# Italy-Türkiye archaeological cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italy-trkiye-archaeological-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-10-12T21:28:47.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

Archaeological cooperation between Italy and Türkiye has been highlighted through academic and diplomatic engagement. The 17th Italian Cultural Institute Archaeology Symposium was held at the Hierapolis Ancient City in Pamukkale, focusing on the continuity of research and innovation between Italian delegations and Turkish institutions.

Following the symposium, Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli met in Denizli to further strengthen these ties. Discussions centered on expanding collaboration beyond excavation to include protection, restoration, visitor management, and community engagement. Minister Ersoy emphasized a new vision for Turkish archaeology that incorporates these broader conservation efforts.

Proposed initiatives include establishing a scientific dialogue between the Ephesus site in Türkiye and the Pompeii Archaeological Park in Italy, as well as a joint project at the Elaiussa Sebaste Ancient City in Mersin planned for 2027. The cooperation also acknowledges the long-standing presence of Italian excavation teams in Hierapolis, which has spanned 70 years. Under the ‘Heritage for the Future Project,’ Turkish scientists from Pamukkale University are now contributing to these international efforts. Ongoing conservation work also includes historical wall paintings in the Cappadocia region.

## Claims

- Italian excavation teams have been working in Hierapolis for approximately 70 years. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Turkey and Italy are expanding archaeological cooperation to include new projects linking Ephesus and Pompeii. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A joint project at the Elaiussa Sebaste Ancient City in Mersin is targeted for implementation in 2027. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The 'Göbeklitepe: Mystery of a Sacred Place' exhibition in the Colosseum reached approximately 6 million visitors. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-12: Turkey and Italy expand archaeological cooperation in Hierapolis

Turkish and Italian culture ministers met in Hierapolis to expand archaeological cooperation, including new joint projects at Ephesus, Pompeii, and Elaiussa Sebaste.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/schengen-area-biometric-border-system-causes-major-travel-delays

### 2026-09-29: Italian-Turkish archaeological cooperation to be discussed at symposium in Denizli

The 17th Italian Cultural Institute Archaeology Symposium will be held in Denizli, Turkey, on October 13-14, highlighting archaeological cooperation and discoveries at major sites like Hierapolis.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-turkish-archaeological-cooperation-to-be-discussed-at-symposium-in-denizli

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Cite as: Italy-Türkiye archaeological cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italy-trkiye-archaeological-cooperation