Türkiye Partners With Denmark In Museum Exchange Programme Supporting Heritage Research And Tourism
Published
Türkiye and Denmark are expanding their museum cooperation beyond the return of cultural objects, creating a wider partnership focused on heritage research, archaeological studies, conservation projects, exhibitions and cultural tourism development. The collaboration has transformed a restitution process into a long-term relationship between museums and research institutions, connecting ancient history with modern tourism experiences.
The growing partnership was highlighted during a UNESCO-backed international meeting in Geneva, where the two countries presented how cultural heritage cooperation can create new opportunities for museums, researchers and travellers interested in historical destinations.
The cooperation developed after Denmark returned important cultural objects linked to Türkiye’s ancient past, including a bronze head of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus from the ancient city of Boubon in Burdur and terracotta architectural plaques from the Duver area. The process has now evolved into a broader framework supporting museum exchanges, archaeological discoveries and international exhibitions.
Türkiye And Denmark Build A New Era Of Museum Cooperation Through Heritage Protection
The partnership between Türkiye and Denmark represents a changing approach to cultural heritage management, where the return of historical objects becomes the foundation for future collaboration rather than the final step.
The cooperation was presented at the Regional Dialogue on New Agreements and Forms of Cooperation in the Restitution of Cultural Property, held at the Geneva International Conference Centre on 16–17 September 2026. The meeting focused on how countries and cultural institutions can create stronger partnerships through responsible heritage protection and knowledge sharing.
The Türkiye-Denmark cooperation demonstrated how museums can work together through scientific research, conservation expertise and cultural exchange programmes. Instead of focusing only on the movement of artefacts, the partnership has expanded towards creating new educational and tourism opportunities.
For travellers, these developments are expected to increase interest in Türkiye’s archaeological destinations, ancient cities and museum collections by creating stronger connections between historical sites and international exhibitions.
Ancient Boubon Heritage Becomes Centre Of Archaeological Research Cooperation
At the heart of the partnership is the ancient city of Boubon, located in Türkiye’s Burdur province. The historic settlement was significantly affected by illegal excavations during the 1960s, resulting in several bronze sculptures being removed and transported abroad.
The city’s Sebasteion, an imperial cult complex dedicated to Roman emperors, contained important sculptures representing the power and culture of the Roman period. Over time, parts of these sculptures were separated and placed in different collections around the world.
Among them was the bronze head of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, which entered a Danish museum collection in 1970. The identification and return process was supported by decades of archaeological research that helped reconnect separated parts of the original statue.
Scientific studies later confirmed that the bronze head belonged to the same sculpture body that had remained outside Türkiye for many years before being returned in 2023.
This research-driven approach became a key example of how archaeology, documentation and international museum cooperation can help restore historical connections.
Museum Research Strengthens Türkiye Denmark Cultural Tourism Links
The cooperation between the two countries has created new possibilities for cultural tourism, allowing visitors to discover historical stories through exhibitions, research programmes and museum experiences.
During the restitution process, additional studies were carried out on objects held in Denmark. Research showed that 48 terracotta architectural plaques in the collection were connected to the Duver area of Burdur and had also been removed through illegal excavations.
Following the research findings, the objects were included in the restitution process and prepared for their return to Türkiye.
Before leaving Denmark, the artefacts were displayed to the public through a special exhibition titled “An Emperor Returns: Restitution of Ancient Cultural Heritage to Türkiye.” The exhibition allowed visitors to explore the historical importance of the objects and understand the scientific process behind their identification.
Such exhibitions demonstrate how cultural heritage can support tourism by transforming archaeological research into engaging visitor experiences.
Türkiye Denmark Museum Partnership Expands Through Exhibitions And Expert Exchanges
Following the restitution process, cooperation between institutions was expanded through a wider programme involving museum specialists, archaeological researchers and conservation experts.
Under a cultural cooperation programme launched in 2025, specialists from Denmark visited archaeological sites and museums across Türkiye, including the ancient city of Boubon. These visits created opportunities for knowledge exchange and deeper understanding of archaeological preservation methods.
Further support was provided to strengthen connections between cultural institutions in both countries. The cooperation has now moved into practical projects involving museum loans, exhibitions and academic collaboration.
One major example is the loan of parts of an imperial statue from the Burdur Archaeology Museum collection to Denmark. The pieces are being displayed as part of the exhibition “The Power of Fashion in the Roman Empire”, scheduled to open in Copenhagen on 1 October 2026.
The exhibition explores how clothing, appearance and personal presentation represented authority and social position during the Roman era. Through this collaboration, visitors will be able to experience Türkiye’s ancient heritage within a wider international historical context.
Sagalassos And Boubon Projects To Drive Future Heritage Tourism Growth
The Türkiye-Denmark partnership is expected to continue expanding through future archaeological and exhibition projects.
A major upcoming project is the planned 2027 exhibition “Sagalassos: The Total Theatre of Sculpture”, which will bring together researchers and archaeologists to showcase the artistic achievements of the ancient city of Sagalassos.
The project will involve international academic cooperation and is expected to strengthen awareness of Türkiye’s archaeological destinations among global audiences.
Meanwhile, ongoing research at Boubon is expected to support future exhibitions and scientific publications. Further discussions are continuing between institutions regarding conservation projects, specialist training programmes and additional museum collaborations.
These initiatives highlight how archaeological locations can become important cultural tourism attractions when supported by international research and museum partnerships.
Heritage Cooperation Creates New Opportunities For Global Travellers
The Türkiye-Denmark museum partnership reflects a broader global trend where cultural heritage is becoming a major driver of tourism development.
Museums are increasingly moving beyond traditional exhibitions by creating international partnerships, digital experiences, research programmes and educational opportunities. Such cooperation helps preserve historical assets while making them more accessible to visitors worldwide.
For Türkiye, the partnership strengthens the global visibility of destinations such as Burdur, Boubon and Sagalassos, which represent thousands of years of Anatolian history. These locations offer travellers opportunities to explore ancient Roman civilisation, archaeological landscapes and cultural traditions.
For Denmark, the cooperation highlights the role of museums as international platforms for research, dialogue and cultural understanding.
The Türkiye-Denmark collaboration shows that heritage protection can create lasting connections between countries. By combining museum cooperation, archaeological research, conservation expertise and cultural tourism initiatives, both nations are building a model where the past supports future travel experiences.
As new exhibitions and research projects continue, the partnership is expected to strengthen cultural links while encouraging more travellers to explore Türkiye’s historic treasures and archaeological heritage.
