Cultural Heritage as Soft Power: TİKA’s Restoration Projects in Diplomacy

Abstract

The conservation of cultural heritage has emerged as an important element of international development and diplomacy, emphasizing the role of historical landmarks as symbols of identity and intercultural dialogue. This study investigates the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency’s (TİKA) heritage restoration projects from 2013 to 2023, analysing their role as instruments of cultural diplomacy, international development and soft power. By focusing on TİKA’s initiatives in regions such as the Balkans, Africa, and the Middle East, the research evaluates their contributions to cultural preservation, economic development, and Türkiye’s foreign policy objectives. Employing qualitative methods, including thematic analysis and case studies, study examines the alignment of these projects with Türkiye’s strategic goals and their reception within local and international contexts. Findings underscore TİKA’s strategic use of heritage restoration to foster goodwill and cooperation, strengthen historical connections, and enhance Türkiye’s global influence. While these efforts have been praised for preserving global heritage and strengthening bilateral relations, critiques regarding their geopolitical motivations and Neo-Ottoman associations persist. Comparative analysis with similar initiatives by other nations underscores TİKA’s distinct emphasis on shared heritage and inclusive approaches. This study enriches the broader discourse on the intersection of heritage conservation, international aid, and cultural diplomacy, while also exploring the role of soft power in shaping global relations.

Keywords

• Cultural Diplomacy
• Heritage Conservation
• TİKA
• Soft Power
• Ottoman Heritage
• International Development

Yumuşak Güç Olarak Kültürel Miras: Diplomaside TİKA'nın Restorasyon Projeleri

Abstract

Kültürel mirasın korunması, tarihi eserlerin kimlik ve kültürlerarası diyalog sembolleri olarak rolünü vurgulayan, uluslararası kalkınma ve diplomasinin önemli bir unsuru olarak ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu çalışma, Türk İşbirliği ve Koordinasyon Ajansı Başkanlığı'nın (TİKA) 2013-2023 yılları arasındaki kültürel miras restorasyon projelerini incelemekte ve bu projelerin kültürel diplomasi, uluslararası kalkınma ve yumuşak güç araçları olarak rolünü analiz etmektedir. TİKA'nın Balkanlar, Afrika ve Orta Doğu gibi bölgelerdeki girişimlerine odaklanan araştırma, bu projelerin kültürün korunması, ekonomik kalkınma ve Türkiye'nin dış politika hedeflerine katkılarını değerlendirmektedir. Tematik analiz ve vaka çalışmaları da dahil olmak üzere nitel yöntemler kullanılan bu çalışmada, bu projelerin Türkiye'nin stratejik hedefleriyle uyumunu ve yerel ve uluslararası bağlamlarda nasıl karşılandığını incelenmiştir. Bulgular, TİKA'nın iyi niyet ve işbirliğini teşvik etmek, tarihi bağları güçlendirmek ve Türkiye'nin küresel etkisini artırmak için kültürel miras restorasyonunu stratejik olarak kullandığının altını çizmektedir. Bu çabalar küresel mirasın korunması ve ikili ilişkilerin güçlendirilmesi açısından övgüyle karşılanırken, jeopolitik motivasyonları ve Neo-Osmanlı çağrışımlarına ilişkin eleştiriler de devam etmektedir. Diğer ülkelerin benzer girişimleriyle yapılan karşılaştırmalı analizlerde, TİKA'nın ortak mirasa ve kapsayıcı yaklaşımlara yaptığı vurgunun altı çizilmektedir. Bu çalışma, mirasın korunması, uluslararası yardım ve kültürel diplomasinin kesişimi üzerine daha geniş bir söylemi zenginleştirirken, aynı zamanda küresel ilişkilerin şekillenmesinde yumuşak güç uygulamalarına ilişkin katkıda bulunmaktadır.

