Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 4 hrs ago
Türkiye and Italy plan to deepen archaeological cooperation
Türkiye aims to strengthen scientific support for archaeology and keep excavation and conservation work going, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said.
He spoke at a symposium of Italian archaeological missions held at the ancient city of Hierapolis in Pamukkale, western Türkiye.
Italian excavations at Hierapolis began 70 years ago, and researchers from Pamukkale University now contribute through Türkiye’s Heritage for the Future project.
Ersoy said archaeology involves not only uncovering sites but also protecting them and making them accessible to visitors.
Italian and Turkish researchers work together at sites including Hierapolis, Aslantepe and Karkamış, while Turkish teams also work with Italian researchers on their own excavations.
The two countries have also mounted exhibitions, including one on Göbeklitepe at Rome’s Colosseum that Ersoy said drew about six million visitors.
Further cooperation is being planned, including talks between Ephesus and Pompeii and a joint project at Elaiussa Sebaste that is targeted for 2027.
Türkiye and Italy plan to broaden cooperation on archaeological research, conservation and cultural heritage.
Türkiye’s Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the plans at the opening of the 17th Symposium of Italian Archaeological Missions in Hierapolis.
The plans include dialogue between the ancient sites of Ephesus and Pompeii and a joint project at Elaiussa Sebaste targeted for 2027.
Turkish and Italian experts are also working together in Cappadocia to conserve cultural heritage, including wall paintings.
Ersoy said cooperation also includes exhibitions and efforts to combat the trafficking of cultural property.
- Who
- Türkiye and Italy, including their archaeologists and cultural institutions.
- What
- They plan to expand archaeological and cultural cooperation, including research, conservation and exhibitions.
- When
- Announced on October 13, 2026. A project at Elaiussa Sebaste is targeted for 2027.
- Where
- The announcement was made at Hierapolis in Denizli, Türkiye; planned and ongoing work includes sites in Türkiye and Italy.
- Why
- To support Turkish archaeology, sustain excavation and conservation work, share expertise and protect cultural heritage.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Italian excavations began at Hierapolis.
The Göbeklitepe exhibition at the Colosseum reached approximately 6 million visitors.
Ersoy announced new cooperation plans at the opening of the 17th Symposium of Italian Archaeological Missions in Hierapolis.
Ersoy said dialogue had begun on scientific and cultural cooperation between Ephesus and Pompeii.
A joint project at Elaiussa Sebaste with Italy’s Central Institute for Archaeology is targeted to begin.
- Symposium
- 17th Symposium of Italian Archaeological Missions
- Location
- Hierapolis, Denizli, Türkiye
- Long-running excavation
- Italian excavations at Hierapolis began 70 years ago
- Colosseum exhibition
- Approximately 6 million visitors
- Rome exhibition
- 221 artifacts from museums in Türkiye
- Elaiussa Sebaste project
- Targeted for 2027
2 sources
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What people are saying
Our goal is to support Turkish archaeology with stronger scientific resources and ensure the continuity of excavation and conservation work.
It is our responsibility not only to uncover an archaeological site, but also to protect it, interpret it and carry it sustainably into the future.
The exhibition “Göbeklitepe: The Mystery of a Sacred Site” that we held at the Colosseum reached approximately 6 million visitors, showing us how widely this cooperation can reach.
Today, 221 artifacts selected from different museums in Türkiye are in Rome, telling the story of thousands of years of cultural relations between Anatolia and Italy.