01.11.2026 09:20
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy made statements on current issues after the opening of the Antalya Culture Road Festival. Ersoy, noting that they aim to open the first phases of the Haydarpaşa and Sirkeci projects in 2027, said that they will bring to life the first archaeology museum of the Anatolian Side in Haydarpaşa, and a migration museum in Sirkeci. Ersoy conveyed that they plan to open suitable sections of the historical underground areas of Hagia Sophia to visitors in the future.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who attended the opening program of the Culture Route Festival, held in Antalya for the fourth time this year, shared the timeline for major cultural projects in Istanbul. Ersoy also spoke about his plans regarding Formula 1 and night museum visiting.
LIBRARY, MUSEUM AND WORKSHOPS AT HAYDARPAŞA
After the opening, Ersoy met with members of the press and said that they encountered some unforeseen situations during the works in Haydarpaşa and Sirkeci, and that this was possible in registered historical buildings. He stated that in areas containing many buildings constructed in different periods, they evaluate the load-bearing system and conservation needs of each building separately.
Noting that the main station building will continue to retain its transportation function, Ersoy said, “In addition, we are preparing a large library appealing to all age groups, areas for manuscripts, exhibition halls, art and design workshops, and multi-purpose culture and art venues. We also aim to bring the first archaeology museum on the Anatolian Side to life here,” he said.
“WE ARE ESTABLISHING A MIGRATION MUSEUM IN SİRKECİ”
Emphasizing that a different historical narrative will come to the fore in Sirkeci, Ersoy said, “We are creating a migration museum here. Because Sirkeci has a special place in Turkey’s migration history. Migrations to Europe, arrivals from the Balkans to Turkey, and historical railway lines hold an important place in the memory of this area.”
Ersoy stated that in Haydarpaşa there will also be content narrating the history of the railway extending to Anatolia and the role the station assumed during war periods, and said they are advancing the implementation timeline in line with scientific determinations and conservation requirements.
“MOST COMPREHENSIVE RESTORATION” STATEMENT AT HAGIA SOPHIA
Claiming that they are carrying out the most comprehensive restoration, conservation and reinforcement works in the history of the Republic at Hagia Sophia, Ersoy stated that academics on the scientific board evaluate these works as one of the most comprehensive interventions after the Mimar Sinan period. Ersoy noted that strengthening activities continue especially in the dome and load-bearing systems, and that the structure remains open for worship and visits.
3,000 TONS OF MUD AND RUBBLE REMOVED FROM UNDERGROUND
Explaining that there are historical tunnels, water channels and cellars under Hagia Sophia, Ersoy said that about 3,000 tons of mud and rubble have been removed so far, thus allowing previously inaccessible areas to be examined. Ersoy stated that the work carried out in the four-room underground tomb in the northeastern section, namely the hypogeum, contributes to understanding traces from periods older than Hagia Sophia.
“HAGIA SOPHIA’S UNDERGROUND IS AT LEAST AS INTERESTING AS ITS SUPERSTRUCTURE”
Stating that they wanted to introduce these areas to members of the press first, Ersoy said, “Afterwards, we aim to bring together with our people the suitable sections where necessary conservation, security and visitor infrastructure works have been completed. Scientific examinations and security conditions will determine which areas can be opened to visits.”
THREE-STAGE STRATEGY FOR FORMULA 1
Saying that they see Formula 1 as a great international communication opportunity for the promotion of Turkey and Istanbul, Ersoy explained that they divided the strategy into three periods: pre-race, during the race and post-race. Ersoy noted that they aim to extend visitors’ length of stay by enabling them to combine the race with an Aegean or Antalya vacation.
Stating that they want to turn race week into a comprehensive festival with concerts and culture and art events, Ersoy said, “In this way, we aim to increase both the number of foreign visitors coming for Formula 1 and the length of visitors’ stay in Turkey and their total spending.”
NIGHT MUSEUM VISITING PRACTICE TO BE EXPANDED
Saying that the results in the night museum visiting practice exceeded expectations, Ersoy reported that similar works have begun in Italy and Greece, and that some people from these countries come to ask how the practice is done. Ersoy noted that archaeological sites illuminated at night gain a different atmosphere and that some people visit the same area twice, during the day and at night.
Ersoy said, “In the coming period, we will increase night museum visiting practices especially in areas close to city centers and with high visitor density. We will also expand visiting routes and scope in some existing areas.”