Museum vigil against demolition decision

CULTURE AND ARTS SERVICE

Citizens continue to protest against the Antalya Archaeological Museum, which was demolished by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on the grounds that it is not earthquake-resistant.

Tourists who come to the award-winning museum, which was closed during the tourist season, are also reacting to the events.

Citizens, led by the Museum Working Group, keep vigil in front of the museum every evening. Visitors, who wrote their thoughts and feelings in a diary left by the working group in front of the museum, formed long queues.

While protests continue in front of the museum, which was closed to visitors on July 16, according to a statement on the ministry's website, tourists who are unaware of the decision are getting information about the incident from museum advocates.

Citizens hung banners reading, "The people of Antalya must protect their museum," and called for participation in a museum vigil. Professor Dr. Memduh Sami Taner, who joined the protest, said, "We are here for the youth. We have practically memorized this museum. I remember my children running among the statues. But the children here haven't had the opportunity to benefit from these opportunities."