Culture minister Ersoy proposes Corum’s inclusion in International Cultural Destinations

Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy has initiated the inclusion of Corum’s five iconic sites – Hattusa, Bogazkale, and Alacahoyuk – into the prestigious International Cultural Destination network.

This strategic move aims to elevate Corum’s profile on the global tourism map, attracting a diverse array of visitors.

Ministerial visit and strategic investments

During his recent visit to Corum, Ersoy conducted a comprehensive tour to assess the region’s cultural and tourism potential. His itinerary included inspections of key landmarks such as the Castle, City Square, City Museum, Arasta and Velipasa Han.

Ersoy commended Mayor Halil Ibrahim Asgin for ongoing initiatives and announced increased support for the restoration of Corum’s historical assets.

Significant investment in cultural restoration

Underlining his commitment to Corum’s cultural preservation, Ersoy announced full funding for the ₺29 million ($789,700 ) restoration project of the castle walls, originally initiated through a collaboration between the Corum Municipality and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The restoration efforts aim to restore and preserve Corum’s rich historical heritage for future generations.

Future prospects: Twin mansions and international exhibitions

Looking ahead, Ersoy pledged further investment for the restoration of the Twin Mansions, slated as a priority project in the 2025 investment program.

Moreover, he highlighted the upcoming Hittite exhibition in South Korea, a joint initiative between Turkish and Korean municipalities and museums.

Scheduled from Oct. 7, 2024, to Feb. 2, 2025, in Gimhae and Seoul, this exhibition aims to showcase Corum’s ancient treasures to an international audience, further boosting global interest in the region.

Gratitude and collaboration

Mayor Asgin expressed gratitude for Ersoy’s unwavering support, emphasizing the pivotal role of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in catalyzing Corum’s cultural revitalization efforts.