The jury of Europa Nostra Awards (European Cultural Heritage Awards) which is one of the most important conservation institutions in the world honoured the “Respect for History Local Conservation Awards” with an honourable mention.

 While stating that this program which has proven the permanence and effectiveness of the Metropolitan Municipality was deemed worthy of an award for its contribution to history and its success, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tunç Soyer said the following; “Protecting our city is about respecting the history of our city and the protection of local and culture. We are honoured that our program which we sustained to influence this understanding had received an award.”

The “Respect for History Local Conservations Awards” held under the categories of Life in Historic Structure, Preservation of Traditional Crafts in Historic Places, Basic Repairs, Major Repairs, Craftsmanship, Contribution to Protection of Historical Environment and Cultural Heritage, and School Project on Historical and Cultural Heritage were among nine successful heritage works from eight different European countries.

Europa Nostra Award jury also evaluated the nominee’s efforts to include young people in the field of cultural heritage next to community building around heritage issues, the recognition of local conservation efforts and the promotion of multicultural heritage in the region.

The Europa Nostra Awards program which was initiated by Europe Nostra in 1978, has been continuing as European Cultural Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Awards since 2002 with the participation of the European Union Commission. The awards aim to support high standards in preservation practices, quality workmanship and accelerate the cross-border exchanges in cultural heritage. With the reveal and announcement of examples of successful practices, this award also aims to increase efforts and projects in the field of cultural heritage preservation in Europe.