BURDUR

Archaeological Site Of Sagalassos

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 06/02/2009
List Reference: 5409
Criteria: Cultural

City in the Clouds

The archaeological site of Sagalassos is located in southwest Turkey, near the present town of Aglasun (Burdur province); roughly 110 km to the north of the well-known port and holiday resort of Antalya.

Large-scale excavations started in 1990.Most of the buildings in Sagalassos are from Hellenistic and Roman periods and well preserved, one of them is the great theater with a capacity of 9,000 people. This is a theater built on the highest altitude in the world. The city has many tombs carved into the rocks, a library, Heroon, Bouleterion (city council), temples, baths, agoras (market place), and monumental fountains which are also intact or restored. Many marble sculptures found during the excavations, belonging to ancient gods such as Ares, Herakles, Hermes, Zeus, Athena and Poseidon, and colossal statues of the emperor Hadrian, emperor Marcus Aurelius, and Faustina as the wife of the emperor Antoninus Pius, are one of the best examples of this art in Anatolia.

ANTALYA

Archaeological Site of Perge

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 06/02/2009
List Reference:  5411
Criteria: Cultural

Ancient Perge, one of the chief cities of Pamphylia

Perge, the long-established city of Pamphylia region, is located 18 km east of Antalya and 2 km north of Aksu Village. The Archaeological site of Perge has been excavated systemically by Istanbul University since 1946.Perge is famous by the fact that when Saint Paul started his journeys, he visited Perge in 46 A.D. and preached his first sermon here. That's why it became an important city for the Christians during Byzantine period.The first excavations began in 1946 by the Istanbul University, and they resulted in many important discoveries. A theatre exists there, consisting of three main sections: the seating, orchestra and stage. It held 12,000 spectators, with 19 rows of seats on the lower section, 23 on the top section, and a 52-metre stage.The stadium measures 34 square metres, with 13 rows of seats on top of the vaults. The eastern and western sides have 30 vaults each and the northern side has 10. For every three vaults there is an entrance to the stadium, and the other two were used as shops.

The Agora was the commercial and political centre of the city, with shops surrounding the central courtyard, some of which have mosaics on the floor.The agora measured 76 square metres, with a circular structure, in the centre with a diameter of 13.40 metres.

The colonnaded boulevard lies between the Hellenistic Gate and the nympheum on the slopes of the acropolis. On both sides of the street, 20 metres in width, are porticoes, some up to five meters high, behind which are shops. The street is divided into two, by a 2-metre wide water canal running through the middle.

Other structures include the necropolis, city walls, gymnasium, Roman Baths, memorial fountain and the Greek and Roman gates.

AYDIN

Archaeological Site of Aphrodisias

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 06/02/2009
List Reference:  5406
Criteria: Cultural

City of Love

Perge, the long-established city of Pamphylia region, is located 18 km east of Antalya and 2 km north of Aksu Village. The Archaeological site of Perge has been excavated systemically by Istanbul University since 1946.Perge is famous by the fact that when Saint Paul started his journeys, he visited Perge in 46 A.D. and preached his first sermon here. That's why it became an important city for the Christians during Byzantine period.The first excavations began in 1946 by the Istanbul University, and they resulted in many important discoveries. A theatre exists there, consisting of three main sections: the seating, orchestra and stage. It held 12,000 spectators, with 19 rows of seats on the lower section, 23 on the top section, and a 52-metre stage.The stadium measures 34 square metres, with 13 rows of seats on top of the vaults. The eastern and western sides have 30 vaults each and the northern side has 10. For every three vaults there is an entrance to the stadium, and the other two were used as shops.

The Agora was the commercial and political centre of the city, with shops surrounding the central courtyard, some of which have mosaics on the floor.The agora measured 76 square metres, with a circular structure, in the centre with a diameter of 13.40 metres.

The colonnaded boulevard lies between the Hellenistic Gate and the nympheum on the slopes of the acropolis. On both sides of the street, 20 metres in width, are porticoes, some up to five meters high, behind which are shops. The street is divided into two, by a 2-metre wide water canal running through the middle.

Other structures include the necropolis, city walls, gymnasium, Roman Baths, memorial fountain and the Greek and Roman gates.

