Cultural heritage in Turkey includes not only old buildings or archaeological remains, but also living elements such as folk dances, oral traditions and handicrafts. Turkey not only exhibits this wealth, but also allocates significant resources to protect, preserve and pass it on to younger generations.
The Scope and Importance of Cultural Heritage in Turkey
What are the elements of cultural heritage in Turkey?
Turkey’s cultural heritage is multi-layered. Some elements are directly recognized by UNESCO, while others are protected at a more local level. Here are the main elements:
- Tangible Heritage: Monuments, mosques, churches, ancient cities (Ephesus, Bergama, Göbekli Tepe)
- Intangible Heritage: Folk dances, food culture, oral narratives (meddah), handicrafts
- Natural Heritage: Areas with both natural and cultural value such as Cappadocia, Pamukkale
Why should it be protected?
Preserving a cultural asset is not just a nostalgic duty; these heritages are central to identity building, tourism, education and even the economy. These are the reasons why Turkey invests in so many museums and conservation projects.
UNESCO Listed Turkish Cultural Values
Turkey is one of the richest countries in the region, with 21 properties inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Many of them offer fieldwork opportunities for both students and academics. Below are some of the highlights:
| Cultural Heritage | Type | Location | UNESCO Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Göbekli Tepe | Archaeological Area | Şanlıurfa | 2018 |
| Safranbolu Houses | Urban Fabric | Karabük | 1994 |
| Çatalhöyük | Neolithic Settlement | Konya | 2012 |
| Mevlevi Sema Ceremony | Intangible Heritage | Konya | 2008 |
| Karagöz and Hacivat | Traditional Shadow Play | Turkey-wide | 2009 |
Traditional Turkish coffee, the art of marbling and the celebration of Nevruz are also listed as intangible cultural heritage. On UNESCO’s official website you can browse all of Turkey’s registered heritage.
Also, if you want to study these fields in Turkey, it is worth looking at programs such as museology and cultural heritage management.
What are the Cultural Heritage Protection Activities in Turkey?
Cultural heritage is protected not only to be exhibited, but also to be kept alive and sustainably passed on to future generations. In Turkey, conservation activities in this area are carried out by the public, private sector and civil society.
State-supported protection plans and local projects
The Directorate General for Living Heritage and Cultural Activities of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism focuses particularly on traditional crafts and cultural production. Launched in 2022, the Living Cultural Heritage Business Support Program provides non-refundable support worth an average of 2,000 USD for handicrafts and traditional professions.
The main occupational groups receiving support:
- Caring
- Felting
- Wood carving craftsmanship
- Marbling and miniature arts
- Hand weaving
The role of civil society and NGO cooperation
NGOs also play an important role in this process. The Cultural Heritage Fund offers small but effective grants to local associations and foundations in Turkey. These supports, especially for the maintenance and repair of immovable cultural assets, also create field work or internship opportunities for students.
Cultural Heritage Scholarships and Funding
If you want to pursue an academic career in cultural heritage, it’s not enough to just apply to a university. It is also a great advantage to know the scholarships and funding sources in this field.
Primary sources of support and funding:
| Source of Support | Purpose | Open for Application? |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Heritage Fund | Grants to NGO projects | Yes |
| Mass Housing Law (2985) | 10% loan for immovable cultural assets | Limited |
| Common Cultural Heritage: EU Program | Turkey-EU cultural cooperation | Periodic |
| TUBİTAK 1001 Project | Funding for research projects | Continuous |
In some projects, the total amount of support can reach up to 3 million USD. For example, the Common Cultural Heritage Program run by the Directorate for EU Affairs has provided large grants for cultural restoration and education-based projects.
Although these supports seem to be mostly targeted at institutions, volunteers, consultants and assistants who participate in projects as students can also benefit indirectly.
Participation Opportunities for International Students
Studying cultural heritage in Turkey is not limited to studying. You can take part in active projects, museum internships and field research.
Some opportunities you can join:
- Cultural heritage summer schools (example: Mardin Artuklu University)
- Museum volunteering programs (example: Istanbul Archaeology Museum)
- Student assistant in EU funded field projects
- Museology and cultural heritage graduate programs (Boğaziçi, Koç, Hacettepe)
Join Now, Protect the Future Together!
Turkey’s cultural heritage is not just about the past; it is a set of values intertwined with the society you live in. And young people, especially international students, are very much needed to protect these values.
If you want to study in this field or volunteer in a project, now is the time to start. You can browse Road to Study to find the right scholarship and support program, or contact us for one-to-one support.