Efforts to protect cultural assets continue uninterruptedly with comprehensive restoration and conservation practices carried out in museums. These works, carried out using scientific methods and techniques appropriate to the original material, aim to both preserve the works and re-introduce them to visitors. In this context, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, drew attention to the work in his post on his social media accounts and said: “We continue our restoration and conservation work meticulously to protect our cultural assets and transfer them to the future. We continue our work on the wooden sarcophagi and textile works belonging to our Istanbul Archeology Museums with scientific methods and applications suitable for the original materials, and prepare our works for re-exhibition. All Cultural Assets and Museums that ensure that the works belonging to our different museums are preserved in their original form and carried to the future.” I would like to thank our General Directorate teams.”

WOODEN TOMBS IN MUSEUMS HAVE BEEN PUT INTO A COMPREHENSIVE RESTORATION PROCESS

The wooden sarcophagi in the collection of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums were taken into the restoration process simultaneously with the exhibition and arrangement works of the museum. In the studies carried out by the Restoration and Conservation Central Laboratory experts, the current condition of the works was documented in detail and the necessary interventions were carried out. During the conservation process, deteriorations were recorded through photography using different lighting techniques. Then, while strengthening applications compatible with the original material were carried out, filling and retouching operations were carried out in the missing sections. Following the completion of the work, the works were put into preparation to be exhibited in their new showcases.

PROTECTION IS PROVIDED FOR TEXTILE WORKS THROUGH SCIENTIFIC METHODS

Restoration work was not limited to archaeological artifacts only; Textile works belonging to museums also went through a comprehensive conservation process. The work on the carpets belonging to the Kocaeli Osman Hamdi Bey House and Museum and the banner of the Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli Museum was completed meticulously. After documentation, cleaning and surface leveling, the missing areas were completed with appropriate materials. The works were packaged in acid-free boxes in accordance with preservation standards and transported to the museums they belonged to and made ready for re-exhibition.

CULTURAL HERITAGE IS CARRIED INTO THE FUTURE

The restoration and conservation work carried out aims to preserve the original structure of cultural assets and transfer them to future generations. This process, carried out with scientific methods and meticulous work by expert teams, plays an important role in the protection of Türkiye’s cultural heritage.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz attended the signing ceremony of the 2026 Turkey-TRNC Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement with the Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ünal Üstel at the Presidential Complex.

Yılmaz and Üstel, who signed the agreement, later made a joint press statement.

Yılmaz said that this agreement, signed every year, is one of the most concrete indicators of the unshakable ties and strong cooperation between Türkiye and TRNC.

Emphasizing that Türkiye continues its contractual and historical responsibility for the freedom and welfare of the Turkish Cypriot people, Yılmaz said, “As long as we act in unity of mind and heart for the development and reconstruction of the TRNC, there is no difficulty we cannot overcome, no obstacle we cannot overcome.” he said.

Yilmaz stated that they continue to implement strategic projects that aim for the sustainable growth of the TRNC and increase its welfare and said, “In this context, within the scope of the 2026 Agreement we signed today, approximately 23 billion Turkish liras of resources are allocated, including 21 billion liras of new appropriations. We allocated 48 percent of this budget to infrastructure and real sector projects, 10 percent to public finance supports and 42 percent to defense expenditures.” he said.

“WE CARRIED OUT MAJOR LEAVES IN COORDINATION WITH OUR TRNC CONTROVERSIES”

Stating that they broke a historical record by using approximately 89 percent of the 21 billion lira allocated with the last resource to be transferred in April within the scope of the 2025 Agreement, Yılmaz said, “Thanks to the projects we have implemented within this framework, we will make great strides in coordination with our TRNC counterparts towards our goal of making the TRNC a shining star in the Eastern Mediterranean with its education, health, physical and technological infrastructure, universities, R&D centers and informatics centers.” We carried it out.” he said.

Yılmaz reminded that the Presidency and Parliament buildings were opened in TRNC last year, and that the construction of the National Garden and the National Mosque has been completed, and that the Supreme Court building and the National Library will be opened in the same region soon.

