The fifth International Conference of Experts on the Return of Cultural Property kicked off yesterday in Nevşehir's Ürgüp district, best known for its fairy chimneys. Speaking at the conference's opening ceremony, Nevşehir Governor Mehmet Ceylan expressed his delight to host such events in Turkey on the return of cultural heritage. Ceylan said similar meetings will be beneficial for the protection of cultural heritage. Moreover, while pointing to the fact that many artifacts that were illegally smuggled from the country have returned to their home, more things should be done to avoid such activity from occurring. Recalling that the Göreme Open-air Museum was included in the UNESCO world heritage list in 1985, Ceylan said: "Both authorities and locals exert effort to transfer cultural values, especially those included in the world heritage list, to future generations." Directorate of Cultural Values and Museums General Manager Zülküf Yılmaz said the conference series began five years ago and last year's conference took place in Greece. Yılmaz said the conference is a chance to decide on a joint road map on the return of different countries' cultural property, including Turkey's. Yılmaz said the issue needs to be resolved both from academic and legal perspectives. Intergovernmental experts and researchers from Poland, Nigeria, Italy and Scotland have gathered for the conference this year, which will end on Oct. 22. They will discuss the following steps and determine what should be done legally to resolve the problems surrounding the smuggling of cultural property and its return.
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