Grassroots initiative mapping quake-hit heritage sites gains European accolade
Published on April 25, 2026.
An initiative documenting cultural heritage damage following the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye has been awarded at the Europa Nostra Awards 2026. The award recognises 30 projects and heritage advocates from 18 countries. The project was initiated in response to the twin earthquakes, which severely damaged archaeological and historical sites. Archaeologist Çiler Çilingiroğlu initiated a public call via social media to document damage at heritage sites. The team used digital tools such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Workspace, and OpenStreetMap to map the damage. Over 1,500 archaeological sites across 11 provinces were documented and evaluated, with Ottoman-era structures receiving the most significant damage.
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