Why is Turkey protecting cultural heritage with drones?
Turkey will use unmanned aerial vehicles to protect historical monuments from illegal excavations
**Why is Turkey protecting its cultural heritage with drones?**
The ancient city of Sardis and the Lydian tumuli in Bin Tepe, located in Turkey's Manisa Province, will henceforth be monitored by drones. For this purpose, an aerial surveillance and security center has begun operating.
The main task of the center is to protect archaeological monuments from illegal excavations, treasure hunters, and physical damage. Drones make it possible to monitor large areas, including during the night.
An important aspect of this approach is that the focus is directed not at taking measures after historical monuments have been damaged, but at the early detection and prevention of illegal activities.
The center is equipped with two unmanned aerial vehicles capable of flying long distances and featuring night-shooting capabilities. Three antenna systems serve to expand the surveillance area.
In addition, monitoring stations, large screens, and security cameras are also involved in the center's operations. The security personnel operating the drones have undergone special training and hold the necessary certificates.
If suspicious situations or attempts at illegal excavation are detected during aerial surveillance, the information is transmitted to gendarmerie units for prompt action to be taken. In this way, technology is becoming a tool to strengthen control and prevent violations.