Turkish History Foundation Accused of Neglect in Care of Historical Buildings

The History Foundation is being accused of abandoning the historical buildings, which it took over control of in 1995 for 49 years, to decay.

The buildings where the palace artists served during the Ottoman era are said to be about to collapse because of neglect.

Other allegations have surfaced about the Foundation as the buildings, including the transformer stations that provide electricity to museums in Topkapi Palace, are dangerous for both life and property security.

Topkapi Palace Museum Director Professor Ilber Ortayli, who harshly criticizes the History Foundation, says, "This is an occupation," pointing out that the buildings that are being used for weddings and cocktail parties and that no restoration works have been carried out for the past 10 years.

The Istanbul Culture and Tourism Directorate would like the control of the historic buildings to be taken over by the Palace.