Cultural Heritage Management in Turkey and Egypt: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Recently, there are various threats encountering the cultural heritage worldwide. Indeed, these threats make conservation and management of cultural heritage a complex process to deal with. Since the 1970s, the UNESCO started to issue many guidelines and charters related to the management and conservation of the cultural heritage. Meanwhile, the Cultural Heritage Management (CHM) including sustainability has become a significant concept especially in the European countries. Turkey and Egypt are famous for their diversified cultural and natural heritage attractions which give an opportunity for both countries to be appealing tourist destinations Nevertheless, cultural heritage of Turkey and Egypt suffers from several major problems at present. All of these require a selective policy, urgent conservation, constant monitoring, protection, and maintenance. This paper aims to examine and compare cultural heritage management in both countries according to specific criteria which will evaluate the current situation of the cultural heritage management in Turkey and Egypt from different aspects (legal framework, institutional/administrational framework, resources, and current challenges). Also, this paper shows how the cultural heritage management has been developed in both countries. Generally, it highlights the increasing importance of cultural heritage management. Furthermore; it will emphasize the significance of sustainability practices in managing world heritage sites.