Steps for Cooperation in Archaeology and Ancient Heritage Between Turkey and Italy
Meeting in Pamukkale, the culture ministers of the two countries evaluated joint excavation work in Hierapolis and future projects.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy met with Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli in Pamukkale to discuss archaeological and cultural relations between the two countries.
Inter-Delegation Meeting
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy came together with Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli in Pamukkale to hold an inter-delegation meeting.
Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Manzo and Denizli Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger were also present at this important meeting.
Visit to Hierapolis and Symposium
Following the meeting, the ministers attended the opening ceremony of the 17th Italian Archaeological Missions Symposium held in the Ancient City of Hierapolis.
Minister Ersoy made evaluations after the speeches delivered by Excavation Head Prof. Grazia Semeraro and Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli.
Seventy Years of Joint Work
It was stated that the meeting in Hierapolis is the clearest example of international scientific studies carried out in Anatolia and the strong cooperation between the two countries.
It was noted that scientists from Pamukkale University also contribute to the work of the Italian excavation team that started in the ancient city 70 years ago.
Joint Excavation Sites
Emphasizing that Italy is one of the most established partners in this field, it was reported that excavations are being conducted in Arslantepe, Hierapolis, Uşaklı Höyük, Karkamış, Kınık Höyük, and Yumuktepe.
Additionally, it was reported that a joint project planned for the Ancient City of Elaiussa Sebaste in Mersin aims to be implemented in 2027.
Exhibitions and Combating Smuggling
It was recorded that the Göbeklitepe exhibition at the Colosseum reached millions of people, and a comprehensive exhibition addressing the ties between Troy and Rome was also opened in Rome.
It was emphasized that combating cultural property smuggling is a shared sensitivity and that artifacts returned from Italy are concrete results of this cooperation.