Keywords

• Kültürel Diplomasi
• Kültürel Mirasın Korunması
• TİKA
• Yumuşak Güç
• Uluslararası Kalkınma

References

1. AFD. (2021). Renovation and conservation project for the churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia. Carte des Projets. https://www.afd.fr/en/carte-des-projets/renovation-and-conservation-project-churches-lalibela-ethiopia
2. AFD. (2023). Protection, restoration and development of the heritage site of Lalibela in Ethiopia. from AFD - Agence Française de Développement website: https://proparco-prod-waf.cegedim.cloud/en/projects/protection-restoration-and-development-heritage-site-lalibela-ethiopia
3. AFD. (2024a). Our role. https://www.afd.fr/en/our-role
4. AFD. (2024b). Why does AFD invest abroad rather than in France? Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.afd.fr/en/frequently-asked-questions
5. AFD. (2024c). Africa: Our action. https://www.afd.fr/en/page-region-pays/africa
6. Akagawa, N. (2014). Heritage conservation and Japan’s cultural diplomacy: Heritage, national identity, and national interest. London: Routledge.
7. Akıllı, E., & Çelenk, B. (2019). TIKA’s soft power: nation branding in Turkish foreign policy. Insight Turkey, Vol. 21 / No. 3 pp. 135-151. https://doi.org/10.25253/99.2018ev.05
8. Aktuna, M. E. (2014). Structural analysis of current condition of Kosovo Yashar Pasha Mosque and strengthening proposals (Unpublished master’s thesis). Middle East Technical University.

