# Turkey local heritage preservation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-local-heritage-preservation
> Updated: 2026-07-28T09:59:44.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

In early July, municipal officials in Manisa’s Yunusemre district carried out a focused cleaning of the historic Karacaahmet tomb, signaling attention to the maintenance of cultural sites.

By the end of the month, a broader effort unfolded in other Turkish districts. In Ortahisar (Trabzon) and Konya’s Meram district, local leaders highlighted the lack of restoration funding for historic buildings and launched archaeological excavations at sites such as Larende Gate, Karahöyük, and Lystra. Simultaneously, demolition and urban‑transformation projects began in Konya’s Şems‑i Tebrizi neighbourhood to create open public spaces and boost tourism. Together, these actions illustrate a growing municipal focus on preserving and redeveloping Turkey’s historic environment.

## Claims

- The Meram district is carrying out archaeological excavations at Larende Gate, Karahöyük and Lystra. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Approximately 60 people are involved in the excavation work. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The projects are coordinated by Meram Municipality, the Konya Museum Directorate and Konya Metropolitan Municipality. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Mayor Mustafa Kavuş said the goal is to protect the past, build the future and open Meram’s historical treasures to the world. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The excavations aim to both uncover artefacts and restore historic structures. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The work is expected to boost tourism in the Meram district. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Field work and restoration are scheduled to continue through the summer and become visible to the public by its end. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Meram mayor Mustafa Kavuş inspected archaeological sites at Larende Gate, Karahöyük and Lystra with about 60 staff involved. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The excavations aim to uncover artefacts and restore historic structures to boost tourism. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Ortahisar muhtar Süleyman Yaşar Kara said there is no serious municipal service problem in the neighbourhood. (single source)
- He reported that pest‑control vehicles do not reach side streets during the summer. (single source)
- He stated that historic buildings in Ortahisar are not being restored because of high costs and economic conditions. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-28: Turkey's Ortahisar and Konya districts push historic preservation amid urban renewal

Ortahisar muhtar cites pest‑control gaps and deteriorating historic buildings; Meram mayor oversees archaeological digs to revive tourism; Konya begins demolition of Imam Hatip school to create a cleaner urban‑

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/meram-districts-archaeological-digs-aim-to-boost-tourism

### 2026-07-05: Manisa Municipality Cleans Karacaahmet Tomb in Yunusemre District

Manisa Municipality cleaned the Karacaahmet Tomb in Yunusemre on 5 July 2026, removing weeds and tidying the area to enhance visitor experience.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manisa-municipality-cleans-karacaahmet-tomb-in-yunusemre-district

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Cite as: Turkey local heritage preservation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-local-heritage-preservation