Antiques (100+ years old, non-ivory) → Turkey

Antiques may be brought into Turkey but must be declared; export of Turkish cultural property is prohibited without government permission under Law 2863.

Details

Turkey's Law No. 2863 on the Conservation of Cultural and Natural Property (as amended) classifies all moveable cultural property of historical/archaeological significance as state property. Importing foreign antiques into Turkey is not prohibited, but items must be declared to Turkish customs (Gümrük ve Ticaret Bakanlığı) and officers may question provenance. Turkey is a major source country and authorities are alert to items that could be Turkish cultural property. Export of any item deemed Turkish cultural property without Ministry of Culture permission is a criminal offence. Travellers should carry receipts and provenance documents for any antique.

Quantity limit

No fixed quantity limit for legitimate foreign antiques with documentation

Documentation required

• Proof of purchase / provenance documentation
• Export licence from country of origin

Legal reference

Law No. 2863 on Conservation of Cultural and Natural Property (Turkey, 1983, amended 1987)

Practical advice

Declare all antiques to Turkish customs on arrival and carry full provenance documentation. Do not purchase and attempt to export any item from archaeological sites or bazaars without verifying it is not classified cultural property — penalties include imprisonment.

Customs authority

Ministry of Trade — General Directorate of Customs (Gümrük ve Ticaret Bakanlığı) · https://www.ticaret.gov.tr