9. Al-Tikriti, N. (2011). Turkey: A bridge between east and west? Fair Observer. https://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/turkey-bridge-between-east-and-west/
10. Alio, I. H. (2023). TÜRKİYE'S FOREIGN AID TO AFRICA UNDER AK PARTY: A CONSTRUCTIVIST APPROACH. Akdeniz Havzası ve Afrika Medeniyetleri Dergisi, 5(1), 45-58. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/2803117
11. Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA). (2020). King Mosque in Berat being restored to identity: Details of a refined architecture brought to light. https://en.ata.gov.al/2020/09/24/king-mosque-in-berat-being-restored-to-identity-kallfani-to-ata-details-of-a-refined-architecture-brought-to-light
12. Anadolu Agency. (2015). TİKA contributes to Albania’s cultural and historical heritage. Retrieved from https://www.dailysabah.com/feature/2015/09/08/tika-contributes-to-albanias-cultural-and-historical-heritage
13. Associated Press. (2011). Restored citadel is symbol of hope in Afghanistan. Retrieved from Deseret News website: https://www.deseret.com/2011/10/17/20223658/restored-citadel-is-symbol-of-hope-in-afghanistan/
14. Aykaç, P. (2022). Multiple neo-Ottomanisms in the construction of Turkey’s (trans)national heritage: TIKA and a dialectic between foreign and domestic policy. Turkish Studies, 23(3), 354–382.
15. Barnett, M., & Duvall, R. (2005). International organization. International Organization, 59(1), 39–75.
16. Beşgül, B. (2024). The Evolution of TİKA: A case study in Turkish soft power projection. Liberal Düşünce Dergisi(115), 57-82. https://doi.org/10.36484/liberal.1442299
17. British Council. (2021). UK’s “transformative” Cultural Protection Fund helping to save global heritage at risk | British Council. Retrieved from Britishcouncil.org website: https://www.britishcouncil.org/about/press/uks-transformative-cultural-protection-fund-helping-save-heritage-risk
18. Butt, K. (2022). Turkish aid agency starting nearly 50 new projects in 2022 in Pakistan. Retrieved from: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/turkish-aid-agency-starting-nearly-50-new-projects-in-2022-in-pakistan/2482940
19. Carruthers, W. (2025). What the dismantling of USAID means for world heritage. Retrieved from Apollo Magazine website: https://apollo-magazine.com/usaid-abolition-heritage-development-funding/
20. Chan, V. C.-M. (2020). Heritage conservation as a tool for cultural diplomacy: Implications for the Sino-Japanese relationship. In P. Peycam, S.-L. Wang, H. Yew-Foong, & H.-H. M. Hsiao (Eds.), Heritage as aid and diplomacy in Asia (pp. 167–189). Singapore: ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute.
21. Chengqiong, Z. (2023). China firmly supports Asian efforts on cultural heritage protection | english.scio.gov.cn. Retrieved from Scio.gov.cn website: http://english.scio.gov.cn/internationalexchanges/2023-04/26/content_85255888.htm
22. Chishti, I. S. (2020, January 29). Erdogan restores shrine complex of Shaykh Abdul Qadir Gilani in Baghdad, Iraq. The Rahnuma Daily. https://ihsan.center/2020/01/29/erdogan-restores-shrine-complex-of-shaykh-abdul-qadir-gilani-in-baghdad-iraq-the-rahnuma-daily/
23. Clarke, A. (2014). Scotland’s heritage investments in India: Acts of cultural diplomacy and identity building. Scottish Affairs, 23, 234–249. https://doi.org/10.3366/scot.2014.0019
24. Daily Sabah. (2021). Project by TIKA in Hebron encourages Palestinians to return home. Retrieved from https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/project-by-tika-in-hebron-encourages-palestinians-to-return-home/news
25. Daily Sabah. (2022). Erdoğan, Rama to inaugurate Ethem Bey Mosque in Tirana. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from Daily Sabah website: https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/erdogan-rama-to-inaugurate-ethem-bey-mosque-in-tirana/news
26. Daily Sabah. (2023). Turkish aid agency restores Ottoman mosques in the Balkans. Daily Sabah. https://www.dailysabah.com/turkiye/turkish-aid-agency-restores-ottoman-mosques-in-the-balkans/news
27. Daily Sabah. (2024). Türkiye’s TIKA completes renovation of 2 schools in Afghanistan. Retrieved from Daily Sabah website: https://www.dailysabah.com/turkiye/turkiyes-tika-completes-renovation-of-2-schools-in-afghanistan/news
28. Deutschland. (2017). World heritage site freed of ash. Retrieved from deutschland.de website: https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/culture/world-heritage-site-freed-of-ash
29. Di Peri, R., & Maritato, C. (2024). Transnational identities in practice: Lebanese Turkmens between Turkey’s adhocratic governance and Lebanese disinvestment. De Europa, 7(1), 85–102.
30. Erkuş, S. (2017). Turkey’s TİKA changes strategy in favor of development projects. Retrieved from Hürriyet Daily News website: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-tika-changes-strategy-in-favor-of-development-projects-113304
