Turkey has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Thirteen are cultural sites, and two are mixed. On a 2018 Turkey roadtrip, we visited twelve of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We also explored the historical areas of Istanbul during many of our visits. We have visited 4 of the 5 Turkish UNESCO sites that we are still able to see.

Turkey’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

These are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Turkey, and the year in which they were inscribed:

  • Aphrodisias (2017)
  • Archaeological Site of Troy (1998)
  • Bursa, Cumalikizik: The Birth of the Ottoman Empire (2014)
  • City of Safranbolu (1994).
  • Ephesus (2015)
  • Hattusha, the Hittite Capital (1986).
  • Istanbul’s Historic Areas (1985)
  • Neolithic Site at Catalhoyuk (2012)
  • Pergamon and its Multi-Layed Cultural Landscape (2014)
  • Xanthos-Letoon (1988)
  • Goreme National Park (1985) and Rock Sites of Cappadocia (1996)
  • Hierapolis-Pamukkale (1988)
  • Ani Archaeological Site (2016)
  • Selimiye Mosque & its Social Complex (2011)
  • Diyarbakir Fortress, Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape (2015)
  • Nemrut Dag (1987)
  • Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi (1985).

Turkey’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

1 | Aphrodisias (2017)

Aphrodisias, Turkey’s newest addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List, was inscribed in 2017 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The UNESCO listing includes both the ancient ruins and the quarries that provided marble for the site. The city, which was small and ancient in Greek Hellenistic Greece, was named after Aphrodite. It is home to the Temple of Aphrodite dating back to the 3rd century, the monument leading into the site, and the museum that houses the friezes of The Sebasteion.

Archaeological Site of Troy (1998)

The Trojan War was a site that spans 4,000 years in history. Homer immortalized the famous Tory archaeological site in the Iliad. Paris of Troy was forced to choose among three beautiful women, Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite in an early beauty contest. Paris chose Aphrodite, who had promised Paris Helen, Queen of Sparta, her love. The Trojan war was triggered by Paris’ abduction of Helen to Tory. This site has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its large remains, which are the most important evidence of contact between Anatolia’s civilizations and the Mediterranean world. Tory has inspired many artists around the globe ever since.

Bursa and Cumalikizik: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire (2014)

Between 1335 to 1363 Bursa served as the Ottoman State’s first capital and was also known as Hudavendigar (or God’s Gift) during the Ottoman period. The UNESCO listing includes 8 components. Seven are in Bursa, and Cumalikizik is nearby. Cumalikizik was established as a vakif community from public endowments. Bursa is known for its kulliye (a series of buildings that are associated with Ottoman architecture and centred around a mosque), which is well-known. The Ulu Camii Mosque, the Osman Gazi Tombs and the Ulu Camii Mosque are some of the Bursa UNESCO’s highlights.

City of Safranbolu (1994)

One example of an Ottoman city is the City of Safranbolu, which has well-preserved Ottoman architecture. It was a major player in the caravan trade, which provided the main commercial link between Europe and the Orient. This resulted in Safranbolu becoming a characteristic town. The city still has many Ottoman-style buildings and layouts. There are also 2000 traditional Safranbolu homes, which are some of the finest examples of traditional Turkish housing architecture. Three distinct historical districts in Safranbolu are listed on the UNESCO list: Cukur, Kirankoy and the Vineyards at Baglar.

5 | Ephesus (2015)

The 10th Century BC construction of Ephesus, an ancient Greek city, was completed. It contains settlements dating back to the Neolithic and Hellenistic periods, Roman, Byzantine and Selcuk periods. Cukurici Mound, Ephesus’ Ancient City, and the Ayasuluk area are all included in the UNESCO listing.

Hill, including the Basilica of St John and the Medieval Settlement as well as the Temple of Artemis, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Ephesus is a popular place for Christian pilgrimage. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the site of the excavation of the terraced homes.

Hattusha: the Hittite Capital (1986)

Hattusa was capital of the Hittite empire, an Anatolian ancient people, during the late Bronze Age. The remarkable urban organization, temples, royal residence, and fortifications preserved at Hattusa and Yazilikaya rock art (a separate site) make the archaeological site UNESCO-designated. Highlights include the Royal Gate, Lions’ Gate, and Rock Art. The Great Temple is the best-preserved ruin from a Hittite Temple dating back to the 13th Century BC.

Historic Areas of Istanbul (1985)

Istanbul, once called Constantinople, is a city with a long history. It was the capital of both the Eastern Roman Empire, and later the Ottoman Empire. The Istanbul Historic Areas are home to monuments of the Ottoman and Byzantine civilizations. They also display architectural achievements from successive imperial periods. We love the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace harem, Hagia Sophia, Chora Church, and the Hagia Sophia.

