Internet Archaeology (Feb 2020)
The Changing Policies on the Protection and Management of Archaeological Sites in Turkey: an Overview
Abstract
The earliest legislation in Turkey on the protection of antiquities was devised by the Ottomans, the forerunner of modern Turkey, issued in 1869 specifically to protect archaeological sites and regulate the archaeological excavations that were taking place in various parts of the Empire. The Ottoman antiquities law continued to be in force after the foundation of the Turkish republic, and revised as late as 1973 to accord with approaches that took place in Europe. The main concern of the legislation was to establish rigid control over archaeological excavations, discouraging new projects, thus hindering the availability of new data on cultural history. It was only in the late 1990s that the government decided on a new policy to encourage tourism by encouraging new tourist routes based on coastal areas and selected ancient ruins, such as Ephesus and Pergamon. This new approach opened up fresh pathways; a concern about cultural assets, among them archaeological sites that had been overlooked. Meanwhile, priority was given to enrich Turkey's place in the UNESCO World Heritage List by proposing archaeological sites that can readily fulfil UNESCO's requirements. Thus, currently 13 out of 18 World Heritage Sites in Turkey are archaeological. Even though tourism is presently considered as the prime indicator of economic development and cultural heritage as a matter of national pride, the viability of government policies on archaeological heritage is rather questionable. This is mainly the result of inconsistencies and bureaucratic obstacles (red tape). The system has additional weaknesses, such as a shortage of experts in museology and conservation and inadequate tenders, resulting in a lack of consultation with experts and inappropriate architectural restorations. This article will present an Overview assessing how the government implements conserving and managing archaeological sites in relation to the Valletta and Faro Conventions. The other two components of the subject, namely the behaviour of archaeologists and public opinion, will also be discussed.
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