Reminding that new hospitals have been commissioned in the TRNC, Yılmaz said, “In addition to the Güzelyurt State Hospital, the construction of which will be completed this month, we hope to open the opening of the Pamuklu State Hospital, whose construction is continuing rapidly, by November 15. The construction of the Nicosia New State Hospital, which we plan as a modern health center that will include all kinds of facilities, as in the city hospitals in Türkiye, is continuing rapidly. The hospital, whose tender was made just 6 months ago, is the first in rough construction.” “We have reached the first floor.” gave the information.

Reminding that the launch of the e-Government mobile application in the TRNC was carried out in August last year, Yılmaz said, “The Physician Appointment System, which is an important step in this context, was put into operation in March, and we plan to implement the Immigration Information System in 2026. In order to simplify the transactions in land registry and cadastre services in the TRNC, digitalize them, reduce bureaucracy and bring the valuation procedures to international standards, the Parcel Parcel in April 2025.” “The query application has been made available to the people of TRNC during the testing phase. The Land Registry and Cadastre Information System (TAKBİS) works are expected to be completed in June 2026, together with all its sub-projects.” he said.

Yılmaz explained that within the scope of the TRNC Highway Master Plan, a total of 822 kilometers of roads, including 213 kilometers of divided roads, 433 kilometers of single roads, and 176 kilometers of 3rd class roads, have been constructed and put into use for the safe and fast travel of the Turkish Cypriot people. Yılmaz said, “Our work on the Kyrenia Mountain road, which is an important route for the people of the island and is divided into 3 sections, some of which are renovation and the other part is expansion, continues rapidly. We plan to put it into service before the end of the year. Our work on the Dipkarpaz-Zaferburnu route, which has been on the agenda for many years, has been completed, and our work on the Sadrazamköy-Kayalar route has reached the final stage.” he said.

“IN THIS FINANCIAL COOPERATION, WE ACT WITH AN UNDERSTANDING THAT PRIORITIZES THE REAL ECONOMY”

Yılmaz stated that the facility, which is in the final stages of construction in Güzelyurt, within the scope of the Citrus Sector, Advanced Fruit Processing, Frozen and Cold Storage Capacity Development Project, will be put into service soon, and said that the promotional activities carried out with the “Island Cyprus” brand in tourism attracted attention.

Referring to the economic effects of regional tensions, Yılmaz said:

“In this context, of course, just as all economies are affected, our economy and the economy of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are undoubtedly affected. We continue our efforts together to minimize these effects. On the other hand, we continue our preparations to make the best use of the new conditions that will arise in the new post-war environment. In this context, I would like to underline that the real sector is especially very important. Keeping the real economy alive in this period with its industry, tourism, agriculture, youth, women and all entrepreneur classes, maintaining our production capacity, providing more support to our people. “Producing employment is one of the most critical issues. In this context, we acted with an understanding that prioritizes the real economy in this financial cooperation.”

“IT IS CLEAR THAT GREEK CYPRIOTS ARE NOT SINCERE ABOUT THE SOLUTION”

Yılmaz stated that they have implemented 5 new interest-supported loan programs for the first time with this 2026 agreement and said, “Our aim is to increase investment and production, and to support entrepreneurship and employment, especially young people and women.” he said.

Emphasizing that TRNC’s economy, trade and industry, as well as its rising success rate, as in every field, strengthen the efforts for the Turkish Cypriot people to take their deserved place in the international community, Yılmaz said:

“However, we see that the mentality that cannot digest these facts and achievements and has been trying to intimidate the Turkish Cypriot people with inhumane embargoes for decades now appears before us in different and hostile ways. It is clear that the Greek Cypriots are not sincere about the solution. They never wanted to share the political power and prosperity on the basis of equality with the Turkish Cypriot people, who are the joint owners of the island, and they do not want to. They see the Turkish Cypriot people as a minority and try to integrate them into their so-called state. Their attitude in every meeting held, their response to every positive call given. The flashback makes this clear.