Neolithic Site of Catalhoyuk (2012)

Catalhoyuk, a Neolithic city that existed from 7500 BC to 5700 BC, was large. Two mounds are located on the site. These mounds contain evidence of Neolithic occupation, including wall paintings, sculptures and tools, as well as burial chambers in the mud-brick houses. The higher mound has 18 levels of Neolithic occupation, between 7400 BC to 6200 BC. The second mound shows the evolution in cultural practices during the Chalcolithic period (6200 BC to 5200 BC). This site is an archaeological dig. The structure of the houses has been preserved as it was found, but they are supported by sandbags to prevent further erosion.

Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape (2014)

Pergamon, founded in 281 BC was one of most important cities in the ancient world. The Acropolis of Pergamon served as the capital of Hellenistic Attalid. The Romans bequeathed it in 133 BC. Its landscape is filled with evidence of Hellenistic and Ottoman empires. It was home to theatres, gymnasiums and the Great Altar. 9 sites are included in the UNESCO listing. These include the Acropolis, Asclepieion healing center and other Ottoman or Roman remains. The Trajan Temple, which is the highest surviving Roman Theatre, is an impressive highlight.

10 | Xanthos-Letoon (1988)

Nearby is the ancient city of Xanthos, which was once the capital of Lycia. Letoon, a cult shrine of Leto, is also located. These two sites form a remarkable archaeological ensemble and are thought to be the best preserved architectural example of ancient Lycian Civilization. This is one of Anatolia’s most important cultures during the Iron Age.

Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia (1985)

The Goreme Valley, a magical UNESCO site that we visited during our travels was created entirely by erosion. These valleys are full of fairy chimneys, evidence of underground cities and cave dwellings, as well as Byzantine artwork that indicates human habitat back to the 4th century.

12 | Hierapolis-Pamukkale (1988)

Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city, was a thermal spa town located at the hot springs in Pamukkale. This is the cotton castle of the classical kingdom Phrygia. The ruins of Hierapolis sit atop the natural Pamukkale site and are jointly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its combination of ancient and natural is still stunning today. The site was named UNESCO because of its striking combination of natural formation, an exceptional complex system canals, and the backdrop of Pamukkale and the Greco Roman Hierapolis.

Archaeological Site of Ani (2016)

Ani was once the capital of Bagratid Armenian’s independent state. This kingdom spanned much of Armenia and eastern Turkey. Ani is now a ruined medieval settlement near Turkey’s border to Armenia. Ani was situated on several trade routes into Anatolia, and was a major commercial hub on the Silk Road. It is also known as the “City of 1001 Churches” because it was the home of the Armenian chief bishop and spiritual leader. Ani is home to many religious buildings, palaces, and fortifications that were built using volcanic basalt. They are among the most artistically and technically advanced in the world. The UNESCO listing covers the citadel and the remains and various churches, as well as the outer citadel. It also includes the Bostanlar Creek rock-carved structures and the area outside of the city walls.

Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex (2011)

Edirne is home to the Selimiye Mosche and Social Complex. The Erdine skyline is dominated by the mosque, which Sultan Selim II commissioned and was built by Mimar Sinan, an Ottoman architect. It is a landmark in Sinan’s career, and one of the greatest achievements of Islamic architecture. It includes Islamic schools, a covered marketplace, a clockhouse, an outer courtyard, and a library.

Diyarbakir Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape (2015)

The Diyarbakir Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape are comprised of the Diyarbakir Fortress (a historical fortress) and the Hevsel Gardens (7 hundred hectares) of fertile lands, which lie between the Diyarbakir Fortresses and the Tigris River. It consists of an inner castle, the Diyarbakir city walls, and the Hevsel Gardens that provided food and water to the city.

16 | Nemrut Dag (1987)

Nemrut Day, a mountain at 2,134 metres high, is located in the south-west Turkey. It was built by King Antiochus I, of Commagene in 62 BC. The King, two lions and two eagles flank the tomb, as well as many gods. Their heads are scattered around the site. The mausoleum, one of the most complex constructions of the Hellenistic period, is an exceptional artistic achievement.

Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi (1985)

The Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi are a complex of a hospital and a mosque that was built after Anatolia was conquered in 1228 by the Turks. With its extravagant decorative structure, it is considered a masterpiece in Islamic architecture.

Follow Law
Law Helps
Prefer Law
Allow Law
Guide Law
Final Law
Law Professional
Law Sure
Daily Law Study
Values Law
Law Life Time
Happy Life Law
Flowing Law
One Life Law
Law Success
Law About