JICA and Türkiye Join Forces to Safeguard Cultural Heritage in Earthquake-Affected Regions

JICA Signs JPY 199 Million Grant Agreement to Protect Priceless Artifacts

In a significant step toward preserving Türkiye's invaluable cultural heritage, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye signed a Grant Agreement worth JPY 199 million (approximately USD 1.3 million) on April 13 in Ankara. The agreement marks the launch of "The Project for the Improvement of Equipment for Protection and Maintenance of Cultural Property at the Museums in Earthquake-Affected Areas," a comprehensive initiative developed in response to the devastating February 2023 earthquakes that struck southeastern Türkiye.

This project represents one of JICA's ongoing commitments to support Türkiye's recovery, reconstruction, and "Build Back Better" efforts following the disaster. By focusing on long-term resilience and disaster preparedness, JICA is helping ensure that cultural institutions not only recover but emerge stronger and better equipped to protect irreplaceable heritage against future seismic events.

The project focuses on three museums in earthquake-prone regions: Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum, Gaziantep Archaeology Museum, and Hatay Archaeology Museum. These institutions house irreplaceable collections that represent thousands of years of human civilization, including world-renowned mosaics, archaeological artifacts, and cultural treasures that have survived centuries only to face growing seismic threats.

Under this grant, JICA will provide cutting-edge seismic protection equipment, including state-of-the-art seismic isolators designed to shield fragile artifacts from earthquake damage.

The February 2023 earthquake highlighted the vulnerability of cultural heritage in seismically active regions. While the immediate emergency response focused on saving lives and providing relief, JICA recognized the critical need to protect the region's rich cultural legacy for future generations. This project embodies the "Build Back Better" principle—not simply restoring what was lost, but creating stronger, more resilient institutions capable of withstanding future disasters.

The Grant Agreement was signed by Mr. WATANABE Daisuke, Chief Representative of JICA Türkiye Office, and Mr. Birol İNCECİKÖZ, General Director of Cultural Assets and Museums, Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Speaking at the signing ceremony, both representatives emphasized Japan's solidarity with Türkiye in the aftermath of the 2023 earthquake and the importance of international collaboration in protecting humanity's shared cultural heritage.

This initiative builds on JICA's long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Over the years, JICA has implemented several collaborative projects focusing on cultural heritage preservation. Currently, JICA is conducting an ongoing capacity development program providing comprehensive training on conservation and restoration of cultural artifacts for ministry experts.

This multifaceted approach—combining technical training, specialized equipment, and institutional strengthening—represents JICA's holistic methodology for sustainable development. By investing in both people and infrastructure, JICA ensures that Türkiye's cultural institutions have not only the tools but also the expertise to preserve the nation's heritage for generations to come.

The lessons learned from the February 2023 earthquake underscore the importance of proactive disaster preparedness. This project represents a shift from reactive restoration to preventive protection, ensuring that cultural institutions are equipped to safeguard their collections before disaster strikes. By installing advanced seismic isolation technology and training museum professionals, Japan and Türkiye are creating a model for cultural heritage preservation in earthquake-prone regions worldwide.

As southeastern Türkiye continues its recovery journey, JICA remains a steadfast partner in supporting the region's reconstruction and long-term resilience. Through this project and numerous other initiatives, JICA is helping Türkiye not only rebuild but build back better—creating stronger communities, more resilient infrastructure, and better-protected cultural heritage that will endure for generations to come.