This being the case, we believe that the most realistic way to find a fair, permanent and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue is for the two states on the island to exist side by side. No one can produce any solution by closing their eyes to the realities on the island. Being two states is of course not an obstacle to cooperation. Of course, any cooperation opportunity that will benefit the entire island should be evaluated. The international community must now understand that any proposal that does not reflect the realities of the island and the will of both parties will not lead us to a fair, permanent and sustainable solution. “The way to live side by side in peace after a permanent solution on the island is through the understanding and acceptance of the legitimate and inherent rights and sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriot people by all parties.”

– “Otherwise, the delicate balances that exist on the Island of Cyprus will be damaged.”

Yılmaz emphasized that just as the Mujahideen and Mehmetçiks wrote an epic with an unshakable bond on the Island of Cyprus on July 20, 1974, today Türkiye is the strongest bulwark against those who try to intimidate the TRNC and the Turkish Cypriot people.

Cevdet Yılmaz continued his speech as follows:

“The Israel/USA-Iran war, which started recently with the provocation of Israel in our region, has become a critical node in the energy, finance and geopolitical structure of the global order. In this process, the decisions taken by the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, acting as if it were the owner of the entire island, increased the security risks to the island. We have actually seen some of the consequences of this together. The decisions taken by the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, especially by ignoring the will and sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriot people, and their sovereign equality, in great power rivalries. His approach to finding his own way, especially the military engagements he has undertaken on his own lately, and his search for alliances are the main factors that trigger this process.

I would like to declare once again from here; Any attitude that ignores the fact that TRNC is a sovereign and equal state on the island is null and void for the Republic of Türkiye. However, our Turkish Cypriot brothers should be comforted. No matter how armed the Greek side is, no matter how much it tries to open the island to the use of third countries, you will continue to live safely under your own flag as long as Türkiye exists. “No one should have any hesitation about this.”

In this context, 6 F-16 warplanes and Hisar Air Defense System were deployed in the TRNC on March 9, and the Turkish Navy increased its presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. Yılmaz said, “We know that some countries have deployed military forces in our region during this period, citing the so-called security concerns of the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, and we follow it closely. The military elements deployed in the region should not be permanent in any way. Otherwise, the delicate balances that exist on the Island of Cyprus will be damaged.” he said.

Yılmaz underlined that all his efforts are to raise the living standards of the Turkish Cypriot people and to secure the future and prosperity of the TRNC forever, and wished that the 2026 Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement signed would be beneficial.

“IT MAKES THE NATO SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN Türkiye MUCH MORE CRITICAL”

President Erdoğan’s “The world is bigger than 5.” Underlining that these are days when the meaning of his words should be better understood, Çelik said, “Peace has become too complex and fragile to be handed over only to the 5 members of the United Nations Security Council or the existing mechanisms. Any diplomacy table to be established here in Türkiye will be extremely important in terms of naming these values correctly and updating the approaches that will ensure the security of everyone. Of course, all this discussion makes the NATO Summit in Türkiye, which will be held in the coming months, much more critical. Here, in a sense, the Atlantic Alliance is concerned with its own future.” “A picture will emerge clearly in which the European and American relations will face their own future in terms of security architecture. Perhaps, to put it more simply, for some, a picture will clearly emerge in which the answer to a question such as ‘okay or continue?'” made his assessment.

“ISRAEL CONTINUES ITS OCCUPATION POLICY AND AGGRESSIVENESS”

Stating that recent actions such as Venezuela and Iran have set “very bad examples” for the world system, Çelik said that the erosion of basic values ​​shows that major disruptions and problems have emerged in the functioning of basic security architectures.

“While all this is happening, Israel continues its policy of occupation and aggression.” Çelik said, “It is targeting Lebanon and Syria, trying to pit the Gulf countries against each other. It is trying to create crises on the African side, as in the case of Somaliland. It is necessary to evaluate this whole picture correctly and produce the right approaches for the construction of a new future. But now, everyone who believes in civilized values ​​and the right security architecture should support the negotiations to be held in Pakistan, turning first into a permanent ceasefire and then into a permanent peace in a fair and equitable manner. Everyone’s support for this is critical for the future of the region and global security.” he said.

“OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WILL ALSO FORM THE GROUND FOR THE SIGNINGS WE WILL MAKE IN THE FUTURE”

Reminding that the 25th anniversary of the AK Party will be celebrated in the coming period, Çelik emphasized that almost “250 years of history have been compressed” in terms of both international politics and domestic politics in 25 years.

Stating that very important phases in the history of Turkish democracy were left behind in this process, Çelik said:

“Very important phases of the world took place during the prime ministry and presidency of our President. In all of this, our President’s leadership and the determination of our staff kept Türkiye out of all these crises, chaos and turbulence. That is why today, as the People’s Alliance, we look to the future with more will and confidence. While we maintain great determination and self-confidence to achieve the goals of the Turkey Century of our Republic and democracy, we are also heading towards these goals with a higher energy compared to our first days. That is why it is the 25th year.” “Our celebrations will, in a way, form the basis for the signatures we will make for the future, and we will evaluate them together.”

“WE THINK GREECE SHOULD ACT IN A LEGAL AND EQUITY MANNER”

Referring to the continuing unfair and unlawful practices of Greece towards the Turks in Western Thrace, Çelik said, “Unfortunately, their right to elect their own muftis has been unlawfully violated by Greece for years. Finally, there have been two such practices. We think that Greece should act in accordance with the law and equity here. Interferences in the right of the Turkish minority there to elect their muftis do not produce correct results in terms of Turkey-Greece relations. However, such an approach is in accordance with the law there.” “If it were exhibited, this would be correct in terms of ensuring the rights of the Turkish minority and would make more positive contributions to Türkiye-Greece relations.”

Responding to the question regarding the Terror-Free Türkiye process, Çelik emphasized that the National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy Commission established in the Turkish Grand National Assembly has successfully completed its work.

Çelik also answered questions from members of the press.

Reminding that in the report prepared by the commission, it was stated that steps would be taken after the terrorist organization laid down its arms, Çelik said, “In terms of the goal of a terrorist-free Turkey and a terrorist-free region, the main focus is to remove the terrorist organization from the agenda. The main focus is the complete dissolution of the structure of this terrorist organization by laying down arms and completing this. In addition, the elimination of its legal and illegal elements and structures, including its structure in Europe and other countries.” he said.

Noting that the Turkish Grand National Assembly clarified the road map with the commission work, Çelik continued as follows:

“Something that needs to be seen now is that, as you know, there was a symbolic burning of a group of weapons, but after that it needs to be continued systematically, that is, except for the evacuation of some caves. Therefore, the full phase of the terrorist organization’s disarmament needs to be seen. Once this phase is fully seen, the state institutions are doing their duties in line with the instructions they have received regarding this, as required by the state policy, and are following this process.

In other words, the confirmation and criticism mechanism works extremely efficiently. Therefore, when it is confirmed that the terrorist organization has laid down its arms, both parties are already working on legal regulations. These are shared among the parties through the usual parliamentary procedures and a conclusion is reached there. “In today’s world, both the region and Türkiye need to be saved from the primitiveness of terrorism.”

“THE CONGRESS IS TRYING TO REFLECT ITS SIMULATION ON TURKISH POLITICS”

Asked about CHP Chairman Özgür Özel’s evaluation of the by-election request, Çelik said, “One of the most basic definitions of CHP in Turkish political life is the ‘party of congresses’. In other words, it is a party that goes to congresses when it gets bored. For example, we say ‘CHP has nothing to say about the stability of Türkiye, because it is a party that has not been able to ensure its own stability.’ Mr. Özgür Özel’s period is a period of complete chaos.” made his statements.

Çelik stated that CHP Chairman Özel thinks that Türkiye is governed by the logic of the congress and said, “Now, when you talk about Türkiye’s stable administration and the goals that Türkiye needs to achieve, ‘Is the AK Party afraid of the election?’ He brings an argument saying: We have come to power by defeating you at the ballot box many times, throughout our entire political life, for 25 years. This is not something we should be afraid of. “Our favorite thing is the ballot box, but when we look at the picture around us regarding Türkiye’s stability and the targets to be achieved, we say that the elections must be held correctly and on time.” he said.

