BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 10.A delegation from the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation (TCHF) conducted a working visit to Hungary. The mission focused on the preservation of shared cultural heritage sites, their digitalization, and their promotion on the international stage. From February 3 to 6, 2026, the delegation traveled from Budapest to Szigetvár, engaging in a series of high-level diplomatic meetings and technical inspections of cultural heritage sites,TurkicWorld reports.
Led by TCHF Project Manager Nuri Aksu, the delegation—which included Evren Rutbil (IICAS), Osman Ozsoy (Turkic World Foundation), and architect Hasan Fevzi Çügen—first met with H.E. Gülşen Karanis Ekşioğlu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to Budapest. The parties discussed the Foundation’s upcoming projects in Hungary and outlined avenues for academic and digital cooperation to be implemented with the Embassy's support.
On the same day, the delegation visited the Gül Baba Foundation. In a discussion with Deputy Director Mr. Gábor Pálfi, it was noted that May would be the optimal time to conduct scanning and visualization of the Tomb of Gül Baba and the Malkoç Bey Mosque (Öziçeli Hadji Ibrahim). Participants also addressed the process of securing official permits and the technical specifics of photogrammetry and drone filming.
On the second day, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation of Hungary with State Secretary for International Cultural Cooperation, Ms. Anita Kiss-Hegyi. The partners finalized agreements on joint exhibition projects and established protocols for accessing digital heritage databases. The delegation then toured the "Attila" exhibition at the Hungarian National Museum, exchanging views with experts on the museum interpretation of Central Asian and Hunnic history. Later, the TCHF representatives traveled to Esztergom to inspect the Malkoç Bey Mosque and the historic Esztergom Castle, analyzing contemporary approaches to restoration and site display.
The third day was dedicated to exploring Turkic heritage in regional Hungary. At the Ministry of Transport and Construction, the delegation met with Deputy State Secretary for Heritage Protection, Ms. Krisztina Deák, to discuss 3D scanning projects, national registration systems, and digital heritage platforms (e-miras).
High-level talks also took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade with Mr. Ádám Szűcs, Deputy State Secretary. The discussions centered on strategic initiatives, including events commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mohács and joint efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
In the city of Érd, the delegation visited the Hamza Bey Minaret and met with Mayor Dr. László Csőzik. The sides shared ideas on the digital documentation of the monument and the redevelopment of the surrounding area into a cultural and recreational zone.
The program continued in Székesfehérvár with an inspection of the Ottoman bath ruins. The delegation discussed preservation potential with Deputy Mayor Mr. Zsolt Lerner. In Pécs, representatives visited the Tomb of Idris Baba, the Yakovalı Hasan Pasha Mosque, the Gazi Kasim Pasha Mosque, and Ottoman-era bath remains. Experts from the National Heritage Protection and Development Non-profit Ltd. presented a comprehensive report on cultural site management and conservation methods.
The visit concluded in Szigetvár with an inspection of the Ali Pasha Mosque, the Sultan Suleiman Mosque, and the excavation site of the Tomb (Türbe) of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The delegation also visited the Hungarian-Turkish Friendship Park and the "Turkish House" museum. The program wrapped up in Budapest with a final review meeting with TİKA Coordinator Mr. Fatih Yoldaş, where the results were summarized and future plans for the digital recording of Turkic heritage in Hungary were established.
