Coşkun Yılmaz

Some artifacts in the warehouses of the Istanbul Archeology Museums will be taken to Atatürk Airport and some to an area bought by the Culture and Tourism Ministry in Maltepe district, where "warehouse museums" will be established.

The restoration works being carried out using the most advanced techniques in Istanbul's landmark Hagia Sophia have set a clear example for the world to see a work of exceptional precision, keeping the cultural heritage of different beliefs and civilizations intact, the provincial director of culture and tourism has said.

British director and screenwriter Guy Ritchie on Feb. 28 visited Hagia Sophia mosque and Topkapı Palace in Istanbul.

The world-famous director is in Turkey for the shooting of his movie Five Eyes.

Ritchie, known for his productions, including Clash, Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes: Shadow Plays and The Gentlemen, toured Istanbul with his crew.

Istanbul museums aim to attract more than 10 million local and international visitors this year, Coşkun Yılmaz, the Istanbul head of the Culture and Tourism Ministry, has said.

Some 10 million Turkish Liras were collected up to Aug. 15 this year in fines imposed on apartments unofficially available for daily rental across Istanbul, and 1,683 such apartments were "red tagged," according to the Istanbul Directorate of Culture and Tourism.