The statement made by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is important in terms of protecting historical monuments and researching cultural assets with scientific methods. Unauthorized excavation and research can cause destruction of historical artifacts, loss of scientific data and even cost the lives of those doing the excavations.
Persons who conduct excavations and research without permission are punished with imprisonment from two to five years, according to the Law on the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets No. 2863. In addition, historical artifacts obtained as a result of unauthorized excavations and research are transferred to the state.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism tries to raise citizens' awareness about the preservation of historical monuments and the research of cultural assets using scientific methods. In this context, information is given that unauthorized excavation and research is a crime and that permission must be obtained from the competent authorities before excavating in places where historical artifacts are located.
Citizens also need to be sensitive to prevent unauthorized excavation and research. In case of an excavation in places where historical artifacts are located, the nearest security forces should be notified.
Things to do to prevent unauthorized excavation and research are as follows:
- Raising awareness of citizens about the protection of historical monuments and researching cultural assets using scientific methods
- Raising awareness that unauthorized excavation and research is a crime
- In case of an excavation in places where historical artifacts are located, inform the nearest security forces.
With these measures, the protection of our historical monuments and the research of our cultural assets using scientific methods will be ensured.