Newsletters
As wars continue to destroy irreplaceable monuments, museums, and archaeological sites across the globe, experts gathered in Istanbul last week to confront one of the most urgent questions in the field of cultural preservation: how to protect humanity's shared heritage when weapons, not restorers, define the landscape.
This warning came at the ninth Heritage Istanbul, held April 1-4 at the Yenikapı Eurasia Exhibition and Event Center. A key session featured Blue Shield International President Prof. Peter Stone, who discussed protecting cultural property in armed conflict, a topic of increasing relevance as sites from Ukraine to Gaza face destruction.
Blue Shield International, often described as the cultural equivalent of the Red Cross, works to protect cultural heritage in conflict zones.
Stone's address placed the issue squarely within an international legal and ethical framework, highlighting the systematic risks faced by museums, monuments, and archives when armed conflict breaks out.
Heritage Istanbul, one of Türkiye's most comprehensive annual events dedicated to cultural heritage, brought together more than 130 participants from across the world over four days.
The fair, which relocated to the Yenikapı venue for the first time this year, drew more than 10,000 visitors and covered approximately 10,000 square meters of exhibition space.
Countries including Italy, Russia, Azerbaijan, and the United Arab Emirates sent institutional representatives, reflecting the event's growing international footprint.
The fair is organized with support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the General Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage, the Istanbul Governor's Office, the General Directorate of Foundations, and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
This year's edition operated under the slogan "Secure the Future of the Past."
Beyond the armed conflict session, the fair's program covered a broad range of heritage topics. Istanbul Archaeological Museums Director Rahmi Asal presented new display and arrangement work underway at the institution.
A separate panel focused on restoration and excavation work in the Historic Peninsula, with ongoing projects at Hagia Sophia and the Surici district drawing particular attention from experts and attendees.
In a separate address, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Patriarch of Constantinople and Archbishop of Istanbul, spoke on the role of the Istanbul Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in cultural heritage work, framing religious institutions as active participants in the broader preservation effort.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
3 min read
