Information for Travelers

Cultural Artifacts

Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints

Turkish law has a broad definition of "antiquities" and makes it a crime to remove any from the country.

All historic sites such as fortresses, castles and ruins, and everything in them or on the grounds or in the water, are the property of the Turkish government. While many sites do not have signs cautioning the unwary, official silence does not mean official consent.

One may buy certain antiquities, but only from authorized dealers who have been issued a certificate by a museum for each item they are authorized to sell. If one has acquired a possible antiquity without having obtained the necessary certificate, competent museum personnel should evaluate it before its removal from Turkey.

Offenders are prosecuted and if convicted, sentences may range from five to ten years. Individuals can expect to spend at least one month in jail pending a hearing, even in cases where it appears to have been an accidental purchase of antiquities.

A list of items but is not limited to:

all kinds of animal and plant fossils, human skeletons, all kinds of bone or metallic tools,  volcanic glasses, china,  ceramic and similar pots and kettles, statutes, figurines, defensive and offensive weapons, tablets, icons, glassware, rings, earrings, needles,  hooks, seals, bracelets and the like, masks, stones, documents written or designed on leather, cloth, papyrus, parchment or metal, weighing instruments,  coins, decorations, sealed or inscribed plates, china,  medals, manuscript or illuminated books, miniatures, oil or watercolor paintings bearing artistic value,  earthen, glass, wooden, cloth and similar movable goods.

Additionally, one should be advised that a carpet older than 99 years, and any article that predates 1923 can be considered an antique and therefore can not be purchased or removed from Turkey. Individuals should check with local authorities if they intend to purchase or transport any article which could be in question.