Bilateral Colloquium: Comparison of Slovenian and Turkish Legislation on the Restitution of Cultural Heritage and Its Impact on Tourism

On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, the IV. International Bilateral Colloquium took place at Turistica as part of the project "Comparison of Slovenian and Turkish Legislation on Mechanisms of Dispute Resolution in the field of Cultural and Natural Heritage Restitution and Its Impact on Tourism." The colloquium brought together scientists and experts from various disciplines related to cultural assets.

From the perspectives of archaeology, law, history, art history, and tourism, the colloquium emphasized the importance of international cooperation. Participants paid special attention to the lengthy processes of returning cultural assets smuggled abroad and the challenges encountered in these procedures. The role of law enforcement agencies, police, administrative units, museums, ministries, international organizations, courts, and other mechanisms in protecting cultural assets and returning heritage goods that have been smuggled or stolen abroad was fully presented. Differences between Slovenian and Turkish law regarding the administrative and legal structures for protecting cultural heritage were revealed, and suggestions for dialogue at a level complementing bilateral cooperation were provided.

After the presentation by the project coordinators, Prof. Tadeja Jere Jakulin (UP FTŠ Turistica), and Prof. Nuray Ekşi from the Law faculty of the Turkish University of Marmara, an introductory address by Prof. Irena Lazar from the Faculty of Humanities UP, two sections followed: one on Importance of Cultural Heritage Restitution for the Cultural Identity and another on the Importance of Cultural Heritage Restitution for Tourism of Countries of Origin.

In addition to Slovenian and Turkish partners, two experts from Malta (Prof. Dane Munro, University of Malta) and Italy (Prof. Anna Trono, University of Salento) were also actively partcipating at the IV. Bilateral Colloquium.

As part of the colloquium, a reception also took place at the Faculty of Law in Ljubljana, which was attended by the Ambassador of Turkey to Slovenia, Her Excellency Aylin Tashan.