Turkey on the World Heritage List

Turkey on the World Heritage List


Turkey has signed the World Heritage Convention in 1983 and through the work carried out under the responsibility of the General Directorate for Cultural Heritage and Museums, 9 properties were inscribed on the World heritage List. Among these properties, Historical Areas of İstanbul, City of Safranbolu, Hattusha (Bogazkoy)- Hittite Capital, Nemrut Mountain, Xanthos-Lethoon, Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi and Archeological Site of Troy are listed as cultural, while Pamukkale-Hierapolis and Göreme National Park-Rock Sites of Cappadocia are listed both as cultural and natural heritage.

In Turkey many civilizations were settled beginning from the earliest ages of humanity, signs of which are spread all around the country. The spectacular examples of the natural wonders support this rich cultural heritage.

Natural and Cultural Properties on the World Heritage List in Turkey

Historic Areas of Istanbul
Date of Inscription : 6.12.1985
Ref : 356
Criteria : Cultural

Strategically located on the Peninsula between the Balkans and Anatolia, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, Istanbul has been associated with the major political, religious and artistic events for more than 2000 years. The cultural heritage of Istanbul is shaped by its location as a strategic entrance to Anatolia, central Asia and the Middle East on the on hand, and to Europe on the other. The city of Istanbul, which was built at the crossroads of the two continents, was the capital of three great empires: The East Roman, The Byzantine and the Ottoman. During these periods emperors and sultans, drawing upon the wealth of their realms, embellished the city with palaces, temples, churches and mosques, other public buildings and structures.

“The Historic Areas of Istanbul”, inscribed in the World Heritage List in 1985, are composed of four main areas: The Archaeological Park, Süleymaniye Mosque and its associated Conservation Area, Zeyrek Mosque and its associated Conservation Area, Land Walls of Istanbul.

World Heritage Committee examined state of the conservation of Historic Areas of Istanbul at its 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st and 32nd sessions and requested Turkish authorities to submit a progressive report concerning the state of the conservation of the site. Ministry prepared and submitted 5 progressive reports on the state of the conservation of the site in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Final decision will be taken in 2009.

Göreme National Park and Cappodocia
Date of Inscription :6.12.1985
Ref. : 357
Criteria : Natural / Cultural

In a spectacular landscape, entirely sculpted by erosion, the Göreme valley and its surroundings contain rock-hewn sanctuaries that provide unique evidence of Byzantine art in the post-Iconoclastic period. Dwellings, troglodyte villages and underground towns – the remains of a traditional human habitat dating back to the 4th century – can also be seen there. It contains unique natural features and displays a harmonious of natural and cultural landscape elements

Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi
Dünya Miras Listesine Alınma Tarihi : 6.12.1985
Liste Sıra No : 358
Criteria : Cultural

The earliest settlement in Divrigi and its environs goes back to the Hittite Period. In 1228-29 Ahmet Shah and his wife Turan Melek founded a mosque, with its adjoining hospital, at Divrigi during the Mengucekogullari Period. The mosque has a single prayer room and is crowned by two cupolas. The highly sophisticated technique of vault construction, and a creative, exuberant type of decorative sculpture - particularly on the three doorways, in contrast to the unadorned walls of the interior - are the unique features of this masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

Hattusha (Bogazkoy)-The Hittite Capital
Date of Inscription : 28.11.1986
Ref. : 377
Criteria : Cultural

The archaeological site of Hattusha, former capital of the Hittite Empire, is notable for its urban organization, the types of construction that have been preserved (temples, royal residences, fortifications), the rich ornamentation of the Lions' Gate and the Royal Gate, and the ensemble of rock art at Yazilikaya. The city enjoyed considerable influence in Anatolia and northern Syria in the 2nd millennium B.C.

Nemrut Mountain
Date of Inscription : 11.12.1987
Ref : 448
Criteria : Cultural

The mausoleum of Antiochus I, who reigned over Commagene, a kingdom founded north of Syria and the Euphrates after the breakup of Alexander's empire, is one of the most ambitious constructions of the Hellenistic period. The syncretism of its pantheon, and the lineage of its kings, which can be traced back through two sets of legends, Greek and Persian, is evidence of the dual origin of this kingdom's culture.