ANTALYA

Gulluk Mountain Termessos National Park

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1412
Criteria: Cultural

A Hidden Mountain City

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 ancient city of Termessos was found by the Solims who lived in the Psidia Region. Although there are nofacts available about Termessos and Solims, they are natured by Homer in the Iliad in connection with the legend of Bellerophon. 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.

ANTALYA

Ancient Cities of Lycian Civilisation

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 06/02/2000
List Reference:  5408
Criteria: Cultural

Reflections In The Mirror Of Time

The ancient geographical region of Lycia situates on the Teke Peninsula on the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Ancient Lycia was surrounded by Mediterranean Sea on the south, Caria on the west and Pamphylia on the east. Lycian Civilization is well-known by many remains in this area dated to 5th and 4th century B.C. belonging to Hellenistic and Roman Period. The written Egyptian and Hittite sources of dated back to the 2th millennium B.C. mentions a tribe called "Luka" or "Lukka" and Hittite king Suppiluliuma mentions his conquer the "Lycia Country" in 14th century B.C. Also, written sources about the Kadesh Battle calls these people as "Lukkies the sea people". According to the historians "Lukka" means "Land of the Light". Lycia was ruled by Syrian king Antiochus III starting from the end of the 2nd century B.C. until mid 2nd century B.C. In the mid 1st century B.C. "Lycian League" was established which comprised of 23 cities. This union was the first known democratic federation in the history which inspired the modern day democratic systems. Major cities of this federation were Patara (being the capital city), Xanthos, Pinara, Olympos, Myra and Tlos which had three votes later joined Phaselis. Teke Peninsula also holds the other cities of Lycian League, many of those are well known from the systematic excavations, also form the coins and inscriptions namely Andriake, Sura, Kyaenai, Limyra, Theimmusa, Simena, Istlada, Trebende, Aperlae. Todey,many relics of the Lycians remain visible today, especially their distinctive rock-cut tombs in the sides of cliffs in the region. Moreover , Lycia was an important center of worship for the goddess Leto and later, her twin children, Apollo and Artemis.

ANTALYA

Kekova

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1411
Criteria: Cultural

In the Heart of Lycia

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 wathched in this region. Beyond its cultural features, Kekova shows very significant geological formations, ondulated coastal line, hydrobiological features and scenic beauty of the area form an outstanding quality. It is a remarkable example of cultural continuity, and a living cultural assents as well.

AGRI

Ishak Pasha Palace

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1410
Criteria: Cultural

Splendor In Isolation

Ishak Pasha Palace is a semi-ruined palace and administrative complex located in the Dogubeyazit district of Agri province of Turkey. Construction of Ishak Pasha Palace began in 1685 by Colak Abdi Pasha, the bey of Bayazit province. His grandson, Ishak Pasha completed this stunning palace in 1784. The Palace 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.

TARSUS

St. Paul Church, St. Paul&s Well and surrounding historic quarters

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1409
Criteria: Cultural

Saul of Tarsus

Tarsus is the birth place of St.Paul, situated on the edge of the fertile Cukurova plain in the city full of cedar groves city is the meeting place of legendery 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.

The St. Paul's well is located on the place where stood the house of the saint in the ancient town of Tarsus. The legends say that St. Paul often drank from this well and it seems that the water has special curative properties.

BURSA

Bursa and Cumalikizik Early Ottoman Urban and Rural Settlements

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1407
Criteria: Cultural

Anatolia's living culture

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. It became a district of Bursa in time.

MARDIN

Mardin Culturel Landscape

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1406
Criteria: Cultural

Mesopotamia's Eyes

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. Deyrulzafaran Monastery is one of the living religious center of Syriandacobites in Mardin, an impressive architectural complex in the Mesopotamian plain.

Seljuk Caravanserais

Seljuk Caravanserais on the route from Denizli to Dogubeyazit

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1403
Criteria: Cultural

Ancient Trade Routes With Seljuk Caravanserais

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. Some of these are Akhan, Ertokus Han, Saadettin Han, Obruk Han, Agzikarahan, Sultan Han (2), Oresin Han, Sikre Han, Mamahatun Caravenseria and Hacibekir Han. Caravanserais were havens in which caravans could take shelter. They have their origins in the nomadic lifestyles of the Turkish tribes of Central Asia. At a very early period there existed a social institution called muyanlık, a word that means "charity", "pious deed", and "kindsess." These were generally simple dormitories that offered travelers food and a place to sleep. By the 7 th centruy, these simple dormitories had developed into more complex establishments called ribat, a word that may be translated as "inn." There is evidence that hundreds of these ribats were built. The culmination of this line of development is the massive caravanserais that the Seljuks built in Anatolia. Caravanserais were huge accommodations, facilities that provided shelter, food and drink for a caravan's full complement of people, animals, and cargo and could also handle its needs for maintenance, treatment, and care.

