Ortaylı stated that proposed new law of guidance, which was accepted by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) Public Works, Reconstruction, Transportation and Tourism Commission, threats work and livelihood for tens of thousands of people.
"Will lead to new corruption and deviations"
Ortaylı, who said that the changes proposed in the draft law are impossible to implement, used the following statements in his statement made on his social media account:
"The Tourist Guiding Profession Law has been submitted to the Presidency of the Assembly and it is becoming law these days. The new prohibitions, penalties, or institutions proposed in this proposal are unrealistic, unfeasible suggestions. Unrealistic and unattainable proposals that cannot be implemented will undoubtedly lead to new corruption and deviations.
"Now this is being attempted to be changed"
Guides in Türkiye have been starting their jobs with a gradually provided education for a long time. In the 1950s, a small guide course was opened in municipalities, only in Istanbul and Izmir. For the first time in Ankara, an amateur interpreter guide course was opened in 1963. The developing Turkish tourism, which opened new horizons to people when the number of tourists in the 1960s was between 100-200 thousand, increased the number of guides. Initially, having a high school diploma and knowing a language was enough, but over time, the level of education was raised. Finally, guide training reached 2-4 years of continuous education and mandatory language. Now this is being attempted to be changed.
"It is not possible to run this system without entering private lessons on guiding"
One of the biggest mistakes I found in this law is that graduates of art history and archaeology become guides without any training. Guiding requires a broad geography, folklore, literature, and most importantly, a knowledge of history and culture. These institutions cannot provide you with historical and cultural knowledge specific to guiding, nor are they obliged to do so in terms of their fields. As Turks, we are not already very knowledgeable about history and geography. Although the number of those who know about this due to their curiosity about the profession among our guides is not very high, it is still possible. Therefore, it is not possible to run this system without receiving new education, without entering private lessons on guiding.
"Language is the cornerstone of tourism"
It is alleged that it will be sufficient for guides to know Turkish. Then someone will translate into a foreign language if desired. Which group of tourists will endure this? No one wants their travel time to be stolen. Language is the cornerstone of tourism. Leave aside an interpreter guide, even a waiter needs to know a certain level of language. At a time when we expect drivers to know English, how can such easy concessions be made regarding guides? Perhaps only a group wants to be included in this profession? This system can only be in countries like the former USSR or China. You appoint someone appointed by the state to tourists whose destination is known long ago, and where they will go under the control of the state in a time when very few tourists come. In Turkey, where 40-50 million tourists come every year, it is not possible to guide people without knowing language, history, and geography, without knowing first aid.
"There are those who are more interested in nature than in ancient artifacts"
There is no need for a guide inside the bus. Tourists are curious about the steppe they pass through, the trees, flowers, and mountains that seem different to them. There are groups that come only for this purpose. There are those who are more interested in nature than in ancient artifacts. These questions come both inside the bus and where coffee is drunk. Are you aware of how you harm promotion by not putting a guide there?
"The Ministry of Tourism must definitely pursue this issue"
The good-looking articles in the law are aimed at making profits by directing tourists to certain places. This situation, which has been ignored for a long time, was causing bad memories for our country. As much as guides who are involved in this should be punished, workplaces should also pay fines. Sometimes it is said that tourism companies are also involved in this. This situation must definitely be investigated. The Ministry of Tourism must definitely pursue this issue.
"Who will bear the dissatisfaction that arises?"
The law being enacted bears the responsibility. You are closing the door to work and livelihood for tens of thousands of people. Who will bear the dissatisfaction that arises, who will be responsible, will you be able to restore the disrupted peace? The state means peace; we want tranquility in our difficult lives. Unfortunately, such draft laws create discomfort even among the group of interpreter guides who never participate in politics and make living outside politics a motto. I inform you of this as well."
