Protection and governance of the HMS Majestic wreck

11/06/2026 Arda Tonay

Protection and governance of the HMS Majestic wreck

Kerem Ünal 

ORCID ID: 0009-0004-0839-9789

Graduate School of Social Sciences, Galatasaray University, 34349 Istanbul, TÜRKİYE
Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV), 34820 Beykoz, Istanbul, TÜRKİYE

Abstract

Wrecks of the Gallipoli Campaign form part of the underwater cultural heritage (UCH) of Türkiye and humanity, reflecting the distinctive Gallipoli Historic Site, which hosts the cultural heritage of World War I, both on land and underwater. They are also unique in terms of the rich marine biodiversity they host and their potential for sustainable diving tourism. The HMS Majestic wreck, as a well-known British wreck of warship, stands out in this regard. The Directorate of Gallipoli Historic Site not only regulates this heritage but also initiates preservation efforts, such as the opening of Gallipoli Historical Underwater Park in 2021 and the “Deep Heritage” project, aiming at the cathodic protection of the wrecks of the Gallipoli Campaign, including Majestic. In addition to the jurisdictional questions that may arise between the coastal State, the Republic of Türkiye, and the flag State, the United Kingdom, and the respect for human remains, the protection and governance of these wrecks are at the core of the long-term preservation of UCH in the Çanakkale Strait, within the territorial waters of Türkiye. This review article aims to examine the governance measures related to the Majestic wreck in light of the complexities arising under international law.

Keywords: Majestic wreck, Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH), diving tourism, governance, Gallipoli Campaign

Pages: 151-166

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