DIYARBAKIR

The Citadel and the Walls of Diyarbakir

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1402
Criteria: Cultural

The Diyarbakir Citadel is one of the finest treasures of human history.

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. There are sixteen keeps and five gates, each of which deserve seeing along with their inscriptions and reliefs. There are four main gates along the wall called as Dag Kapi, Urfa Kapi, Mardin Kapi and Yeni Kapi. 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.

BITLIS

The Tombstones of Ahlat the Urartian and Ottoman Citadel

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1401
Criteria: Cultural

Terrible Beauty Tomb Architecture

Ahlat is a historic town and a district in Turkey's Bitlis Province in Eastern Anatolia Region . Though the history of the city dates back to 900 BC, its famous for her tombstones dating to 12 th-15 th centuties AD. It has an important place in the Islamic world in their variation within Anatolian tomb architecture in dimension and design. Apart from some small cemeteries here and there in Ahlat there are six main cemeteries of historical importance named; Harabe cemetery, Taht Suleyman cemetery Kirklar cemetery, Kale cemetery, Merkez cemetery, Meydanlik cemetery. 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.

SANLIURFA

Harran and Sanliurfa Settlements

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1400
Criteria: Cultural

The city of Prophets

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.

ANTALYA/Demre

St. Nicholas Church

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1399
Criteria: Cultural

Father Christmas

St.Nicholas church is in ancient Myria a large city in the Lykian Group.The church is made for the Bishop of this Mediterranean city duing the 4 th century AD. The floor of the church is several meters below street level, and is accessed by a steeply descending ramp. There are fine marble mosaic pavements and faded wall paintings throughout the church. The church has three side aisles; the two on the south have chapels at the east end. A room beyond the north aisle provides access to the upper storey. The nave is covered by a groined vault and has a synthronon (set of stepped seats for the clergy) with a covered passage in the apse. The stone altar is surrounded by four broken pillars and the exonarthex and narthex are well-preserved.

MERSIN/Mut

Alahan Monastery

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1398
Criteria: Cultural

A Masterpiece of Early Christian Architecture

Alahan Monastery is on the road of Mut-Karaman, about 20 km away from Mut and 3 km far from the main road.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.

TRABZON/Macka

Sumela Monastery (The Monastery of Virgin Mary)

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1397
Criteria: Cultural

A Mysterious Monastery On Top of High Rocks

Sumela is a monastic complex built into the rock cliffs of the Altindere valley in the region of MaCka in Trabzon Province. 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. The Byzantine Emperor Justinian (AD 527-568) ordered the enlagement of the monastery. The monastery was looted and burnt by the Byzantines in AD 650. However the Comnenids restored and enlarged the monastey. The monastery with its 72 rooms and a rich library, lived its most flourishing time during the period of Alexios III 8 Michael I.

ANTALYA

Karain Cave

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 01/02/1994
List Reference:  666
Criteria: Cultural

Underground Mystery

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 plais 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 invertebrata 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 enriches the marvellous appearance of the cave. On the outer surface of the cave there are numerous niches and ?inscriptions.

IZMIR/Selcuk

Ephesus

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 01/02/1994
List Reference:  665
Criteria: Cultural

One of the seven wonders of the antiquty, Temple of Artemis, at Ephesus

Ephesus was an ancient city on the west coast of Anatolia, near present-day Selcuk, Izmir Province. 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). Owing to its wonderful position and associated ports, Ephesos became Anatolia's most significant trading centre. 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 Celsus library, a theatre, a stadium, a gymnasium, temples and the famous baths are responsible for this city becoming a sports, religious, cultural and entertainment centre, especially in the Roman times.

ALANYA

Alanya Castle and Dockyard

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1405
Criteria: Cultural

An overlook from Dockyard to Red Tower

Alanya situated in the eastern part of the Gulf of Antalya is 137 km away from Antalya by the main highway. 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. The present name of the town comes from Alaaddin Keykubat, who did great service to the development of the town. 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.

