Statement on Historical Artifact Returns from Minister of Culture and Tourism Ersoy
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that they receive support from MIT in the process of returning smuggled artifacts and that 13,474 artifacts have been brought back since 2002.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that they requested assistance from MIT in the efforts carried out to bring back historical artifacts smuggled abroad, announcing that the return of 26 artifacts was ensured in 2026 and the total number of artifacts brought back since 2002 reached 13,474.
MIT Support in Historical Artifact Returns
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that they occasionally request assistance from the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and share relevant files during efforts to return cultural properties taken abroad illegally to the country.
Emphasizing that this process is carried out decisively along the axes of scientific research, law, and diplomacy, Minister Ersoy expressed that they attach great importance to inter-institutional cooperation in order to achieve their goals.
Increase in the Number of Returned Artifacts
According to Ministry data, a total of 26 historical artifacts were returned to Turkey within the year 2026.
While the total number of artifacts brought to the country since 2002 reached 13,474, it was reported that more than 9,000 of this significant increase was achieved in the last 8-year period.
Return Approaches by Country
Ministry bureaucrats noted that the USA displays an extremely positive approach in the repatriation of historical assets smuggled from Turkish lands and that the highest number of returns took place from this country.
In contrast, it was conveyed that countries like the UK and Germany do not even approach negotiating these issues and create difficulties in the process.
International Cooperations and Projects
It was announced that the cooperation on combating smuggling initiated with the USA in 2021 was extended for another five years on March 24, 2026.
Within the scope of the Legacy for the Future Project, it was stated that the scope of archaeological excavations was expanded to 261 sites across 67 provinces in 2026.
Cultural Investments and Restorations
It was stated that the Haydarpaşa and Sirkeci Train Station Area projects are targeted to be completed in 2027 and reunited once again with culture, art, and the sounds of trains.
It was noted that an investment of approximately 34 billion liras for cultural heritage works in the earthquake zone is being actively carried out in the field.