Minister Ersoy: Turkey allocates 115 million liras for archaeological digs this year
Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, recently spoke at a press conference in Antalya regarding the Culture Road Festival and archaeological excavations taking place in the region. He emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage, as well as supporting the tourism industry.
Ersoy revealed that there are currently 19 archaeological sites and excavation points in Antalya. In order to finance these excavations, the ministry has allocated a significant budget of 115 million lira this year alone. The minister stated that they encourage excavation leaders to carry out their projects without imposing unnecessary restrictions.
The minister also highlighted the importance of infrastructure in tourism development. The government has made substantial investments in infrastructure in various tourism regions, particularly in Serik and Kemer districts. Through a protocol with local municipalities, the ministry has taken over infrastructure projects that were previously stalled.
The Culture Road Festival, which was initiated three years ago, is another area of focus for the ministry. The festival aims to provide citizens with greater access to culture and arts, support local artists, and showcase the tourism potential of the host city. Minister Ersoy expressed his desire to increase the festival’s scope by including more provinces each year. He also mentioned plans to prolong the festival’s duration, starting in the spring and ending in the fall, to align with the low season of cities’ tourism and benefit the sector and local businesses.
For the upcoming festival in Antalya, Minister Ersoy promised a diverse program catering to a wide range of age groups. The festival will also emphasize the digital art scene, with events taking place on land, in the air, and at sea.
Overall, Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy’s statements reflect the government’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage, supporting tourism development, and promoting cultural events throughout Turkey.