KONYA

Konya A Capital of Seljuk Civilisation

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 25/02/2000
List Reference:  1404
Criteria: Cultural

City of love and faith

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 Sircali Madrasa, many small mosques and tombs are examples of Seljukian architectural elements of Konya.

KONYA

Beyşehir, Eşrefoğlu Mosque

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 15/04/2011
List Reference:  5611
Criteria: Cultural

The biggest and most original of the wooden pillared mosques in Anatolia

The mosque is located in Esrefoglu, 100 m north of the Beyşehir lake. The mosque was built as a social complex, including a mausoleum, a caravanserai and a Turkish bath, by Emir Süleyman Esrefoglu in 1299. The mosque was built in Seljuk style. The prayer hall of the structure, which extends to the north-south direction, is equipped with wooden pillars, which form a seven nave structure. The central nave is larger than the side naves. There is an empty space on centre of the ceiling, also called the illuminating lantern, believed to be so both for giving light to the inner space and supplying the necessary humidity for the wood parts, with the snow filling the pools on the ground. The dome before the mihrab (prayer niche) is an example of traditional Turkish architecture. The tile mosaic mihrab and the Minbar [pulpit] constructed in kündekari style are important decorative elements of the mosque. What makes this mosque unique is the mainly original wood parts and the prettiest and finest examples of traditional painting on these.

Izmir

Bergama

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 15/04/2011
List Reference:  5614
Criteria: Cultural

Bergama (Pergamum), which was one of the main centres for culture,

architecture and sculpture of the Hellenistic world, lies in the north-western Aegean Sea, located about 107 km from the city centre of Izmir and 30 km from the sea coast. Bergama displays structures from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods, as well as the prehistoric period. The first settlement of the town began in Acropolis (upper city). The Acropolis of Pergamum was equipped (197-159 BC) with the finest works of the period during the reign of Eumenes II, and it became one of the major cultural, architectural and sculpture centres of the Hellenistic world. The major buildings in the city are the Temple of Athena, the Trajaneum, theatre, library, Heron, the Altar of Zeus, the Temple of Dionysus, the Agora, the castles and the arsenal. Asklepieion, dedicated to the god of health Asclepius and also one of Apollo’s sons, was one of the most important health centres in the area. The presence of a library at the place where spiritual healing, water, sleep, and physical therapy have been used shows that academic studies also were conducted. The baroque reliefs and pathetic figures of the Altar of Zeus, which are regarded as masterpieces of creative genius, inspired later works such as the "Laocoon sculpture." The reliefs were partially removed from the altar, taken to Germany and are now exhibited in Pergammon Museum in Berlin.

Şanlıurfa

Göbeklitepe Archaeological Site

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 15/04/2011
List Reference:  5612
Criteria: Cultural

A unique sanctuary from the Neolithic period

The site of Göbeklitepe is located in the vicinity of Örencik village, 18 km northeast of the city center Şanlıurfa. The area was discovered during a field work in cooperation with the Istanbul University and University of Chicago, and was defined as "V52 Neolithic settlement". The actual value of the site was revealed only after the excavations had started out in 1994. The excavations showed that Göbeklitepe was a 12,000-year-old cult centre. In the middle of about 20 round and oval-shaped structures, with an approximate diameter of 30 m, there are two T-shaped, 5 m high limestone columns. There are also smaller columns in the inner walls of the structures. The scientific data in relation to Göbeklitepe yielded important information requiring the reassessment of the theoretical framework and dating of the archaeological study of the Neolithic period. The date, location, size and monumentality of the structures on the site proved Göbeklitepe to be a unique sanctuary of the Neolithic period. The site remained intact for 12,000 years in its natural ambience and is therefore an important archaeological find.

Hatay

Hatay, St. Pierre Church

Date of submission to the Tentative World Heritage List: 15/04/2011
List Reference:  5613
Criteria: Cultural

One of the oldest churches of Christianity

St. Pierre's church is located west of the River Asi, in the western slopes of the Hac mountain. It is believed that Saint Peter preached his first sermon in this cave church. The site's exact construction date is unknown, yet it transformed into a church with the annexes built after the adoption of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. St. Pierre's witnessed the early Christians’ practicing their faith there, and served as the site of recognition of Peter as the first pope of Christianity. It is therefore one of the most important sanctuaries in the history of the spread of the Catholic faith.

