ICOM Red List for Türkiye Launched in Bodrum to Combat Illicit Cultural Heritage Trafficking

New Tool to Safeguard Turkish Heritage Unveiled

Bodrum, Türkiye – The International Council of Museums (ICOM), in collaboration with ICOM Türkiye and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, officially launched the Turkish edition of the ICOM Red List of Cultural Objects at Risk during a special event in Bodrum on October 6, 2025. This new resource is designed to bolster the fight against the illicit trafficking of Türkiye's rich cultural heritage.

The Red List serves as a crucial instrument for law enforcement agencies, museums, cultural institutions, and the art market, aiding them in identifying and preventing the illegal trade and movement of cultural objects.

Key Figures Emphasize Collaborative Effort

The launch event brought together leading museum professionals and experts dedicated to combating the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage, both from Türkiye and internationally. Remarks were delivered by prominent figures including 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 a platform for experts to exchange insights on the complex challenges of illicit trafficking.

The development of the ICOM Red List – Türkiye was a collaborative endeavor, forged through a close partnership between ICOM Türkiye, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye, with support from the US Embassy in Ankara and ARIT.

Understanding the ICOM Red List

The ICOM Red Lists are internationally recognized resources that have been developed since 2000, covering over 20 countries and regions. These lists are not inventories of stolen objects but rather illustrate categories of cultural goods most vulnerable to illicit traffic, helping authorities and stakeholders detect, prevent, and respond to such activities. The Turkish edition specifically features seven categories of cultural objects at risk and includes 53 photographic examples drawn from major museum collections across Türkiye.

ICOM Red Lists are freely available in digital format, with booklets primarily distributed to law enforcement agencies. They have played a significant role in the identification, recovery, and restitution of thousands of cultural objects from countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Mali.

Türkiye's Commitment to Heritage Protection

Türkiye, a nation exceptionally rich in historical monuments, artifacts, and ruins, has long been a target for the illegal trafficking of cultural heritage. Turkish law broadly defines 'antiquities' and criminalizes their removal from the country. Türkiye ratified the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property on April 21, 1981, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding its cultural patrimony. This new Red List is expected to further strengthen Türkiye's ongoing efforts to protect its diverse and invaluable cultural legacy for future generations.