31. European External Action Service (EEAS). (2018). Western Balkans: EU promotes cultural heritage route. The Diplomatic Service of the European Union. https://www.eeas.europa.eu/node/39440_en
32. Firat, E. (2017). Turkey’s TIKA: East Jerusalem’s longtime benefactor. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from Aa.com.tr website: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-s-tika-east-jerusalem-s-longtime-benefactor/848112
33. Getachew, S. (2024). Islam’s safe haven: Sacred Al-Najashi Mosque & its fight for survival. Ethiopian Business Review, 12(128). https://ethiopianbusinessreview.net/islams-safe-haven-sacred-al-najashi-mosque-its-fight-for-survival
34. Gibbs, T. (2024). A French neo-colonialism? The controversial concept of Françafrique. The English Historical Review, 139(596), 193–214. https://doi.org/10.1093/ehr/cead179
35. Goethe Institut. (2023). The Al-Ghussein House in Gaza. Retrieved from Goethe.de website: https://www.goethe.de/ins/ps/en/kul/ade/alg.html
36. Gray, C. S. (2011). Hard power and soft power: The utility of military force as an instrument of policy in the 21st century. US Army War College Press. Retrieved from https://press.armywarcollege.edu/monographs/581
37. Hebron Rehabilitation Committee. (2021). Project by TIKA in Hebron encourages Palestinians to return home. https://www.hebronrc.ps/index.php/ar/node/297
38. Islamic University of Gaza. (2022). Achievements and Milestones – كلية الطب. Retrieved from Iugaza.edu.ps website: https://medicine.iugaza.edu.ps/en/achievements-and-milestones
39. Kalathil, S. (2011). China’s soft power in the information age: Think again. ISD Working Papers in New Diplomacy, 1–12. https://ciaotest.cc.columbia.edu/wps/isd/0024954/f_0024954_20385.pdf
40. Kucukgocmen, A., & Abdelaziz, K. (2017). Turkey to restore Sudanese Red Sea Port and build naval dock. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/turkey-to-restore-sudanese-red-sea-port-and-build-naval-dock-idUSKBN1EK0Z1
41. Lähdesmäki, T., & Čeginskas, V. (2022). Conceptualisation of heritage diplomacy in scholarship. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 28, 635–650. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2022.2054846
42. Ma Chi. (2023). Xiplomacy: How China helps preserve cultural heritage sites in Asia. Retrieved from Chinadaily.com.cn website: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202304/29/ WS644c85cfa310b6054fad079b.html
43. Maxharraj, S. (2022). The restoration of Et’hem Bey Mosque is inaugurated with a religious ceremony and Turkish music. KOHA Kulture. https://www.koha.net/en/kulture/restaurimi-i-xhamise-se-ethem-beut-inaugurohet-me-ceremoni-fetare-e-muzike-turke
44. McLinden, C. (2021). USAID announces support to Syriac Heritage Museum to preserve cultural heritage. USAID. https://www.usaid.gov/iraq/press-release/usaid-announces-support-syriac-heritage-museum-preserve-cultural-heritage
45. MEMO. (2022, June 14). Turkiye’s aid agency renovates, reopens Lebanon Orthodox Church. Middle East Monitor. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220614-turkiyes-aid-agency-renovates-reopens-lebanon-orthodox-church/
46. Métaoui, F. (2018). Restaurée, la Mosquée Ketchaoua va rouvrir ses portes aux fidèles et aux visiteurs. Tout Sur l’Algérie. https://www.tsa-algerie.dz/reportage-restauree-la-mosquee-de-ketchaoua-va-rouvrir-ses-portes-aux-fideles-et-aux-visiteurs/
47. Nye, J. (1990a). Soft power. Foreign Policy, 80, 153–171.
48. Nye, J. (1990b). Bound to lead: The changing nature of American power. New York: Basic Books.
49. OECD (2024), Development Co-operation Profiles, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/2dcf1367-en
50. Oğuzlu, T. (2007). Soft power in Turkish foreign policy. Australian Journal of International Affairs, 61(1), 81–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/10357710601142518
51. Özkan, G., & Demirtepe, M. T. (2012). Transformation of a development aid agency: TİKA in a changing domestic and international setting. Turkish Studies, 13(4), 647–664. https://doi.org/10.1080/14683849.2012.746442
52. Podunavlje. (2017). Obnova Ramske Tvrdjave. Podunavlje.Info Regionalni Informativni Portal. https://www.podunavlje.info/dir/2017/11/26/obnova-ramske-tvrdjave/
53. Republic of Turkey. (2011). Law No. 4668: The law on the organization and duties of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency. Resmi Gazete. Retrieved from http://www.tbmm.gov.tr/kanunlar/k4668.html
54. Russell, B. (2004). Power: A new social analysis. London: Routledge.
55. Salehi, K. (2019, April). Kirkuk’s historic Qaysariya bazaar to be re-opened next month. Kirkuk Now. https://kirkuknow.com/en/news/59829