XANTHOS - LETOON
Date of Inscription : 9.12.1988
Ref : 484
Criteria : Kültürel

This site, which was the capital of Lycia, illustrates the blending of Lycian traditions and Hellenic influence, especially in its funerary art. The epigraphic inscriptions are crucial for our understanding of the history of the Lycian people and their Indo-European language.

Pamukkale- Hiearapolis
Date of Inscription : 9.12.1988
Ref : 485
Criteria : Natural / Cultural

Deriving from springs in a cliff almost 200 m high overlooking the plain, calcite-laden waters have created at Pamukkale (Cotton Palace) an unreal landscape, made up of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of terraced basins. At the end of the 2nd century B.C. the dynasty of the Attalids, the kings of Pergamon, established the thermal spa of Hierapolis. The ruins of the baths, temples and other Greek monuments can be seen at the site.

World Heritage Committee requested state party to submit a report concerning the state of the conservation of the site, construction of thermal water distribution network and management plan. A detailed report on the requested issues by the Committee was prepared and submitted by the Ministry in 2006.

City of Safranbolu
Date of Inscription: 17.12.1994
Ref: 614
Criteria : Cultural

From the 13th century to the advent of the railway in the early 20th century, Safranbolu was an important caravan station on the main East–West trade route. Surviving buildings from this early period include the Old Mosque, Old Bath and Süleyman Pasha Medrese, all built in 1322. It is a typical Ottoman city that has survived to the present day. The architectural forms of the buildings and the streets are illustrative of their period.

Archeological Site of Troy
Date of Inscription: 05.12.1998
Ref: 849
Criteria : Cultural
Troy, with its 3,000 years of history, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The first excavations at the site were undertaken by the famous archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in 1870. In scientific terms, its extensive remains are the most significant demonstration of the first contact between the civilizations of Anatolia and the Mediterranean world. Moreover, the siege of Troy by Spartan and Achaean warriors from Greece in the 13th or 12th century B.C., immortalized by Homer in the Iliad, has inspired great creative artists throughout the world ever since.

The archaeological site of Troy is of immense significance in the understanding of the development of European civilization at a critical stage in its early development. It is, moreover, of exceptional cultural importance because of the profound influence of Homer’s Iliad on the creative arts over more than two millennia.

In Accordance with the criteria described in the Operational Guidelines for Implementation of World Heritage Convention 18 properties are listed in our new tentative list approved by the World Heritage Committee in 2000.

Relationships between world cultures, spirituality of sites, nomadism and migration, routes for people and goods, different modes of occupation of land, cultural landscapes, traditional life styles and settlements are all taken into account while preparing the tentative list.

In our tentative list, there are 2 mixed sites and 16 cultural sites. These sites are as follows:
- Edirne Selimiye Mosque
- Bursa and Cumalikizik Early Ottoman urban and rural settlements
- Konya-Acapital of Seljuk Civilization
- Alanya
- Seljuk Caravanseraias on the Route from Denizli to Dogubeyazit Ephesus
- Ishak Pashe Palace
- Harran and Sanli Urfa
- The Citadel and the Walls of Diyarbakir
- The Tombstones of Ahlat the Urartian and Ottoman citadel
- Sümela Monastery (The Monastery of Virgin Mary)
- Alahan Monastery
- St. Nicholas Church
- St. Paul Church, St. Paul’s Well and surrounding historic quarters
- Kekova
- Güllük Mountain-Termessos National Park
- Ephesus
- Karain Cave
- Mardin Cultural Landscape

Edirne Selimiye Mosque
Location: Marmara Region
Coordinates: 260 34’ East, 410 41’ North
Criteria : a) i, ii, iii, iv, Cultural

Selimiye Mosque, the so called masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, has been constructed between 1569-1575. The mosque, with its technical superiority, the dimensions and aesthetic values, is one of the most magnificent works of its own era as well as the following eras.

The complex built in the historic centre of Edirne comprises two madrasas, a primary school and a covered bazaar besides this magnificent mosque.

Bursa and Cumalikizik Early Ottoman urban and rural settlements
Location : Marmara Region
Coordiantes : 290 04’ East, 400 12’ North
Criteria : a) i, iii, iv, Cultural

Bursa was founded in 200 BC by King Prusia of Bitinia and was ruled by the Roman and Byzantium Empires for centuries. The main importance of the city is that it became the first political centre of the Ottomans.

There are 127 mosques, 45 tombs, 34 madrasas, 25 inns, 37 public bath houses, 14 public kitchens and dervish lodges constructed during the first 6 sultans of Ottomans.