Kars

Historic City of Ani

World Heritage Date of Submission to the Tentative: 13/04/2012
Ref. Nr:  5725
Criteria: Cultural

CITY OF TEMPLES

The ancient city of Ani located within the limits of the Ocaklı Village, 42 km away from Kars, has been the home of various civilizations due to its topography ideal for settlement and defense since prehistoric times. The city, which had been founded at the border between Caucasus and Anatolia on the Silk Road, an important trade route of the medieval period, showed great advancement during this period and became the political, cultural and economic center of the region of the time. Ani is a typical medieval city with its impressive walls that are still largely intact as well as its examples of religious and civil architecture and its city planning. The multiculturalism of Ani that has prevailed throughout history has also influenced the religious and civil architecture of the region. The city, which is the site of various religious structures such as the Fire Temple, various types of churches as well as mosques of the Seljuk Period, holds a special place in the history of mediaeval architecture and urbanism as a commercial city with a multicultural façade.

Kütahya

Antique City of Aizanoi

World Heritage List Date of Submission to the Tentative: 13/04/2012
Ref. Nr:  5724
Criteria: Cultural

THE BEST PRESERVED TEMPLE OF ZEUS IN ANATOLIA

Traces of settlement, as early as 3000 BC, were discovered in the ancient city of Aizanoi which lies within the boundaries of Cavdarhisar in Kütahya Province. After the region had been alternately under the rule of Bergama and Bithynia during the Hellenistic period, it came under the rule of the Roman Empire in 133 BC. Solid evidence of urbanization in the region, whose fame had outreached its boundaries for its wealth from grain, wine and wool production, could be traced back to the end of the first century BC only. The ancient city of Aizanoi lived its most brilliant period during the Roman period when large construction activities had occurred, and many buildings had been built. Nearly 80,000 people are estimated to have lived in the ancient city during this period. The best preserved temple of Zeus in Anatolia, the theater and the adjoining stadium, with a capacity of 15,000 people the first and 13.5000 people the latter, the two baths, the world's first stock exchange building, the colonnaded street, the five bridges two of which are still intact on Kocaçay, the two agoras, the gymnasium, the Sanctuary Meter Steunene, the necropolises, the ancient dam, the waterways and gates are among the ruins of the area. The ancient city was contemporaneous with cities as Ephesus, Bergama and Side.

Muğla

Mediaeval City of Becin

World Heritage List Date of Submission to the Tentative: 13/04/2012
Ref. Nr:  5730
Criteria: Cultural

OLD CAPITAL OF THE MENTEŞE BEYLIK

The mediaeval city of Becin is located 5 km south of Milas. Located on today’s settlement of Becin, the different types of graves dating back from the geometric period to the roman era have borne witness to the ancient times. Becin, which had experienced a glorious period during the archaic times, experienced after a long interval its second blooming during the era of the Turkish beylik, named Menteşeoğulları. Becin had served as capital during the reign of Tacettin Ahmet Gazi. In 1331, the capital was moved to Balata (Milet) after the region came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Apart from the few Byzantine ruins such as the chapel, the majority of the ruins, such as the inner citadel, the Ahmet Gazi Madrasa and tomb, the Orhan Bey Mosque, the Hamam Bey Mansion, the Bey Hamam (Bath), the Kızıl Han, the Karapasha Madrasa, Yelli Mosque, Yelli Hamam (Bath), Yelli Madrasa and the cemeteries with their interesting grave stones, are the remains of the Turkish period.

İzmir

Historical Town of Birgi

World Heritage List Date of Submission to the Tentative: 13/04/2012
Ref. Nr:  5728
Criteria: Cultural

OTTOMAN HOUSES UNDER ANCIENT TREES

Birgi, located in the Ödemiş district of Izmir, was respectively under the rule of the Phrygian civilization (750-680 BC) and Lydian civilization (680-546 BC), the Persians, the kingdom of Bergama, the Roman, the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires. Furthermore, it is the site of a variety of structures left from the Aydinogullari famous for their seamanship activities, and the Ottoman period. The historical houses of Birgi, the Ulu Mosque, the Mosque of Aydınoğulları, the Karaoğlu Mosque, Dervish Aga Mosque, the Birgi Mehmet Efendi Madrasa, the Sultan Shah Mausoleum and the Cakiraga Mansion are some of these structures. Moreover, the Ödemiş Museum is rich in archaeological and ethnographic items illustrating the history of the region.

