The new project on strengthening the actions against cultural heritage protection and the illegal trafficking of cultural goods in the Southeast European region featured a light projection on the historic Galata Tower in Turkey, which is located in the city of Istanbul.

The project, which is being implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, aims to enhance the protection of cultural heritage, help prevent the trafficking of cultural goods and facilitate better investigation of cultural property offences. 

It also seeks to increase cooperation and exchange of experience in combating the crime of money laundering and organised crime related to cultural heritage assets among the countries of the Southeast European region.

The project, announced by the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gokhan Yazgi, will officially commence at Tarik Zafer Tunaya Cultural Centre in Istanbul later in the day.

Awareness campaign shines light on cultural property crimes

The one-minute mapping show was shown on Galata Tower between 8:30 pm and 11 pm as part of the project, raising awareness in the protection of cultural heritage and the illegal trafficking of historical artefacts.

The tower was also lit up with messages during the show, such as “A Face Returned, A Memory Restored” and “Artefacts Taken Away Return Home”, which highlighted the return and preservation of cultural heritage.

International cooperation becomes the main element

The first event will build on this and will be attended by international organisations and field experts, with the project’s main approaches and objectives being presented.

The overall program aims to increase cooperation in the region in combating cross-border organised crime related to cultural property and, at the same time, to facilitate the exchange of information and experience on the protection of historical goods.