Visit Guidelines

8 Rules to Follow When Visiting Historical Sites Historical sites are considered a shared heritage of humanity. They are among the places included in almost every tourist's itinerary, whether traveling domestically or abroad.
Sometimes captivating with their beauty, and sometimes helping us feel an important event to our core, historical sites are strictly protected both by the countries in which they are located and by various international organizations.
However, a large part of the responsibility for protecting historical sites falls on the tourists who visit them. If we want these cultural heritage sites to be passed on to future generations undamaged, there are certain rules we must follow during our visit.
1. Do Not Take Any Objects From Historical Sites
One of the most common problems at historical sites is visitors taking objects from the location. It is common to come across tourists trying to break off even a small piece from works of architectural value.
Most sacred sites are also considered historical sites. Taking stones or soil from places of historical importance, such as cemeteries, is strictly forbidden. Although many tourists say they do this as a keepsake, this well-intentioned approach can cause irreparable damage to the historical artifact.
2. Do Not Litter Around Historical Sites
One of the most common warnings you'll see on touristic trips is "Do not litter." At historical sites known as archaeological ruins in particular, the litter problem can sometimes reach unmanageable levels.
Litter thrown on the ground not only pollutes the surroundings but items such as glass or paper can also catch fire in hot weather, causing damage to the site and the destruction of historical places.
3. Do Not Light Fires at Historical Sites
Lighting a fire is generally quite risky. Doing so at locations with historical value puts the entire area directly at risk.
For this reason, lighting fires is prohibited under all circumstances at almost every historical site. You should never light a fire near a historical area, and if you see someone doing so, you should report it to the authorities.
4. Do Not Climb on Objects Found at Historical Sites
Taking photographs is one of the most beloved moments on touristic trips. Countless photos are taken throughout a trip to make it unforgettable, and with the influence of social media, we share them on our accounts right away.
Not climbing on historical artifacts, or engaging in actions that could damage these structures, for the sake of a better photograph is one of the foremost rules to follow.
5. Do Not Touch Historical Artifacts
Many museums and archaeological sites containing historical artifacts exist both in Turkey and around the world. Today, in most museums, historical artifacts are kept behind protective glass panels.
However, pieces that cannot be placed behind glass are displayed openly in the museum. Handling or even touching these pieces can cause the texture of the historical artifact to become deformed. For this reason, you should visit these artifacts without touching them.
6. Do Not Write or Draw on Historical Buildings and Artifacts
One of the leading causes of irreversible damage to many historical artifacts is writing on or drawing on artifacts and buildings.
Although some violate this rule based on religious and cultural reasons, writing and drawing on historical artifacts is completely forbidden due to the damage it causes. You should also follow this rule and report anyone you see damaging historical artifacts in this way to the authorities.
7. Be Mindful of Your Bag When Visiting Historical Artifacts in Narrow Spaces
One of the situations that causes damage to many historical artifacts in open-air history museums and archaeological sites is bags damaging these artifacts.
Especially when visiting historical sites, make sure your backpack does not rub against anything in narrow and crowded areas. When passing through crowded areas, your bag could scratch a historical wall from end to end or bump into and damage a displayed object.
8. Conduct Your Visit in a Manner Appropriate to Religious and Cultural Sensitivities
Especially when traveling abroad, it is important to observe certain sensitivities when visiting a historical site belonging to a different culture or faith. You should behave respectfully, especially when visiting monuments that hold a traumatic place in the collective memory of societies.
On the other hand, when visiting historical sites of religious significance, you need to act both respectfully and in accordance with the rules of that faith. For example, when visiting mosques and shrines, you should choose clothing appropriate to modest dress.
We have told you about the general rules that domestic and foreign tourists should follow when visiting historical touristic sites. You should also take care to follow these rules during your touristic trips and avoid damaging historical fabric. For these world heritage sites, protected as much as possible by institutions and passed down to the present day, to be transmitted to future generations in all their beauty, every individual must have the utmost awareness.