Ankara

Gordion

World Heritage List Date of Submission to the Tentative: 13/04/2012
Ref. Nr:  5727
Criteria: Cultural

CITY OF KING MIDAS

Gordion is located in the Yassıhöyük village, 21 km west of Polatlı and 96 km southwest from Ankara. According to the findings obtained from scientific excavations, the region was inhabited for a long period from the Early Bronze Age to the Middle Ages (AD 12 - 13th centuries). Gordion, stands out as the political and cultural capital of Phrygia as the Phrygians rose to power after the collapse of the Hittite Empire in the 12th Century BC. The tumulus of the region lie scattered in the wide valley east of the Yassıhöyük village. The top of these wooden tombs are covered with mounds made of piled earth. Their total number is over 80. The largest of the tumuli in Gordion is thought to belong to King Midas. With a diameter of 300m and a height of 53 m, the tomb is the second largest tumulus in Anatolia. The majority of the artifacts unearthed at Gordion are exhibited in the Gordion Museum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara.

Nevşehir

Hacı Bektaş Veli Complex

World Heritage List Date of Submission to the Tentative: 13/04/2012
Ref. Nr:  5735
Criteria: Cultural

INFINITY OF LOVE AND TOLERANCE

Hacıbektaş-ı Veli, is an Islamic mystic and thinker of Turkish origin, born in the city of Khorasan, of present day Turkestan. He had great impact on the establishment of the Ottoman Empire and the turkization of Anatolia. His teachings based on loving God, the universe and humans and showing compassion form the basis of the Bektashi sect, which has existed not only in Anatolia but also in the Balkans and the Middle East. Moreover, these teachings based on respect and compassion, are also congruent with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Recognized as the center of the sect where the teachings of Bektashism have emerged and spread to the world, the Haci Bektash Veli Complex has become a World Heritage List candidate for its significance as the center of an internationally renowned belief system and for its structure, as the tomb and interior design illustrate the use of rituals and symbols of the sect in architecture.

Muğla

Mausoleum and Sacred Area of Hekatomnos

World Heritage List Date of Submission to the Tentative: 13/04/2012
Ref. Nr:  5729
Criteria: Cultural

TREASURE OF THE CENTURY

The Mausoleum and Holy area of Hekatomnos are situated in the district of Milas, near to Mugla which is among the most important cities of Caria in the southwest Anatolian Region. The Mausoleum and the Holy Field; is constituted of the Temenos Wall, the Menandros Column, the podium, and the grave (the bearing room, burial chamber, sarcophagus and dromos). The mausoleum of Mausolus’s father is of unique value in that it is the only intact specimen that dates back to an earlier period than the same–sized Mausoleum of Halikarnassus which is said to have introduced the concept of mausoleum and is considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and today. The monument, among the most important structures of the ancient world and representative of the cult of the dead, is a masterpiece in terms of its architectural design as well as a sculpture and wall painting. Particularly, the sarcophagus of Hekatomnos Fritzli is a unique example of classical and Hellenistic Anatolia in terms of its size, qualities and the prominence of the persona for whom this tomb has been made for.

Niğde

Historical Monuments of Niğde

World Heritage List Date of Submission to the Tentative: 13/04/2012
Ref. Nr:  5731
Criteria: Cultural

SITE OF DECORATEDARCHITECTURE

The castle on the Hill of Alaeddin, the Alaeddin Mosque, Rahmaniye Mosque, Hatıroğlu Fountain, Sungur Bey Mosque, Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Bazaar, the Blacksmiths Fountain and the Armenian and Greek churches, which constitute the old town of Nigde, are among the monumental buildings that reflect the historical background of the city. Constructed in 1223, the Alaeddin Mosque, with all of its elements in their original form, is a typical example of classical Seljuk mosque architecture. Decorated with geometric ornamentations the mosque is one of the first exemplars of Anatolian stone decoration. The star shaped geometric pattern on the eastern portal illustrates the early examples of ornamentation of Seljuk architecture. The kündekari and inlay techniques used at the doors and door wings of the Sungur Bey Mosque built in 1335 represent the earliest examples of the inlay technique. The minbar of the mosque is one of the earliest examples decorated with mother pearl inlaid.

