Ataoğlu speaks on improving museums

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu drew attention to the importance of improving various museums and historic sites across the country.

Speaking to BRT, Ataoğlu said that he had instructed the launch of work to enable museums and historic sites to remain open outside of public working hours, on the weekends and public holidays.

Pointing out that the country had a rich history dating back 10,000 years, the tourism minister said it was important to enable the public and visiting tourists to access these sites.

Ataoğlu said that there were currently 33 museums in the country but that many of them remained closed because of staff shortages and other financial restrictions.

He added that keeping them open would require paying staff overtime.

Minister Ataoğlu said that once the work is completed, museums and historic sites will become more functional under the inspection of the Department of Museums and Antiquities.