work throughout the year, Ersoy said that they started the Heritage to the Future Project after the successful results of this approach.
Ersoy explained the increase in resources provided by the project: "With Inheritance to the Future, we increased the budgets of our excavation teams by three or four times." He explained it with his words. Noting that archaeological excavations are carried out within the framework of five-year programs, Ersoy emphasized that strengthening the teams in terms of personnel, budget and equipment accelerated the work.
45 PERCENT HAS BEEN REACHED IN EFES IN THREE YEARS
Minister Ersoy cited Ephesus as an example of the progress achieved in excavations. Stating that 25-26 percent of the area was unearthed during the 163-year excavation process in Ephesus, Ersoy stated that with the support provided, they increased this rate to 45 percent in the last three years.
Stating that significant results were achieved in excavations with more personnel, budget and equipment, Ersoy noted that they aim to spread this approach to archaeological sites across Türkiye.
Stating that while archaeological excavations were carried out in 157 areas eight years ago, today work continues in 261 areas, Ersoy stated that the developments in the field of archeology have a positive impact on tourism. Stating that they host more cultural tourists from all over the world, Ersoy said that the income obtained from tourism is transferred as investment in archaeological excavations.
Türkiye-ITALY COOPERATION FOR THE COMMON HERITAGE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
In his speech, Minister Ersoy also touched upon the deep-rooted cooperation between Türkiye and Italy in the field of cultural heritage.
Stating that the scientists of the two countries work together in many fields, from archaeological excavations to restoration, from scientific research to museum management, Ersoy stated that the traces of the past are carried to the future with a common effort.
Reminding that they brought together Anatolia's heritage that sheds light on human history with visitors from all over the world with the "Göbeklitepe: Mystery of a Sacred Place" exhibition held at the Colosseum in Rome, Ersoy said that they presented the rich history of Troy and its cultural ties with Rome to international visitors with the "Troy and Rome: Myths, Legends and Stories of the Ancient Mediterranean" exhibition, also held at the Colosseum.
Emphasizing that these two exhibitions are strong examples of cultural cooperation between countries, Ersoy stated that they made significant contributions to introducing the unique heritage of Anatolia to the world.
Evaluating the meeting in Paestum as a meaningful reflection of the long-term cooperation and responsibility towards the common heritage of the Mediterranean, Ersoy said, "We will continue to work with our Italian friends to protect the cultural heritage and transfer it to future generations." he said.
“I ACCEPT ON BEHALF OF OUR SCIENTISTS AND COLLEAGUES”
Thanking everyone who contributed to the development of the Mediterranean Archaeological Tourism Meeting since its establishment, Ugo Picarelli and the award committee, Minister Ersoy stated that he accepted the award on behalf of those who worked for the cultural heritage and said:
“I accept the Paestum Award 2026 on behalf of all our scientists and colleagues who contribute to the research and preservation of Turkey's cultural heritage.”
PICARELLI'S INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLE EMPHASIS ON HERITAGE TO THE FUTURE
Speaking before the award presentation, the founder and director of the organization, Ugo Picarelli, drew attention to the efforts made by Minister Ersoy in the field of cultural heritage since he took office in 2018.
Stating that the Heritage to the Future Project, which was launched in 2023, has spread to a wide area, starting from Aspendos, Picarelli stated that 5 thousand people, including 2 thousand experts, took part in the work in 2024 alone.
Stating that the main point they wanted to emphasize with the award was the meaning and value that Minister Ersoy brought to the project beyond the financial resources allocated, Picarelli stated that Heritage for the Future is not only an excavation campaign to protect and evaluate cultural assets.
Describing the project as a rebirth program based on cultural identity, Picarelli said, "This is a national archeology mission rooted in identity." made his assessment. Picarelli emphasized that this approach has great value that can set an example for other countries.
Picarelli explained that the aim is to unearth and interpret the heritage of all civilizations that have left their mark on Turkish lands, with studies ranging from Göbeklitepe to Ephesus, and said that Turkey's scientific expertise also comes to the fore in this process.