Emphasizing that the government is obliged to make the best use of the time given by the citizens in the elections, Çelik said:

“When an election comes to the agenda in an imprudent manner, the question to be asked to the ruling party is ‘I gave you a period of time. In this period, you need to achieve the following goals of Türkiye. Why are you bringing the election to the agenda?’ happens. For them, this is an agenda like holding a congress every once in a while. Therefore, he is trying to reflect his own congress simulation on Turkish politics. It has no effect on us. Even if the latter really wants such a thing, and we see that he does this for many tactical reasons. Because today, there are contradictions in the statements of the people he vouches for and the people he is doing politics for.”

Ömer Çelik said, “This is a very grave situation for a well-established party like CHP. Of course, CHP was our rival in the past. We have done politics in competition with other chairmen, but we have never seen such a discourse and CHP administration disconnected from national and international realities before.” he said.

“GOOD LUCK FOR OUR BURSA”

When asked how he evaluated the criticisms after Bursa Metropolitan Municipality passed to the AK Party, Çelik reminded that the majority in the Bursa Municipal Council was in the People’s Alliance.

Çelik said:

“After the Mayor was dismissed as a result of judicial processes, the democratic mechanism foreseen by the constitution and the law worked. There, the candidate of the People’s Alliance received the votes of the People’s Alliance and the votes of the independents and achieved this result as a result of the will of the nation. Now, whether they entered the elections or not, this is their business, it is their own business, it does not concern us. The office represented by the members of the Municipal Council is an office that emerged as a result of the will of the people. How the judicial processes are “The decision was taken and the issue was known and everything happened in front of the public. The members of the People’s Alliance, who represent the will of our citizens in Bursa, signed this result together with the independents there. Congratulations to our friend who won. The system, the mechanism has worked, the result has been achieved.”

Ömer Çelik was also asked how he evaluated the threat of actor Görkem Sevindik, who reacted to Israel’s death penalty law on social media, by the Israeli Minister.

Çelik said that Israel did not introduce the death penalty into its own constitutional order, but only introduced the death penalty to massacre Palestinians in a racist and discriminatory manner.

“There is a cover for this mechanism. That is, it should be passed by the parliament. It is a shame for any parliament to sign such a decision. This is a decision no different from genocide. When you make such a decision, whether ethnic or religious, targeting only a certain group, this is genocide. This is religious fanaticism, nothing else. This theopolitical approach, this racism is against all basic human rights documents, all basic human values. Essentially, there is a budget problem in Israel.” In his domestic politics, the racist fanatic minister who repeatedly disrespects Al-Aqsa Mosque supports him only on this condition. Then, the genocidal Netanyahu’s Party acts together and makes this decision. Now, what was Netanyahu saying? We are the defenders of Western values in the Middle East. Now we need to turn to the West and ask about democracy, human rights, the rule of law, Universal Humanity. “When you look at it from the perspective of the Declaration of Rights, do you think that this genocidal network represents you with the decision to execute the Palestinians? Why do other leaders in Europe, apart from Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez, not speak out? We congratulate Prime Minister Sanchez and the people of Spain.”

“BEING THREATENED BY THE RACIST, FANATIC, ISRAELI MINISTER IS A MEDAL OF HONOR FOR Mr. Görkem”

Çelik evaluated that the “noble, noble” words spoken by Sanchez could not be uttered by other European leaders and stated that the noble and noble people of Europe took to the streets for Gaza in the streets of European states and they did not hesitate to do so.

Ömer Çelik underlined that the noble and noble people of Europe carried out great actions and gave great messages in the name of human dignity and dignity, and said:

“At the end of the day, why are the administrations in Europe silent in the face of this death sentence taken by Israel, and Israel says this by saying ‘I represent Western values’. Görkem Sevindik made a very nice sentence. Artists glorify human honor and dignity. Art is made to glorify people, to protect human values. Therefore, many artists in the West risked their careers in the face of Gaza and gave very strong messages. The message Görkem Sevindik gave is also a very valuable message. Being threatened by a racist, fanatic Israeli Minister is a badge of honor for Mr. Görkem. What is revealed is just the artist’s sensitivity towards humanity. We congratulate him for that.”

