ICOM, ICOM Türkiye and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye are proud to announce the launch of the ICOM Red List of Cultural Objects at Risk – Türkiye. The Red List is an important tool in the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage in Türkiye. The Red List supports law enforcement, museums, cultural institutions, and the art market in their efforts to recognise and prevent the illicit trade and movement of these objects.
The Turkish edition of the Red List was launched during a special celebratory event which took place in Bodrum on 6 October 2025. The launch gathered leading museums professionals and experts in fighting the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage in both Türkiye and abroad. The event was opened with remarks by Emma Nardi, President of ICOM, Elif Denel, Director of ARIT – the American Research Institute in Türkiye and Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism. The event provided experts the platform to exchange on the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage.
Since 2000, ICOM has published Red Lists for over 20 countries and regions, contributing to the protection of cultural objects from areas most vulnerable to the trafficking of cultural property. The ICOM Red Lists are internationally recognised resources developed in collaboration with experts from museums, cultural institutions, and law enforcement agencies.
“Our partners in Türkiye are already doing impressive work on the front lines of the fight against illicit trafficking. This tool is designed to strengthen those existing efforts, equipping authorities and stakeholders with a new resource to detect, prevent, and respond to the illicit trafficking of cultural objects. The selection of objects by leading cultural experts in Türkiye ensures its quality and relevance to the context. Teşekkür ederim to each of the museums that helped us!”
– Sophie Delepierre, Head of Heritage Protection Department, ICOM
Protecting Cultural Heritage in Türkiye
Governmental and non-governmental organisations in Türkiye have taken impressive steps to protect the country’s rich cultural heritage. The fight against illicit trafficking is nonetheless complex, and Türkiye’s heritage continues to face threats due to theft, looting, and illicit trafficking. Antiquities from Türkiye are illegally exported from the country, reaching diverse, global and illicit antiquities markets. This new Red List addresses this ongoing issue by providing a reference to categories of objects that are particularly susceptible to trafficking.
“ICOM plays a crucial role in safeguarding cultural heritage and ensuring the sustainability of museum practices. The ICOM Red List – Türkiye, developed together with ICOM experts and museum professionals in Türkiye, not only raises awareness of the objects most at risk of trafficking but also demonstrates Türkiye’s strong international commitment to preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural property.”
– Zeynep Boz, Head of the Department for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Türkiye
The development of this Red List was a collaborative effort, the result of a close partnership with ICOM Türkiye, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye with the support of the US Embassy in Ankara and ARIT – the American Research Institute in Türkiye. It involved Turkish experts, including archaeologists and museum professionals.
“The new Red List for Cultural Objects at Risk – Türkiye is the latest addition to one of ICOM’s flagship efforts to protect the world’s cultural heritage. We are inspired by the steps taken by ICOM Türkiye and our Turkish partners in this fight and we are honoured to join in their efforts to protect this country’s diverse and beautiful cultural heritage for current and future generations.”
– Emma Nardi, President of ICOM
The list features seven categories of cultural objects at risk and includes 53 photographic examples from major museum collections in Türkiye. This Red List is accessible online and is distributed to law enforcement agencies (customs and police), museums, and the art market worldwide.
“ICOM stands as one of Türkiye’s foremost partners in combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property. I regard the ICOM Red List – Türkiye as both a declaration of the importance we attach to the protection of our cultural heritage and an international statement of our country’s stance on this issue. I extend my gratitude to the esteemed ICOM executives and experts who provided us with their full support through ICOM’s profound experience, as well as to all the dedicated staff of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism who contributed to this work. Together, we are strong.”
– Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Türkiye
Access the ICOM Red List of Cultural Objects at Risk – Türkiye (EN)
Access the ICOM Red List of Cultural Objects at Risk – Türkiye (TU)