A major EU-funded project has revitalized the eastern province of , enhancing its historical identity and tourism potential. The "City of Kars with its Historical Identity Project," funded by the European Union Pre-Accession Assistance Fund ( ) and implemented by Türkiye's Ministry of Industry and Technology under the Competitive Sectors Operational Program (CISOP), began in 2021. The oversees the project, which has a total budget of approximately 5.
5 million euro. The EU contributes 85 percent of the funding, while Türkiye covers the remaining 15 percent. Significant renovations have been completed as part of the project's construction component.
Facade improvements for 23 registered and nine unregistered buildings on Haydar Aliyev Street in center of Kars, along with pavement and road renovations, lighting, landscaping, and the installation of signboards and street furniture, were carried out. Additionally, protective fences, street furniture, and directional signs have been added to the Ruins, a historical site in the region. As of July 2023, these construction efforts were completed.
The technical assistance component of the project focuses on enhancing Kars' tourism sector. This includes current situation analyses, strategy and action plan development, establishment of a tourism governance structure, service quality improvement, and promotional activities at both national and international levels. During a recent visit hosted by the Serhat Development Agency, a group.