Cultural and Tourism Revival of Turkey with the New “Legacy for the Future” Project

In the last five years, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has finished a series of long-abandoned restoration and cultural works, transforming them into vibrant areas for public use. With the detailed presentation of Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy’s book Culture and Tourism in the 100th Anniversary of Our Republic, this achievement fills long-existing cultural infrastructure deficits.

Key Achievements in Cultural Heritage Preservation

Among the most notable accomplishments highlighted in the book and reflected in the country’s growing tourism numbers are:

1. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque: After a nearly 86-year hiatus, the mosque was reopened for worship in 2020. This iconic landmark, a symbol of Turkey’s historical significance and architectural grandeur, marks a monumental shift in the nation’s spiritual and cultural identity.
2. Istanbul Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM): Officially opened in 2021, this modern cultural center features world-class performance venues, including a 2,040-seat opera hall and an 805-seat theater. Hosting over 624,000 visitors in 2023 alone, AKM has become a vibrant cultural hub for Istanbul residents and tourists alike.
3. Rami Library: Opened in 2023, this library is now one of the largest in the world, offering 24/7 access and providing a stunning space for learning and cultural engagement. It also plays a vital role in Turkey’s growing importance in underwater archaeology, with its international acclaim continuing to grow.
4. Galata Tower and Maiden’s Tower: Both towers have undergone significant restorations, and have since been reopened to the public, offering panoramic views of Istanbul and showcasing their historical and architectural beauty.
5. Rami Library: Another monumental project in Istanbul is the Rami Library, which is now recognized as the third-largest library in the world and a key educational and cultural space in Turkey.

Promoting Global Tourism Through Restoration Projects

The restoration of key landmarks such as the Galata Tower and the Maiden’s Tower, along with major initiatives like the Atlas 1948 Istanbul Cinema Museum, has increased global interest in Turkey’s tourism offerings. Through these developments, Turkey is setting itself apart as a global cultural tourism leader with a strong emphasis on preserving and showcasing its Islamic and Ottoman heritage.

Simultaneously, the Türkiye Culture Route Festival has emerged as a flagship cultural event, solidifying the country’s position on the international tourism map. This festival not only celebrates Turkish culture but also encourages deeper global engagement with the country’s rich history and artistry.

The Legacy for the Future Project: Shaping Türkey’s Archaeological Future

One of the most ambitious projects initiated by the Ministry is the Legacy for the Future Project, launched in 2023. This initiative signals a shift in archaeological practices in Türkey, transforming the way the country approaches excavation and heritage preservation.

Key Features of the Project:

• 12-Month Excavation Schedules: Moving beyond the traditional 90-day excavation period, Turkey has implemented year-round excavations, allowing archaeologists to explore deeper and more extensively.
• Multi-Site Excavations: Instead of focusing on small isolated sites, this initiative encourages simultaneous excavations at multiple areas within a site, maximizing the scope of each project.
• Visitor-Friendly Sites: Excavations are no longer confined to academic interest alone but are also designed to become public-friendly. This includes welcome centers, landscaping, and creating immersive educational spaces for visitors.
• Underwater Archaeology: Turkey’s efforts in underwater archaeology have accelerated, with the discovery of the world’s oldest shipwreck and over 6,000 archaeological artifacts uncovered in 2024 alone.

Nighttime Museum Experiences: Expanding Access and Tourism Impact

A standout initiative under the Legacy for the Future Project is the introduction of nighttime museum experiences. This innovative concept allows historical sites to be explored after dark, providing a unique way for visitors to engage with Türkiye’s history and culture. In 2024, 400,000 visitors attended night tours at key archaeological sites such as Ephesus, Hierapolis, and Patara, boosting the local economy and increasing foot traffic to less-visited locations.

Building on this success, nighttime museum tours will expand in 2025, with 27 sites offering extended hours during peak tourist seasons, allowing more people to experience Türkiye’s cultural gems in a new light.

Emphasizing Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Engagement

As Türkiye expands its global tourism presence, it is placing an increasing emphasis on sustainability. The Legacy for the Future Project is designed not only to preserve cultural heritage but also to ensure that these initiatives support local communities and businesses. Through cultural tourism, visitors are encouraged to learn about the country’s history while directly contributing to the region’s economic growth.

Furthermore, Türkiye’s commitment to intangible cultural heritage has led to its rise as one of the top contributors to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, with a growing number of artistic traditions, performances, and craftsmanship being recognized and preserved.

Turkey’s Continued Global Leadership in Cultural Tourism

strong strategy for restoration of heritage, innovation in tourism, and cultural outreach on a global scale, Türkiye is becoming a cultural travel destination leader at a rapid pace. The Legacy for the Future Project is a shining example for generations to come, showing how a nation can blend preservation of heritage, tourism, and sustainability into an overall and effective cultural initiative.

With endeavors such as evening tours of museums, archaeological discoveries, and the Türkiye Culture Route Festival, Türkiye is not only conserving its history but also opening doors to a rich, diverse future in the international cultural tourism world.

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