AXA Turkey: Guardians of Our Underwater Cultural Heritage
AXA Turkey is making significant strides in preserving Turkey’s underwater cultural treasures through its collaboration with the Mediterranean Archaeology Association. Under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Öniz, the association is employing advanced scientific methods to rediscover shipwrecks, ancient port structures, and historical relics submerged in the Mediterranean Sea.
This noteworthy initiative was showcased on a global platform at the United Nations Ocean Conference 2025, hosted by AXA Group in Nice, France. Representing AXA Turkey at the event were CEO Yavuz Ölken, Onur Koçkar, Head of Legal, Compliance and Corporate Responsibility, and Assoc. Prof. Hakan Öniz, the scientific torchbearer of the project.
Yavuz Ölken: “Insurance Beyond Risks – A Keeper of Values”
At the conference, Yavuz Ölken, CEO of AXA Turkey, shared insights into their vision for the project:
“Insurance is about safeguarding not just against risks, but also nurturing the collective values of society. By supporting this project, we aim to preserve our cultural heritage and pass it down to future generations. Our commitment extends to raising awareness about biodiversity and combating climate change.”
Onur Koçkar: “Understanding the Past to Protect the Future”
Onur Koçkar, Head of Legal, Compliance, and Corporate Responsibility at AXA Turkey, emphasized:
“This project transcends mere sponsorship; it reflects our deep-rooted connection to history. The submerged history is a silent testament to our identity. With Turkey’s unique geographical position, we bear the responsibility of safeguarding this heritage.”
Assoc. Prof. Hakan Öniz: “Turkey’s Excellence in Underwater Archaeology”
Assoc. Prof. Hakan Öniz highlighted the challenges faced in underwater archaeology:
“Underwater archaeology demands high-level expertise. Through years of dedicated labor and scientific advancement, Turkey now stands at the forefront in this field. The support from the private sector, notably AXA Turkey, is pivotal to this achievement, reflecting a shared vision for the future.”
Scientific Preservation of Cultural Values
The remnants discovered underwater serve as vital connectors between the past and present, preserving our cultural memory. AXA Turkey, through its scientific endeavors, safeguards these treasures, thus maintaining the social legacy. This initiative aligns with AXA Group’s global pledge to combat climate change, protect natural and cultural heritage, and promote sustainable tourism.
Through this project, which plays a crucial role in conserving vital cultural sites like the Kumluca and Finike shipwrecks near Antalya, AXA Turkey not only champions scientific exploration but also invigorates the historical narrative of the region.
🎥 Watch the project video:
https://youtu.be/LY2JiKhAtoI
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