Türkiye’s cultural restoration post-Feb. 6 quakes continues

Following the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye on Feb. 6, 2023, the restoration of heavily damaged cultural assets continues

Many cultural assets were damaged in the earthquakes that occurred in Türkiye on Feb. 6, 2023, which claimed over 50,000 lives. Over the past year, the Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums has successfully retrieved cultural assets from the rubble and conducted restoration works on both artifacts and structures.

After completing the evaluation and documentation of all artifacts in 29 museums within the earthquake zone, it was noted that 335 artifacts suffered damage during the earthquake. The majority of these artifacts have been successfully restored to their original condition.

The Republic of Türkiye is providing grants and project support for the restoration of historically or culturally registered buildings. Explanations about these initiatives are being communicated to both private owners of 8,444 registered historical buildings and the local community in the region

Bulent Gonultas, deputy director general of the Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums, said in a statement: “The subsidies have been increased to five times the amount specified in the current regulation, granting the region a significant advantage. Applications are still open, and the deadline is extended as they are running out. Every 15 days, senior officials from our ministry conduct information meetings, evaluating the ongoing work. We engage in direct outreach, going door-to-door to explain that we offer projects to those interested and grants to those seeking financial support. The faster the applications come in, the more expeditiously we will act in the region.”

Source: Newsroom