PARTICIPATION IN THE UNESCO HISTORIC PENINSULA OF ISTANBUL MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE PROCESS AND THEMATIC FOCUS GROUP MEETINGS
23 December 2025, Istanbul
On 23 December 2025, the Advisory Board Meeting of the Istanbul Site Management Directorate, where the “47th Session of the World Heritage Committee Decision” and the “Update of the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul Management Plan” were evaluated, was held.
KUMID was represented at the meeting by its President, Saadet Güner, as a board member.
2 December 2025, Istanbul
Within the scope of the update process of the 2018 Historic Peninsula Management Plan, a Focus Group Meeting themed “Management Coordination”, “Accessibility” and “Visitor Management” was held at Art Istanbul Feshane. KUMID was represented by its President Saadet Güner, who also submitted written opinions prepared as an Information Note to the Site Management Directorate prior to the meeting. 18 November 2025, Istanbul As part of the same process, a Focus Group Meeting themed “Risk Management” was held.
KUMID shared its recommendations on the protection of cultural heritage in the face of disasters. Written opinions prepared as an information note were submitted in advance.
URBAN RESILIENCE AGAINST DISASTERS
11 December 2025, Istanbul, Workshop
With the support of AFAD and in cooperation with Beylikdüzü Municipality and Istanbul Technical University, the workshop titled “Urban Resilience Against Disasters” was held at Beylikdüzü Atatürk Cultural and Arts Center. KUMID actively contributed to the Landslide–Tsunami Working Group.
International NADMEX Disaster Risk Management Fair and Congress
04–06 December 2025, Istanbul
KUMID participated in the International NADMEX Disaster Management Fair and Congress held at Istanbul Expo Center, introducing its activities and publications on the protection of cultural heritage in disasters. The stand activities were carried out with the participation of Saadet Güner, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Banu Uçar and Aytaç Güner.
CONCLUSIONS
1. STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF ACTIVITIES
In 2025, KUMID implemented a trust-based impact strategy focused on the protection of cultural heritage both in peaceful times and in disaster contexts, contributing to decision-making processes and bridging knowledge with field practice.
2. RECOMMENDATION: KUMID’S 2026 COMPASS
As a respected NGO with a recognized voice in the field, KUMID should continue in 2026 to ensure that knowledge is not confined to shelves but transferred to the field and decision-making processes by positioning itself correctly and leaving a lasting impact and legacy.
3.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
As in previous years, all activities carried out throughout 2025 were made possible thanks to the knowledge, dedication and voluntary contributions of KUMID members.
We sincerely thank all our members who shared their time, experience and sense of responsibility with the Association, as well as our Financial Advisor, Ms. Kısmet Yıldırım, who has continuously supported KUMID since its establishment.
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2026, we strongly believe that, as the KUMID family, we will continue to work together in solidarity and shared responsibility for the protection of cultural heritage.
Happy new year 2026,
Respectfully,
On behalf of the KUMID Board of Directors
Saadet Güner, President
Board of Directors , KUMID Prof. Dr. Recep KARADAĞ, İstanbul Aydın University
Doç. Dr. Banu UÇAR ,, İstanbul University
Dr Hale Çelik HEKİM, İstanbul University
Expert Conservator-Restorer, , N.Mine YAR , Art Restoration
