'Superpower' Turkey seeks to protect cultural heritage

Turkey, a "superpower in terms of cultural heritage," has a wealth of artifacts to display but also has its work cut out in terms of maintaining its heritage, according to the general director of Cultural Heritage and Museums.

"Our country is a superpower in terms of cultural properties. The number of registered cultural properties exceeds 101,000 and the number of archaeological sites has reached 15,000. We have lots of work to do, but we are hopeful. We love our duty, and I believe we can do better things by using our opportunities and rare resources," Abdullah Kocap?nar said yesterday at the 25th Museum Rescue Excavations Symposium and the second International Museum Workshop in the southern province of Antalya.

Museums have turned into social venues where people can spend their time throughout the day. 

Stating that the understanding of museum management had changed in the country, Kocap?nar said archaeology, ethnography and private museums had contributed to this process. 

Last year, 210 museums joined excavations with the support of the Culture and Tourism Ministry, Kocap?nar said. "Museums have undertaken the duty of protecting this cultural heritage that not only belongs to Turkey but also to the world. As of today, 198 museums and open-air museums as well as 138 ancient sites, which are affiliated with the ministry, are hosting visitors."

Discussing private museums in the international area in recent years, Kocap?nar said the number of private museums had reached 217 in March 2016. 

In addition to displays and merchandizing, museums also functioned as educational venues in order to contribute to social and cultural awareness, he said. 

Ankara University academic and Museum Professionals project...