ISTANBUL, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye on Wednesday launched a big restoration project to save 1,000 artifacts, including ancient fountains, mosque cemeteries, and samples of civil architecture across the country's cultural hub Istanbul.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gul announced that the project would be completed within three years, and restoration work has already begun on 225 artifacts.

"It is our priority to protect these artifacts inherited from our ancestors and leave them to future generations," Gul told reporters at the launching ceremony.

According to Gul, 180 artifacts that have been missing in time will be rebuilt according to their originals as the project progresses.

Speaking at the event, historian Ilber Ortayli said that the project should start from the 1,600-year-old historical wall area, which has a unique place in the history of Istanbul.

The area hosts many ancient structures that belong to the Eastern Roman Empire and Ottoman Empire eras.

"The beauty, artifacts, and new appearance coming out of there will start to please the citizens," he noted.

Ortayli noted the importance of protecting the historical silhouette of Istanbul, saying that the city should establish a mechanism for the protection. Enditem

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