56. Shafaq News. (2021). USAID provides financial support to protect the heritage of the Syriac community. Shafaq News. https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/USAID-provides-financial-support-to-protect-the-heritage-of-the-Syriac-community
57. Siebrandt, D. (2016). U.S. cultural diplomacy and archaeology: Soft power, hard heritage by Christina Luke, Morag M. Kersel (Review). Future Anterior, 13, 140–146.
58. Telegrafi. (2018). Restaurohet Xhamia Mbret në Berat. Telegrafi. https://telegrafi.com/restaurohet-xhamia-mbret-ne-berat/
59. Telegrafi. (2020). The mural paintings of Et’hem Bey Mosque are restored. Telegrafi. https://telegrafi.com/en/the-mural-paintings-of-Ethem-Bey-mosque-are-restored/
60. TİKA. (2011). Annual report 2011. Retrieved from [https://www.tika.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2016/ INGILIZCE%20SITE%20ESERLER/FAAL%C4%B0YET%20RAPORLARI/PDFLER/2011%20Annual%20Report.compressed.pdf]
61. TİKA. (2014). TİKA 2013 faaliyet raporu. Retrieved from http://store.tika.gov.tr/yayinlar/faaliyet-raporlari/faaliyet-raporu-2013.pdf
62. TİKA. (2015). TİKA 2014 faaliyet raporu. Retrieved from https://tika.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Faaliyet-Raporu-2014.pdf
63. TİKA. (2016). TİKA 2015 faaliyet raporu. Retrieved from https://tika.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2015-Faaliyet-Raporu.pdf
64. TİKA. (2017). TİKA 2016 faaliyet raporu. Retrieved from https://tika.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/I%CC%87dare-Rapor_2016_WebFormati.pdf
65. TİKA. (2018a). TİKA 2017 faaliyet raporu. Retrieved from https://tika.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/TI%CC%87KA-Faaliyet-Raporu-2017.pdf
66. TİKA. (2018b). TİKA 2018 faaliyet raporu. Retrieved from https://tika.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/TikaFaaliyetWeb.pdf
67. TİKA. (2018c). The Restoration of the Ketchaoua Mosque is a Point of Pride for Turkey - TİKA. Retrieved from https://tika.gov.tr/en/detail-the_restoration_of_the_ketchaoua_ mosque_is_a_point_of_pride_for_turkey/
68. TİKA. (2018d). Historical Ketchaoua Mosque in Algeria was Opened - TİKA. Retrieved from https://tika.gov.tr/en/detail-historical_ketchaoua_mosque_in_algeria_was_opened/
69. TİKA. (2019a). Sırbistan: TİKA Projeleri. Retrieved from https://www.tika.gov.tr/upload/2019/10/SIRB%C4%B0STAN%20K%C4%B0TAP%C3%87IK/S%C4%B1rbistan%20Kitap%C3%A7%C4%B1k%20(d%C3%BC%C5%9F%C3%BCk%20%C3%A7%C3%B6z)-1.pdf
70. TİKA. (2019b). TİKA 2019 faaliyet raporu. Retrieved from https://tika.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/TIKAFaaliyet2019WebKapakli.pdf
71. TİKA. (2021). Ethem Bey Mosque in Albania Restored by TİKA Opens for Worship - TİKA. Retrieved from https://tika.gov.tr/en/detail-ethem_bey_mosque_in_albania_restored_by_ tika_opens_for_worship/
72. TİKA. (2020). TİKA 2020 faaliyet raporu. Retrieved from https://tika.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/TIKAFaaliyet2020Web.pdf
73. TİKA. (2022a). TİKA Carried Out 1884 Projects in the Last 5 Years in Africa - TİKA. Retrieved from TİKA website: https://tika.gov.tr/en/detail-tika_carried_out_1884_projects_in_the_last_5_years_in_africa/
74. TİKA. (2022b). TİKA Has Implemented More Than 30 Thousand Projects in 30 Years - TİKA. Retrieved from TİKA website: https://tika.gov.tr/en/detail-tika_has_implemented_more_than_30_thousand_projects_in_30_years/ TİKA. (2022c). TİKA 2021 faaliyet raporu. Retrieved from https://tika.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/TIKA_PP2021Web.pdf
75. TİKA. (2023). TİKA 2022 faaliyet raporu. Retrieved from https://tika.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TIKA-2022-Idare-Faaliyet-Raporu.pdf
76. TİKA. (2024a). Hakkımızda. Türk İşbirliği ve Koordinasyon Ajansı Başkanlığı. Retrieved from https://tika.gov.tr/kurumumuz/hakkimizda/
77. TİKA. (2024b). TİKA 2023 faaliyet raporu. Retrieved from https://tika.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/TIKA-IFR-202319-Mart-2024-Web.pdf
78. Todorović, M. (2021). TIKA’s heritage restoration projects. Insight Turkey, 23(3), 141–156.
79. Touazi, I., Sau, A., & Benucci, M. (2025, January 14). Türkiye, the new regional hegemonic power in Africa – ITSS Verona. Retrieved August 8, 2025, from ITSS Verona website: https://www.itssverona.it/turkiye-the-new-regional-hegemonic-power-in-africa
80. Türkeş, M. (2016). Decomposing neo-Ottoman hegemony. Journal of Balkan and Near Eastern Studies, 18(3), 191–216. https://doi.org/10.1080/19448953.2016.1176388
81. Vujović, V. (2018). Case study - the Mehmed Pasha Sokolovic Bridge. Procedia Structural Integrity, 13, 489–495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prostr.2018.12.081
82. Yağcı, S. (2025). An Analysis of Türkiye’s Soft Power Policy towards Bosnia and Herzegovina (2015-2024). Bozok İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Dergisi, 2(1), 34-58. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/4696473