Cumalikizik located on the northern skirts of Uludag was established to provide logistic support just before the conquer of Bursa. It has preserved not only its historical texture but the traditional lifestyle up to this date as well.

Konya-Acapital of Seljuk Civilization
Location : Central Anatolia Region
Coordinates : 320 30’ East, 370 52’ North
Criteria : a) i, ii, iv, Cultural

Konya a cradle of many civilizations became a center of culture and politics during the period of Seljuks. During the 12 th and 13 th centuries the city acted as the capital of Seljuks and many public buildings, examples of Seljukian stone carving were built at that time.

Seljuks created a unique artistic world with cultural links reaching out from the Anatolian heartland to central Asia, the Middle East and the shores of the Mediterrannean and Konya is the significant example of this world.

The outer fortress of Konya and the Alaaddin Mosque, the Sirçali Madrasa, many small mosques and tombs are examples of Seljukian architectural elements of Konya.

Alanya
Location :Mediterranean Region
Coordinates : 310 59’ East, 360 32’ North
Criteria : a) iii, iv, Cultural

The peninsula of Alanya surrounded by city walls was named "Karakesion" during the Hellenistic period went under the hegomany of Romans and Byzantines, followed by the Seljuks. Inside the Alanya castle there exist a Seljuk cistern, a Byzantine church, the Keykubat Sultan Palace and the ruins of a Seljuk bath, completed with the traditional urban texture.

The castle extends down to the sea and encloses a medieval dockyard that is guarded by a 33 meter high octagonal tower of red stone and brick.

Selcuk Caravanseraias on the Route from Denizli to Dogubeyazit Ephesus
Location : The route cuts Anatolia from West to East.
Criteria : a) ii, iii, iv, Cultural

The caravanserais, a new architectural type with social function developed in central Asia by the Karakhanids and Ghaznavids passed into Anatolian Turkish architecture. The institution of caravanserais has its most variations in Seljuk Anatolia, using the forms of Anatolian stone architecture.

These buildings offering travellers in mountain and desert all the possibilities and comforts of civilization of the period each effectively a social fondation subject to an organized and continuous state programme, appear to present a typical characteristic of Turkish society, Denizli-Dogubeyazlt Route consists of about 40 Hans about which 10 are very well preserved.

Significant Hans and Caravanserias located on the proposed route:
Akhan
Pinarbasi Han
Egridir Han
Pınarpazarı Hanı
Kantarcı Han
Obruk Han
Oklu Han
Sultan Han (2)
Akhan
Ağzıkarahan
Sünnetli Han
Sikre Han
Ertokuş Han
Kireli Han
Elikesik Han
Kavak Han
Kuruçeşme Han
Altınapa Han
Sadettin Han
Zincirli Han
Akbaş Han
Öresin Han
Han Camisi
Sultan Han
Şahruk Köprüsü Han
Lala Kervansarayı
Gedik Han
Latif Han
Mugar Han
Cibci Han
Pervane Han
Kargı Han
Köprüköyü Hanı
Mamahatun Kervansarayı
Hacı Bekir Han

Ishak Pashe Palace
Location: Eastern Anatolia Region
Coordinates : 440 08’ East, 390 31’ North
Criteria : a) i, iii, iv, Cultural

Ishak Pasha Palace on the Silk Route near the Iranian frontier, is situated on a high and vast platform of strategic importance on an area of 7600 meter square.

It is not at all in the Ottoman tradition but is rather a mixture of Anatolian, Iranian and North Mesopotamian architectural tradition.

The traditional model used in the construction of the Royal Palaces in the capital cities like Bursa, Edirne and Istanbul was taken as an example in the design of Ishak Pasha Palace. The western influence in Ottoman architecture during the post-classical period can be observed is Ishak Pasha Palace.


Harran and Şanliurfa
Location : Southern East Anatolia Region
Criteria : a) i, ii, iii, iv, Cultural

Sanliurfa known as the city of prophets has a very rich and for reaching background, due to its location in the great fertile plain of upper Mesopotamia Sanliurfa was praised as the city of prophets Hiob, Jethro and St. George besides Abraham who were said to have lived here.

This Holy city is full of historic religious, public and civil architectural buildings. All are the best examples of tradition and art stone.

