UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey

Every city in Turkey has beautiful and unique places apart from each others. Almost every city has a historical texture and a cultural building. But some of them not only for Turkey, it is also important for the world. Turkey is one of the fortunate countries with cultural heritages that could shed light on the history of the world. UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey.

Our country carries the traces of a deep culture extending from Ani Ruins to Ephesus or from Hattusa to Diyarbakır. So much so that these places with a long history are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. How would you like to visit these unique places by renting a car? The article of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey was prepared for you by Yolcu360 team.

What is UNESCO?

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. What does UNESCO do? The main purpose of the institution is to cooperate in education, science and culture in the international arena. To bring countries closer to each other in these areas. It was established in 1946. The organization has 10 associate member states and 195 member states.

UNESCO Criteria for World Heritage Sites

There are 10 conditions among the UNESCO Criteria for World Heritage Sites. Some of these are as follows:

• It should represent a masterpiece of human creative genius.
• It should exhibit an important exchange between human values related to developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, urban planning or landscape design, over a period of time or in a cultural area of the world.
• It must undertake a unique, or at least exceptional, testimony to a living or disappearing cultural tradition or a civilization.
• It must be an exceptional example of a building type, architectural or technological whole, or landscape that represents an important stage or stages in human history.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey

• Ani Archaeological Site

Ani Archaeological Site is located in Kars province of Turkey. Among what we can say about Ani Castle is the information that it was used as the capital of the Bagradite society in the 960s. The history of Ani Castle is based on earlier times. The castle was built around the 5th century BC. Thanks to its magnificent structure and planning, Ani Castle and Ani Walls were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016.

How to get to Ani Ancient City? It is located in the village of Ocaklı in Kars. You can check car rental prices in Kars to enjoy the city.

• Aphrodisias Ancient City

Aphrodisias is among the places to visit in Aydin. The ancient city took its name from Aphrodite, known as the goddess of love and beauty. The city is also known by a few different names such as Megapolis and Kayra. The region was used as a sacred area in the 2nd century BC. Aphrodisias was discovered by Ara Güler in 1964. The excavations here were made by Kenan Tevfik Erim, who is famous as Aphrodisias archaeologist. There are a temple, a theater, a stadium, a theater bath, a bishop’s palace, an odeon and a philosophy school in the ancient city. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017.

Where is Aphrodisias? It is located in Geyre neighborhood of Karacasu District in Aydın. You can get an easy access to this place by renting a car in Aydın.

• Ephesus Ancient City

Ephesus hosts many historical buildings such as Harbor Street, Church of Virgin Mary, Artemis Temple, Celcus Library and Odeon. The Ancient City was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 1994, and in 2015 it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ephesus, which hosts thousands of local and foreign tourists every year, is considered to be one of the most important centers of civilization, culture, science and art in the world.

The entrance fee for Ephesus is 120 TL in 2022.

Where is Ephesus Ancient City? It is located in Atatürk neighborhood of Selçuk district in İzmir. You can comfortably explore the historical places in İzmir by renting a car in İzmir.

• Cappadocia and Göreme National Park

Cappadocia and Göreme National Park, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985, is located in Nevşehir. Cappadocia has been inhabited since the Chalcolithic Age and has a different atmosphere. Therefore, it attracts thousands of local and foreign tourists every year. It is famous for its outstanding rock shapes and rock carvings.

We recommend you to take a sightseeing tour in Cappadocia. Göreme National Park became an important center of Christianity, especially as a result of the settlement of Christians who escaped from oppression between the 7th and 13th centuries. The national park contains many historical and natural structures together. You can rent a car in Nevşehir to visit Göreme National Park.

Cappadocia Car Rental | Cappadocia Car Rental

• Diyarbakır Castle and Hevsel Gardens

Diyarbakır is one of the ancient cities that hosted many civilizations. The castle and walls, which have been standing for 7 thousand years, are very important in terms of cultural tourism. Hevsel Gardens is also a place that has witnessed many civilizations for 8 thousand years. It is called the Manyas of the East because it contains more than 180 bird species.

Diyarbakır Castle and Hevsel Gardens have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2015. You can create an alternative option for yourself by renting a car in Diyarbakır for your Diyarbakır tour.

• Divriği Ulu Mosque and Hospital

It is among the places to visit in Sivas. Divriği Ulu Mosque was built by the ruler of Mengücekli, Ahmed Shah, between 1228 and 1229. The most distinctive feature of Divriği Ulu Mosque is the motifs engraved on the complex and its doors.

Where is Divriği Ulu Mosque? It is located in Kemenkeş neighborhood of Divriği district in Sivas. You can easily travel around the city by renting a car at Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport.

• Hattusha

We definitely recommend you to visit Hattusa as part of the Çorum Travel Guide. Hattusha was included in the World Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO in 1986. It is also the first capital established in Anatolia. You can rent a car in Çorum and evaluate the opportunities for your trip in Çorum.

• City of Safranbolu

It is among the places to visit in Karabük. Safranbolu is famous for its historical Safranbolu houses. Safranbolu is also the largest district in Karabük province.

The feature of Safranbolu houses comes from their architectural structure. The architecture of these houses reflects the Ottoman period. The city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. Safranbolu still preserves its unique texture.

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