85,000-hectare archaeological site designation in Kaş annulled by Cultural Heritage Protection Supreme Board

The Cultural Heritage Protection Supreme Board has annulled the decision by the Antalya Regional Cultural Heritage Protection Board to designate 85,255 hectares in Kaş district as a 'third-degree archaeological site area' following filed objections. The annulled area corresponds to approximately half of Kaş district.

Third-degree archaeological site status, while representing the mildest protection tier restricting construction, nonetheless imposes decisive limitations on tourism investments and land use. Kaş ranks among the coastal districts facing intense tourism pressure; during the period when the site designation was in effect, a series of construction and hotel projects in the region had been suspended. Following the annulment decision, it remains unclear whether the projects in question will proceed and whether the regional board will establish a new site designation. The Setur Marina, where the eighth Jazz Festival will be held this year in Kaş, is located in the same geographic area.