ANKARA - "As people who are so proud of their history and have so many historic artifacts to be proud of, unfortunately we don't show the necessary sensitivity towards protecting these artifacts," said Minister of the Interior Abdulkadir Aksu on Monday.
Speaking at the "Turkic world architecture and city planning assembly" in Ankara, Aksu said, "Anatolia which nestles a respectable memory, a sad adventure or an immortal artifact in every inch of its soil, is a cultural heritage and most importantly a trust to us from future generations."
Stating that they have transferred the duty of preserving the historic and cultural assets to local authorities with "local administrations' reform, Aksu said with the reform the municipalities were allowed to restore, protect and maintain cultural and natural entities and the historic structure of cities and under these, could implement transformation projects.
"Now, decisions regarding the protection of cultural and historic values are taken by local authorities with the participation of the civil society and the non-governmental organisations," said Aksu.