Mersin

Mamure Castle

World Heritage List Date of Submission to the Tentative: 13/04/2012
Ref. Nr:  5734
Criteria: Cultural

CASTLE OF MANY CIVILIZATIONS

The Mamure Castle lies within the boundaries of Bozdoğan village 6 km east of Anamur. It is one of the Turkish castles along the Mediterranean coastline that have reached the present day in good shape. Built on the high cliffs and plains the Mamure Castle, like many other Anatolian citadels, was built on ancient foundations. The present castle was built in place of the previous one which was destroyed when Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat seized the city in 1221. Later, the fortress came under the rule of the Karamanoğulları and the Ottomans. Having the appearance of a caravanserai, the Mamure Castle has been one of the best preserved fortresses of Anatolia. The castle consists of three parts: the inner courtyard to the east, the outer citadel on the west and the inner citadel built on high rocks in the south. The complex includes a hamam apart from the 39 towers, water reservoirs and mosque, and is surrounded by a 10 m wide ditch for defense purposes.

ESKİŞEHİR

Odunpazarı Historical Urban Site

World Heritage List Date of Submission to the Tentative: 13/04/2012
Ref. Nr:  5733
Criteria: Cultural

ANTIQUE ANATOLIAN CITY WITH COLORFUL AND WOODEN DECORATED BALKONIED HOUSES

The Odunpazarı district of Eskişehir is located on the hills of the southern part of the city. As the oldest settlement of Eskişehir, Odunpazarı is representative of the civil architecture which takes its place in the cultural heritage list with its Ottoman Houses. The Odunpazarı dwellings were usually made in two types. The first type of house is entered from the street and has a backyard. The other type of house has a front yard and is a 1, 2 or 3storey-building situated in the middle of a garden. The houses usually consist of a sofa and surrounding rooms. The guests are received in a room called, ‘selamlık’. The houses are significant for their inner- and outer design reflecting the characteristics of traditional Turkish settlements, the material properties, construction materials, and elements of interior equipment, and their architecture which is compatible with the natural texture of the street and for their well-preserved condition exemplifying the typical traditional Turkish neighborhood.

Gaziantep

Yesemek Quarry and Sculpture Workshop

World Heritage List Date of Submission to the Tentative: 13/04/2012
Ref. Nr:  5733
Criteria: Cultural

LARGEST SCULPTURE WORKSHOP OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST

The Yesemek Open Air Museum and Sculpture Workshop is situated on the southeastern slope of the Yesemek village southeast of the İslahiye district. Yesemek was the largest quarry and sculpture workshop of the near east, from the last quarter of 2000 BC to 800 AD. The great majority of the 300 draft sculptures, unearthed and put on display in a specific order in the open air museum are the gate lions which constitute about 100 samples. The museum includes is also a group of mountain god figures which are 29 in number. Findings have revealed that the mountain gods were considered to be among the Hittite gods of Hurri-Mitanni origin. The Yesemak Quarry and Sculpture Workshop fulfills a tutorial function like no other similar place on earth in that it features a variety of samples exemplifying each of the stages of the making of statues from the cutting of stone blocks to the drafting, and eventually completion of the sculpture.

Gaziantep

Archeological Site of Zeugma

World Heritage List Date of Submission to the Tentative: 13/04/2012
Ref. Nr:  5726
Criteria: Cultural

LARGEST SCULPTURE WORKSHOP OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST

The Yesemek Open Air Museum and Sculpture Workshop is situated on the southeastern slope of the Yesemek village southeast of the İslahiye district. Yesemek was the largest quarry and sculpture workshop of the near east, from the last quarter of 2000 BC to 800 AD. The great majority of the 300 draft sculptures, unearthed and put on display in a specific order in the open air museum are the gate lions which constitute about 100 samples. The museum includes is also a group of mountain god figures which are 29 in number. Findings have revealed that the mountain gods were considered to be among the Hittite gods of Hurri-Mitanni origin. The Yesemak Quarry and Sculpture Workshop fulfills a tutorial function like no other similar place on earth in that it features a variety of samples exemplifying each of the stages of the making of statues from the cutting of stone blocks to the drafting, and eventually completion of the sculpture.