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Türkiye and Italy are preparing to expand their archaeological cooperation through new excavation, conservation and cultural heritage projects, including a planned initiative at the ancient city of Elaiussa Sebaste in 2027 and closer scientific ties between Ephesus and Pompeii, Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced.
Speaking at the opening of the 17th Italian Cultural Center Archaeology Symposium held at the ancient city of Hierapolis in Denizli, Ersoy outlined plans to strengthen international research partnerships while ensuring that archaeological discoveries are supported by long-term conservation and restoration efforts.
The minister emphasized that archaeological work in Türkiye now extends beyond uncovering ancient structures to include site management, museum development, scientific publications and public access.
"Protecting, interpreting and sustainably carrying an archaeological site into the future is just as much our responsibility as uncovering it," Ersoy said.
Ersoy announced that Türkiye and Italy have initiated discussions to develop scientific and cultural cooperation between the ancient city of Ephesus in western Türkiye and the Pompeii Archaeological Park in Italy.
Meanwhile, a separate archaeological project at Elaiussa Sebaste, an ancient city in Türkiye's southern Mersin province, is expected to begin in 2027 in partnership with the Cultural Center for Archaeology under Italy's Ministry of Culture.
Turkish and Italian specialists are also working together in Cappadocia, focusing on cultural heritage protection and the conservation of historic wall paintings.
These initiatives build on decades of cooperation between the two countries, including Italian archaeological excavations at Hierapolis, which began approximately 70 years ago.
Researchers from Pamukkale University have also joined the Hierapolis excavations through Türkiye's Heritage for the Future Project, a Ministry of Culture and Tourism initiative supporting archaeological research, restoration and site preservation.
Italian archaeologists are currently involved in research at several other sites across Türkiye, including Aslantepe, Usakli Hoyuk, Karkamis Hoyuk and Yumuktepe, while Turkish researchers participate in Italian-led excavations and Italian specialists contribute to Turkish-led projects.
Beyond archaeological fieldwork, Ersoy highlighted major exhibitions in Rome as examples of the growing cultural relationship between Türkiye and Italy.
According to the minister, the exhibition "Gobeklitepe: The Mystery of a Sacred Place," held at the Colosseum, attracted approximately 6 million visitors.
Building on that exhibition, the two countries organized "Troy and Rome: Myths, Legends and Stories of the Ancient Mediterranean," which explores the historical and mythological connections between the two civilizations.
The exhibition currently features 221 artifacts selected from museums across Türkiye, presenting the cultural connections between Anatolia and Italy over thousands of years.
Ersoy also pointed to cooperation against cultural property trafficking, noting that artifacts seized in Italy and returned to Türkiye demonstrated the practical results of bilateral efforts.
Turning to ongoing archaeological research in Denizli, Ersoy said excavations and conservation projects were continuing at several ancient settlements, including Laodicea, Hierapolis, Tripolis, Colossae, Attouda, Asagiseyit and Beycesultan.
He also highlighted documentation efforts covering Seljuk and Ottoman gravestones and inscriptions, alongside visitor management and environmental improvements at archaeological sites.
Ersoy stressed that Türkiye's broader archaeological strategy aims to increase scientific capacity, maintain continuity in excavation and conservation programs, and establish lasting partnerships with international research teams.
"Our goal is to support Turkish archaeology with stronger scientific resources and ensure the continuity of excavation and conservation work," he said.
Following the opening ceremony, Ersoy joined Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli and Denizli Governor Yavuz Selim Kosger for a planned concert at the ancient theater of Hierapolis, featuring Italian violinist Riccardo Zamuner and the Izmir State Symphony Orchestra.
The performance, however, was canceled because of rain.
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