The old city of Harran is situated in a land through which have run trade routes from Iskenderun to Antakya (ancient Antioch) and to Kargam~s. The city is mentioned in the Holy bible and in the documents founded at Mari (a city on the Northern Syria) It is important not only for hosting the early civilizations but it is the place where the first Islamic University is founded. The traditional civil architecture, mudbrick houses with conic roofs, are unique.

The Citadel and TheWalls Of Diyarbakir
Location : Southeast Anatolia Region
Coordinates : 400 14’ East, 370 55’ North
Criteria : a) i, iii, v, Cultural

The citadel and the walls of Diyarbakir is situated 100 m. above the valley of River Tigris.

Diyarbakir still carries e mediavel atmosphere with its walls encircling the city. Although there were Roman and probably earlier walls here, the present walls date back to early Byzantine times.

Diyarbakır Citadel and Walls, besides being the unique example with the inscriptions of written documents of Anatolian History, they also carry an outstanding universal value by keeping the archaeological features and atmosphere of various historical periods till today.

There are sixteen keeps and five gates, each of which deserves seeig along with their inscriptions and reliefs.

The black basalt walls are perfect examples of the military architecture of the Middle Ages. The walls today are 10-12 m high and 3-5 m thick.

The Tombstones of Ahlat the Urartian and Ottoman citadel
Location : Eastern Anatolia Region
Coordinates : 420 30’ East, 380 45’ North
Criteria : a) i, iii, Cultural

Though the history of the city dates back to 900 BC, its famous for her tombstones dating to 12 th-15th centuties AD. It has an important place in the Islamic world in their variation within Anatolian tomb architecture in dimension and design.

Tombstones in Ahlat, some of the most outstanding tombstones and mausoleums of the early Turkish period in Anatolia are to be seen in Ahlat. These works are not only important sources of information on the technical and decorative repertoire of the period, but also act as historical sources for important masons and craftman, whose names appear in inscriptions there.

Sumela Monastery
Location : Blacksea Region
Coordinates : 390 02’ East, 400 48’ North
Criteria : a) i, iii, iv, Cultural

Sumela is a monastic complex built into the rock cliffs of the Altmdere Valley. It is construction began in 385 AD; and continued until the 19 th century. Barnabas, a monk from Athens and his nephew Sophronios built the section which comprised the first two rooms of the monastry in rocks.

Alahan Monastery
Location: Mediterranean Region
Coordinates : 320 31’ East, 370 52’ North
Criteria : a) i, iii, iv, Cultural

The monastery and its adjoining structures lie at a distance of one hour's walk from the small village of Alahan. The group of buildings consists of small cells for the monks placed in theree churches and in the rocks linked by a straight line of columns. The building complex streches along the side of the mountain and covers an area of 30x200 m's.

The existing cultural remains demonstrate that the complex was surrounded by small houses. It is quite possible that the monastery official, and monks lived in these houses.

St. Nicholas Church
Location: Mediterranean Region
Coordinates: 360 7.5’ East, 290 58’ North
Criteria : a) iii, iv, Cultural

St.Nicholas church is in ancient Myria a large city in the Lykian Group developed tremendously in the 2nd century AD. The church is made for the Bishop of this Mediterranean city during the 4th century AD.

Myra was an intersection of trading routes in antique times, enabling the encounters of different cultures, both from the East and West, which acquired parts of the St. Nicholas cult

The relations with the Imperial capital, Constantinople, as well as many other cities, rendered the site a cosmopolitan centre of influence, both in terms of urban life and the development of Christianity. The great scale and wealth of St. Nicholas Church is a direct derivative of the role of Myra as a capital, which affected its whole urban fabric.

St. Paul Church, St. Paul’s Well and surrounding historic quarters
Location: Mediterranean Region
Criteria : a) ii, iii, iv, Cultural
Tarsus is the birth place of St.Paul, situated on the edge of the fertile Çukurova plain in the city full of cedar groves city is the meeting place of legendary lovers Antony and Cleopatra. There is the commerative Cleopatra gate, to reach St.Paul's well and the St.Paul Church, the old vernacular style streets of the city to be followed.

Kekova
Location : Mediterranean Region
Coordinates : 290 53’ East, 360 13’ North
Criteria : a) i, iii, Natural a) ii, iii, Cultural

Kekova is the name of a region of fascinating islands, bays and ancient cities. Kekova has a rarely seen attraction, a long the shore of the Island a sunken city is observed. The geological movements of the Island caused the city on the Island to be submerged, creating a strange scene with half of the city under water and half above. Teimiussa, Simena are the main Lycian settlements in the area.

