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

Year 2025, Volume: 24 Issue: 4, 1912 - 1934, 30.10.2025

Mehmet Emre Aktuna

https://doi.org/10.21547/jss.1603444

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

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