The Center for Combating Disinformation (DMM) reported that the images shared on some social media accounts, such as “chemical spraying by planes” and that this affects the rainfall, contain disinformation.

In the statement made on DMM’s NSosyal account, the following statements were made:

“The allegations made through the images shared on some social media accounts that “chemical spraying by planes” and that this affects the rainfall have been previously denied by our Center for Combating Disinformation; they are clear disinformation.

The tracks in the images are natural formations known as “tail tracks” created by aircraft at high altitudes. These traces are formed by the condensation of water vapor under suitable temperature and humidity conditions; It takes on different colors depending on atmospheric conditions and may remain for a while and dissipate.

These traces have no effect on controlling weather events or preventing precipitation.

“We are kindly requested not to rely on such unfounded content that aims to create fear and uncertainty in the public.”

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke at the joint press conference held after his meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hasan Shaybani at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Stating that necessary lessons should be learned from the crises experienced and that it is essential to act with common sense against Israel’s known actions aimed at sabotaging the negotiation process, Fidan said:

“In particular, the world public opinion must be ready and in a position to react appropriately against Israel’s possible sabotage moves. We also hope that a new security and peace architecture will be established in the region, including the normalization of relations between Iran and the Gulf countries on a more solid basis. I reiterate that, as Turkey, we are ready to play an active role in this process and provide any necessary contribution.”

Important statements from Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan

Minister Fidan said, “Israel is now carrying its genocide in Gaza to Lebanon” and emphasized that, before the ink had dried on the ceasefire in the region, the ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon, regardless of whether they were children or civilians, had cost hundreds of lives and dragged the region into an even deeper humanitarian crisis.

Stating that ending Israel’s occupation in Lebanon and protecting the civilian population has become an undelayable priority, Fidan said, “I would like to emphasize once again this issue, which is of critical importance for the peace of our entire region and global stability. (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu’s government should definitely not be allowed to sabotage the ceasefire in the region and the negotiation processes established with intense efforts once again.” he said.

Stating that there were difficult topics, including regional security and other issues, in the plans declared during the temporary ceasefire between the USA and Iran, Fidan continued as follows:

“Two weeks may not be enough. If the parties agree, the ceasefire can be extended for a while and the negotiations can continue. Our wish and effort will be in that direction; these negotiations will start in good faith and reach results. The world needs this, the region needs this. Both Iran and America are capable of doing this, and the countries in the region are ready to give all kinds of constructive contributions.”

“WE TRUST OUR COUNTRY, WE BELIEVE IN A STRONG Türkiye”

Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak pointed out that they want young people to be educated very well and continued his words as follows:

“During this process, dozens and hundreds of our young people went to Moscow. They received training there. In the future, you will take part in the energy issues of the power plants to be built in our country. This is a memory, a historical day for you. You are experiencing Türkiye’s nuclear energy adventure. We, as our Ministry of Youth and Sports and our Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, will carry out this process. We will convey our nuclear energy adventure to our young people. We trust our country, we believe in a strong Türkiye. We say the future is the Century of Turkey, the Century of Youth.”

Touching on the importance of the project, Bak said:

“Here, we are building, step by step, a facility that will play an important role in Türkiye’s energy needs. We will put it at the service of Türkiye and our people. We trust in the strong future of our country. The rate of localization in the defense industry, which was previously around 20 percent, is now over 80 percent. There is a strong Turkey in the defense industry. I always say in the field of energy that Turkey is an energy bridge. It is a bridge where many pipelines and energy lines flow. We need to evaluate this very well. Turkey is strong in this region. “We thank our President for his leadership.”

After his speech, Bak gave certificates of participation to the students included in the Genç Enerji-Akkuyu Nuclear Program.

Osman Aşkın Bak was accompanied by Governor Atilla Toros, AK Party Mersin Deputies Ali Kıratlı and Hasan Ufuk Çakır, and AK Party Provincial Chairman Adem Aldemir during his visit.