Kekova is the only area where the flying fish can be watched in this region.

Beyond its cultural features, Kekova shows very significant geological formations, undulated coastal line, hydro biological features and scenic beauty of the area form an outstanding quality. It is a remarkable example of cultural continuity, and a living cultural assent as well.

Güllük Mountain Termessos National Park
Location : Mediterranean Region
Coordinates : 300 30’ East, 370 00’ North
Criteria : a) ii, iii, v, Cultural a) ii, iii, iv, Natural

Gulluk Dagi National Park is located within the province of Antalya in a valley hidden between mountains.

There is the ancient fortified city of Termessos rising 1050 m above the sea level.

The most significant remains of the site are the city walls, Towers, King's Road, Hadrian's Gate, Gymnasium, Agora, Theatre, Odeon, Richly, Decorated Tombs, cisterns and drainage system.

Other features of the Natural Park are the step rocks of Gulluk Dagi and the Mecine Canyon with its 600 m high walls along with the typical Mediterranean vegetation sheltering such endangered wild creatures as Mountain Goats, Fallow Deer and Golden Eagle.

Ephesus
Location : Mediterranean Region
Coordinates : 290 53’ East, 360 13’ North
Criteria : a) i, iii, Natural a) ii, iii, Cultural

The Temple of Artemis, which was considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is situated on the edge of this small town. The city which was situated at the beginning of the Persian Royal Road has survived sufficiently enough to enable us to understand the ancient way of life in Ephesus. It is one of the cities which played an impressive role in the beginnings of Christianity and during the period of its proliferation (St.John Church and the shrine of the Virgin Mary). It contains one of the most spectacular examples of religious architecture of the Seljuk Period.

In 2000 the nomination file of Ephesus was sent to the World Heritage Centre. Since the World Heritage Committee decided that the management plan prepared for the site was insufficient, the nomination file was deferred.

Karain Cave
Location : Mediterranean Region
Coordinates : 300 34’ East, 370 05’ North
Criteria : a) iii, vi Cultural

The cave is situated 30 km. north, north-west of Antalya. It is on the east slope of mount Katran which is in the range of western Taurus Mountains. Carved in Cratese period limestone, its altitude is 430m from the sea level and 150m from the travertine plain. The plain which is formed by transgression is one of the largest travertine plains in the world.

There are fine water springs where the plain meets the mountains. Geological and geomorphological researches in the recent years revealed a lake in the middle of the plain in Pleistocene; and many open air settlements in Paleolithic period. This is proved by the fossils of hippopotamus bones and shells of invertebrate found in the fauna of the Karain cave. The location of the cave is near the strait of Cubuk which is an important passage connecting the Mediterranean region with Inner Anatolia and the Region of Lakes. Karain is a complex of caves rather than a single cave. It consists of many chambers. These chambers are separated by calcite walls and narrow and curve passageways. Stalactites and stalagmites enrich the marvelous appearance of the cave. On the outer surface of the cave there are numerous niches and Greek inscriptions.

The nomination file of Karain Cave was submitted to the World Heritage Center in 2000. Since the Committee decided that nomination criteria described in the file were not sufficient, it was deferred by the Committee.

Mardin Cultural Lanscape
Location : Southeast Anatolia Region
Coordinates : 400 44’ East, 370 19’ North
Criteria : a) ii, iii, iv, Cultural

Mardin is a city in a rocky region in southeastern Anatolia. The city is mainly medieval in origin and is situated on the slopes of a rocky hill, crowned by o fortress built on its citadel.

This barren stoney region around Diyarbaklr and Mardin stretches as for as Sanliurfa and Gaziantep.

The city as a whole with its traditional stone, religious and vernacular architecture and its terraced urban pattern is the best preserved example of Anatolian soil.

Having embodied many civilizations throughout history, Mardin displays very rich architectural, ethnographical, archaeological and historical values.

The nomination file of Mardin Cultural Landscape was submitted to the World Heritage Committee in 2002. Turkish authorities have requested that historic city of Mardin not be examined by the 27th session of World Heritage Committee and therefore, nomination was withdrawn by the Ministry.
Paylaş