Turkey’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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Explore Turkey’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Turkey, a land where East meets West, is a treasure trove of historical and cultural landmarks. Due to its rich history and geographical significance, Turkey boasts an impressive roster of sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These sites reflect the diverse cultural heritage and remarkable natural wonders found throughout the country.

The UNESCO World Heritage List, curated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, includes cultural, natural, and mixed heritage sites deemed to have outstanding universal value. As of 2020, there are 1,121 sites listed globally, categorized as 869 cultural, 213 natural, and 39 mixed properties.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey

• Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
• Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital
• Historic Areas of Istanbul
• Hattusha: The Hittite Capital
• Mount Nemrut
• Hierapolis-Pamukkale
• Xanthos-Letoon
• City of Safranbolu
• Archaeological Site of Troy
• Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex
• Çatalhöyük Neolithic Site
• Bursa and Cumalıkızık: The Birth of the Ottoman Empire
• Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
• Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape
• Ancient City of Ephesus
• Ani Archaeological Site
• Aphrodisias
• Göbekli Tepe
• Arslantepe Mound

Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia

In a landscape sculpted entirely by erosion, the Göreme valley and its surroundings are home to rock-cut sanctuaries that offer unique evidence of Byzantine art from the post-iconoclastic period. The area features dwellings, villages, and underground cities dating back to the 4th century, showcasing a traditional human habitat.

Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital

This masterpiece of Islamic architecture was constructed in 1228-29 by Emir Ahmet Shah. The mosque, with its sophisticated vault construction, is a marvel of decorative sculpture, particularly notable for its three intricately adorned doors.

Historic Areas of Istanbul

Straddling the Bosphorus, Istanbul has been a focal point of political and artistic events for over two millennia. Its key landmarks include the ancient Hippodrome, the 6th-century Hagia Sophia, and the 16th-century Süleymaniye Mosque, all of which face challenges from urban development and pollution.

Hattusha: The Hittite Capital

The archaeological site of Hattusha, the former capital of the Hittite Empire, is renowned for its urban planning, well-preserved building structures, and rich decorative elements like the Lion Gate and Royal Gate.

Mount Nemrut

The mausoleum of Antiochus I, who reigned from 69-34 BC, is situated here. This site is an extraordinary example of Hellenistic monumental architecture, reflecting a fusion of Greek and Persian cultural influences.

Hierapolis-Pamukkale

At Pamukkale, calcite-rich waters from the springs create a stunning landscape of mineral forests and terraced basins. The ancient spa city of Hierapolis, founded by the Attalid kings, features impressive Greek monuments.

Xanthos-Letoon

Located in southwestern Turkey, Xanthos-Letoon is a remarkable archaeological complex illustrating the fusion of Lycian traditions with Hellenic culture. It is renowned for its significant epigraphic inscriptions.

City of Safranbolu

From the 13th century, Safranbolu was a key caravan stop on the East-West trade route. Its architecture, including the Old Mosque and Suleyman Pasha Madrasah, influenced Ottoman urban development.

Archaeological Site of Troy

Famed for its legendary siege immortalized by Homer, Troy offers 4,000 years of history and is pivotal in understanding the early interactions between Anatolian and Mediterranean civilizations.

Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex

Dominating the skyline of Edirne, this mosque complex, designed by the celebrated Ottoman architect Sinan, is considered his finest work. It showcases exquisite examples of Iznik tiles.

Çatalhöyük Neolithic Site

Spanning 37 hectares, this site features Neolithic and Chalcolithic artifacts reflecting early human settlement and urban development, preserved over 2,000 years with a unique streetless layout.

Bursa and Cumalıkızık

This site illustrates the urban and rural system that established the Ottoman Empire’s foundation in the 14th century, featuring key civic and religious structures.

Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape

Once the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty, Pergamon’s acropolis boasts monumental temples, theaters, and a library, reflecting its historical significance as a center of learning.

Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens

This fortified city on the Upper Tigris River Basin includes the historic city walls of Diyarbakır and the lush Hevsel Gardens, a vital link supplying food and water to the city.

Ancient City of Ephesus

Known for its impressive Roman monuments like the Library of Celsus, Ephesus was a major port city whose Temple of Artemis was one of the ancient world’s Seven Wonders.

Ani Archaeological Site

Overlooking the Armenian border, Ani’s ruins reflect a rich history of Christian and Muslim rule, serving as a vital Silk Road hub during the medieval period.

Aphrodisias

Located in the fertile Morsinos River Valley, Aphrodisias is noted for its marble quarries and artistic heritage, with structures dating back to the 2nd century BC.

Göbekli Tepe

Situated in Upper Mesopotamia, Göbekli Tepe features monumental structures from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic era, providing insight into early human ritual practices.

Arslantepe Mound

Arslantepe’s stratigraphy offers a glimpse into the evolution of state societies from the 6th millennium BC, featuring some of the world’s oldest swords.