TURKPA takes part in the Conference entitled “Strategic Cooperation Conference in the Field of Turkic Cultural Heritage: Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property”

TURKPA Secretary of the Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations, Dr. Kadir Yaman, is participating in the “Strategic Cooperation Conference in the Field of Turkic Cultural Heritage: Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property,” organized by the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation (TCHF) from 27 to 30 April in Gaziantep, Türkiye.

The conference, organized with the aim of strengthening institutional cooperation in combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property across the Turkic world, was attended by participants from numerous countries, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, as well as representatives from international organizations and experts.

Opening the conference, TCHF President Dr. Aktoty Raimkulova emphasized that the protection of cultural heritage is a moral responsibility that requires coordinated international action. She underlined that illicit trafficking poses serious threats to shared heritage, necessitating stronger cooperation and joint solutions.

In this context, Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, Ms. Fatma Şahin, highlighted the city’s commitment to cultural preservation, outlining ongoing restoration efforts at key sites such as Zeugma and progress related to projects on UNESCO’s Tentative List. These remarks were complemented by Mr. Bülent Gönültaş, Deputy Director General of Cultural Heritage and Museums, who addressed the challenges of illegal excavations and illicit trade, presenting data on Türkiye’s efforts to combat these threats.

Representing TURKPA, Dr. Kadir Yaman emphasized that combating illicit trafficking and protecting cultural heritage is a shared responsibility vital to preserving common history and collective memory. He highlighted the need for a multidimensional approach, referring to international legal instruments—particularly the 1970 UNESCO Convention—alongside technical cooperation platforms such as conferences and specialized workshops.

Dr. Yaman highlighted the strengthening partnership between TURKPA and TCHF under their Memorandum of Understanding, underscoring the potential of TURKPA to develop model legislation and its readiness to support joint initiatives in cultural heritage protection, through its Permanent Commissions.