Public outrage is growing against the decision to demolish the Antalya Archaeological Museum. Professional chambers, civil society organizations, and scholars are calling on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to reverse the decision, warning that Antalya’s cultural memory is under threat.
The decision to demolish the Antalya Archaeological Museum has sparked significant backlash in the city. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism cited “earthquake risk” and “increasing storage needs” as reasons for the demolition. In response, professional chambers, civil society groups, and academics gathered in front of the museum to issue a public statement. The group, convened by the Museum Working Group, demanded that the museum be preserved and restored rather than torn down.
Winner of Museum of the Year Award
Speaking on behalf of the group, Professor Dr. Gül Işın, spokesperson for the Museum Working Group, emphasized that the museum is far more than just a building. “This structure is the first museum in Turkey constructed as the result of a national architectural competition,” she said. “It holds unique value both in terms of its architectural identity and the city’s cultural memory. It’s unacceptable for an institution that received the ‘Museum of the Year’ award from the Council of Europe in 1988 to be quietly led to demolition.”
Işın also noted that the Antalya Archaeological Museum is not merely an exhibition space, but a vibrant cultural center that houses a library, conference hall, and areas for social events. She expressed frustration that their application to have the building registered as a cultural asset was rejected on the grounds of “additions” made to the structure. “We have appealed this erroneous decision to the High Council,” Işın explained. “However, before the process was concluded, a tender for demolition and relocation was issued on June 5. We’ve learned that the museum will be closed as of July 8. The speed at which this process is being pushed forward raises serious concerns.”
“People of Antalya Must Protect Their Heritage”
Numerous academics and institutional representatives also spoke out against the museum’s demolition during the event. Professor Dr. Hilmi Uysal of the Mediterranean University Faculty Association stated: “The Weary Heracles statue, brought back from the United States after 40 years, is now being left alone. Heracles is calling for help. This isn’t just a building; it’s the memory of an entire people.”
Representatives from organizations such as the Chamber of Architects, the Chamber of Civil Engineers, the Antalya Bar Association, and the Association of Archaeologists also voiced their opposition, demanding that the demolition decision be re-evaluated transparently, with scientific data and public participation. Soner Akdoğan, President of the Chamber of Civil Engineers, stressed that the museum could be preserved through structural reinforcement, highlighting that building a new museum would cost billions of liras. “Reinforcing the existing structure is a far more rational and scientific solution,” he said.
Professor Dr. Günseli Orhon, granddaughter of Süleyman Fikri Erten, founder of the Antalya Museum, recalled the museum’s founding story in her speech. “This museum was established by carrying artifacts on muleback through mountains to prevent them from being smuggled away. To demolish it is not merely to destroy a building—it’s to erase our past,” she declared.
