With a new digital transformation encompassing 216 museums and archaeological sites across Turkey, smart ticketing, AI-powered management, and a domestic data infrastructure have been implemented. Additionally, national ID cards can now be used as Museum Cards.
A digital transformation has commenced in museums and archaeological sites across Turkey, following a protocol signed between Türk Telekom and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Under the agreement, museums and archaeological sites have transitioned to a domestic and national digital infrastructure. The new system will introduce smart ticketing, AI-supported management, and a local data infrastructure.
The entire museum experience, from entry to visitor management, is being redesigned from scratch. Visitors will no longer just tour museums; they will experience an interactive cultural journey enriched with digital technologies.
Museum Card Feature Added to Turkish National ID Cards
One of the most striking innovations of the project is the change made to the Museum Card system. In the new era, Turkish Republic national ID cards can be used as Museum Cards.
Citizens will be able to make quick entries to museums and archaeological sites by scanning their ID cards after completing transactions via e-Government and mobile applications. This will eliminate the need to carry a physical card.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy emphasized the data security aspect of the project. Ersoy stated that cultural heritage data is not merely technical data but also a “national value,” highlighting the strategic importance of this transformation for digital independence. He stressed that the data will be protected entirely within Turkey's borders, using domestic and national infrastructures.
With the new model, all data collected from museums and archaeological sites will be securely processed on Türk Telekom's technology infrastructure. This structure will establish a robust system in terms of both cybersecurity and data sovereignty.
Ersoy stated that with the new system, visitors will not merely enter a museum but “experience a multi-dimensional history and culture supported by technology.”
Ersoy noted that the visitor experience will be elevated to a new dimension with fiber infrastructures, widespread Wi-Fi systems, and 5G integration. He added that smart ticketing systems, multi-channel digital payment solutions, AI-powered data analytics, AR and VR technologies, audio guide systems, and digital archiving infrastructures will also be implemented.
Ersoy emphasized that museums will transform into next-generation experience centers with smart visitor applications, stating, “History and technology will now enter through the same door.”
Museum Shops and Commercial Areas Also Going Digital
The transformation will not be limited to entry and visitor systems. Museum shops, cafeterias, parking systems, and other commercial areas will also be integrated into the new digital infrastructure.
Under the protocol, it was announced that Traditional Turkish Handicrafts, Turkish coffee, Turkish delight, carpet weaving, and intangible cultural heritage products on the UNESCO list will be made more visible in museum shops. These products will be sourced from masters and artists certified by the Ministry; Türk Telekom's digital sales channels will be used to open them to the international market.
Target of Billions of Liras in Savings Over 10 Years
Minister Ersoy stated that the existing 292 personnel under the new system will be redeployed to different units of the Ministry, and annual savings of approximately 400 million liras will be achieved from severance pay, social security premiums, and other personal rights. Ersoy added that with revaluation projections, these savings are expected to reach approximately 8 billion liras over a 10-year period.
Türk Telekom CEO Ebubekir Şahin stated that Türk Telekom is not merely a company that builds communication infrastructure but an institution that brings technology to all aspects of life and contributes to Turkey's development journey.
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