Cultural Property Law
Taking into consideration the universal value of preserving cultural heritage and the severe legal consequences of disputes on the parties involved, our firm provides professional legal consultancy and advocacy services to its clients in the field of Cultural Property and Conservation Law. Safeguarding client rights, confidentiality, trust, and adherence to legal ethics are our core principles throughout these processes.
We are fully aware of the criminal and administrative devastation that cultural property and treasure-hunting disputes can cause between individuals and the state’s absolute right of ownership. Accordingly, our objective is to resolve disputes fairly, within the framework of statutory boundaries, and as swiftly as possible, while strictly safeguarding our clients’ best interests.
The primary services we offer in the field of Cultural Property Law include: • Following up on treasure-hunting license application and execution processes within the scope of the Law on the Protection of Cultural and Natural Property No. 2863 • Providing effective legal defense in criminal lawsuits brought against allegations of illegal excavation (Article 286 of the Turkish Penal Code and related provisions) • Managing investigation and prosecution processes concerning charges of historical artifact smuggling, unauthorized discovery, possession, or sale of cultural property • Resolving disputes regarding the notification obligations of chance finds (objects with the characteristics of historical artifacts) and associated ownership/reward rights • Providing legal consultancy for excavation and exploration activities carried out under the supervision of museum directorates and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism • Legally tracking registration, expropriation, and conservation zoning plan disputes regarding immovable properties with cultural property status (historical houses and structures) • Coordinating processes for objecting to archaeological and historical reports and preparing expert opinions (mütalaa) • Pursuing administrative lawsuits regarding historical ruins and conservation site annotations on privately owned properties • Executing legal procedures concerning the acquisition of collector certificates and the transfer/sale of registered artifacts • Providing consultancy services in the repatriation of cultural property smuggled abroad or the resolution of international disputes