Türkiye’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Ani
Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016
Ani is located in the Kars province in the North Eastern part of Türkiye. It is close to the border of present day Armenia. It used to be a part of Armenia in the Middle Ages in the 5th Century BC. Today it has been listed as one of the 6 World Heritage sites by UNESCO in Turkiye.
Cappadocia
Declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985
Istanbul, Turkiye’s crown jewel, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and architecture. As the country’s most popular city, Istanbul has welcomed 10.5 million visitors by July 2024, out of the 60 million tourists expected to visit Türkiye by the end of 2024.
Ephesus
Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015
Ephesus was a thriving port and an ancient Greco Roman settlement from 6000 BC. Ephesus is particularly known for its Temple of Artemis, Library of Celcus, and the Great Theatre, with a capacity of seating 24,000 people.
Göbekli Tepe
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987
The site is from 11000 to 12000 BC, Neo-Lethic pre-pottery periods. This area is part of Upper Mesopotamia, a region known for introducing ancient farming. It is also known for its T-shaped large lime stone structures having animal shape carvings. The site provides an intuition into earliest proofs of a community employing engineering technology by skilled craftsmen. This site has all the indications of initial existance of a hierarchical structure in a society.
Nemrut Dağ
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1987
Nemrut Dağ (Mount Nemrut) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southeastern Türkey. It is renowned for its monumental tomb and the impressive statues that adorn its summit, making it one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country.
Troy
Declared as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1998
Troy is without a doubt, one of the most recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world. This site belongs to the Bronze era from around 3600 BC. It was discovered by a German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in 1870.
Topkapi Palace Museum
Declared as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1998
Topkapi Palace Museum, located in Istanbul is one of the most significant historical sites in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, the palace is now a museum that showcases the rich history and culture of the Ottoman Empire. Its rich collections, stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens provide a captivating glimpse into the life of the sultans and the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.
Zeyrek Mosque
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985
The building was originally constructed as a Byzantine church in the 12th century, dedicated to Christ Pantocrator. It was part of a larger monastic complex and served as an important religious site during the Byzantine period.
The Chora
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987
The Chora Church locally called Kariye Müzesi or Kariye Camii is one of the most significant examples of Byzantine architecture and art located in Edirnekapı neighborhood of Fateh district. It is renowned for its stunning mosaics and frescoes, which depict various biblical scenes and figures.
Hagia Sophia
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987
It is one of the most significant architectural achievements in history located in Fateh district. It was originally constructed as a cathedral in 537 AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it served as the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years.
Aphrodisias
Declared in World Heritage by UNESCO in 2017
Aphrodisias is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Türkiye, inscribed in 2017. It is renowned for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient city that was dedicated to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.
Arslan Tepe Mound
Declared in World Heritage by UNESCO in 2021
This archaeological site is located is located near the city of Malatya in eastern Türkiye. Specifically, it is situated about 20 kilometers (approximately 12 miles) southwest of Malatya, in the region known as the Eastern Anatolia.
Bursa and Cumalıkızık
Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 2014
Bursa and Cumalıkızık were enlisted as a world heritage due to their historical significance and well-preserved examples of early Ottoman architecture and urban planning.
Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği
Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1985
The Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Divriği, Türkiye. It was listed on the World Heritage List due to its outstanding architectural and historical significance.
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1985
This unique area is renowned for its extraordinary geological formations, historical significance, and rich cultural heritage.
Hattusha: the Hittite Capita
Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1986
Hattusha was declared a World Heritage due to its historical significance and archaeological importance.
Hierapolis Pamukkale
Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1988
Hierapolis-Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Türkiye.This site is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and significant archaeological remains.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 2014
Pergamon (modern-day Bergama), is notable for its multi-layered cultural landscape, which reflects the city’s importance during various historical periods, particularly in the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras.
Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex
Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 2011
The Selimiye Mosque and its social complex, located in Edirne, Türkey, is a masterpiece is a significant example of Ottoman architecture and reflects the cultural and historical richness of the period.
Xanthos Letoon
Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1988
Xanthos-Letoon is located in southwestern Türkey. This site is significant for its rich archaeological remains that reflect the history and culture of the Lycian civilization, which flourished in the region during the first millennium BCE. Xanthos-Letoon is a remarkable archaeological site that offers insights into the Lycian civilization’s political, cultural, and religious life. Its well-preserved ruins and monuments make it a significant destination for historians, archaeologists, and tourists interested in ancient history and the rich heritage of Türkey.