Moscow Presents Its Achievements at Heritage Istanbul Exhibition

A Moscow delegation headed by Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, took part in the Heritage Istanbul exhibition. The event was held in Istanbul from April 1 to 4, 2026. Heritage Istanbul is a significant professional event of global standing that shapes the international agenda in cultural heritage preservation. The exhibition brought together professionals from 20 countries and representatives of more than 120 companies. The event was organized with the support and patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, relevant institutions and directorates, local municipalities, and public organizations.

Sergey Cheremin spoke at the official opening ceremony of the exhibition. In his remarks, he noted that Heritage Istanbul demonstrates how successfully modern technologies are being integrated into cultural heritage preservation. Today, 3D scanning and modelling technologies, virtual and augmented reality programmes, digital archiving solutions, and library automation and storage systems are being increasingly applied. The exchange of experience in these areas at the exhibition opens up new prospects for international professional cooperation. The Head of DVMIS noted that Moscow has been actively participating in Heritage Istanbul since 2024. The Russian capital attaches great importance to cultural heritage preservation as an integral part of urban identity and sustainable development. Moscow is implementing one of the largest restoration programmes. “Over the past 11 years, Moscow has restored about 30% of all its historical monuments. The share of cultural and historical sites in poor condition has fallen to 3% – twelve times lower than in 2010. These results place Moscow among the world leaders in heritage preservation,” Sergey Cheremin stated. In his view, the preservation of cultural sites must be harmoniously combined with the conditions of a modern, dynamically developing city. Rapid urban transformation often puts architectural heritage at risk, making the integrity of historical and architectural complexes a strategic priority.

At the opening, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül also stressed the importance of balancing the preservation of cultural sites with their integration into the modern urban environment. He spoke about successful restoration and museum projects in Istanbul Province.

The Russian capital presented its effective solutions in cultural heritage preservation at its booth. Visitors learned about the city’s innovative projects, achievements of leading museum associations, and restoration workshops. Co‑exhibitors included the ICOMOS National Committee, the “VDNKh Expo” and “VDNKh Metaverse” projects, and the “Restoration Workshop” project. Materials for the booth were also provided by museums such as the Kolomenskoye‑Izmailovo Moscow State United Museum‑Reserve, the Museum of Moscow, and the Tsaritsyno State Historical‑Architectural, Artistic and Landscape Museum‑Reserve. The exposition highlighted scientific restoration practices and advanced digital solutions that Moscow uses to restore architectural monuments and develop museum complexes.

The Russian capital also presented its expertise in the business programme. Leading industry experts discussed digital solutions in cultural heritage preservation, virtual reality technologies, 3D modelling, tools for promoting cultural tourism and heritage sites, and restoration initiatives. Speaking in specialized sessions were Tatyana Anisimova, Director of the Congress and Exhibition Activities Department of VDNKh JSC, and Larisa Lazareva, Professor at MARCHI, member of ICOMOS Russia and the All‑Russian Society for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments (VOOPIK), Chair of the Section of the Scientific and Methodological Council at the Moscow Department of Cultural Heritage, State Expert in Historical and Cultural Expertise, architect of the highest category, and Honorary Restorer of the City of Moscow. They shared with the international audience how the Russian capital carefully restores unique landmarks, creating new points of attraction for residents and visitors alike.

Moscow is ready to share its successful practices in cultural heritage preservation with the international community. The Moscow delegation held direct negotiations with foreign partners. The Head of DVMIS held meetings with the management of TG Ekspo International Fairs Inc.Co, with Osman Murat Arkan, founder of Heritage Platforms, and with the leadership of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (United Arab Emirates). The parties exchanged expertise and discussed promising areas for cooperation.

During his visit to Istanbul, Sergey Cheremin also held a series of meetings with acting Mayor Nuri Aslan, Fatih Mayor Mehiet Ergün Turan, the leadership of Turkey’s Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), the Association of Russian and Turkish Entrepreneurs, and other representatives of Turkish business circles. The discussions focused on developing bilateral cooperation, expanding business contacts, strengthening trade and economic ties, and identifying new areas of interaction between Moscow and Turkish partners.

Together with restoration experts, the delegation of the Government of Moscow took part in a technical site visit to key historical heritage sites in Istanbul. The programme included a tour of work at Hagia Sophia, inspections of restoration areas at Yedikule Fortress and the Church of St. Polyeuctus. The visit contributed to professional dialogue and discussion of modern approaches to preserving the historical and architectural environment.

Participation in Heritage Istanbul confirmed Moscow’s status as a leading centre for museum development and the restoration of cultural heritage sites. The exhibition provided a platform for showcasing Moscow’s competencies in the protection of historical and cultural monuments. During Heritage Istanbul, members of the Moscow delegation discussed new forms of cooperation with international partners and strengthened professional ties in the interest of preserving the world’s cultural heritage.