Historic Cities Union Convenes in Ankara to Preserve Cultural Heritage
Ankara, May 15 – The Historic Cities Union (TKB) held its first ordinary Union Assembly Meeting of 2026 in Ankara, hosted by Ankara Metropolitan Municipality and TKB President Mansur Yavaş. The two-day meeting, which began yesterday, focused on the preservation of historical structures and cultural heritage across Turkey, with a particular emphasis on supporting earthquake-affected regions.
136 Projects Introduced for Cultural Heritage Preservation
On the first day of the meeting, the initial phase of 136 projects aimed at preserving historical textures in 49 provinces was introduced. These initiatives underscore a collective commitment to safeguarding Turkey’s rich historical and cultural assets.
“The Will to Protect a Common Future”
In his opening speech, Mansur Yavaş emphasized that the TKB is more than just an administrative body. “This union is the will to protect urban memory, cultural heritage, and a common future. Although we come from different political traditions, the fundamental feeling that unites us is to protect our cultural heritage,” Yavaş stated. He stressed that cultural heritage cannot be preserved from behind a desk, highlighting the need to identify urban needs on-site and develop solutions through collective intelligence.
Heritage Mobilization and Priority for Earthquake Regions
For the first time in the Union’s history, the “Heritage Mobilization Project Support in Historic Cities” initiative was launched, with the contributions of 33 architects. Yavaş drew special attention to the devastation in the earthquake region, stating, “When a city is destroyed, its memory and identity are also wounded. We see the preservation of cultural heritage as our primary concern in the reconstruction of cities after disasters. Our goal is not only to repair structures but also to reintegrate them into urban life.”
A Debt of Gratitude to Anatolia and a Growing Union
Oktay Özel, Secretary-General of the TKB, announced that in the new era, the Union is adopting a vision that not only provides support but also develops projects and shares expertise with municipalities. Former Secretary-General Mahir Polat described these projects as “a debt of gratitude to Anatolia,” emphasizing the importance of collectively restoring shared values.
At the end of the meeting, it was announced that 18 new municipalities are expected to join the Historic Cities Union, which currently has 476 members, further expanding its reach and impact.
