Highlights
World Heritage Route - West
The UNESCO World Heritage List brings together monuments that are common values not only for us but for the whole world. Turkey, as a rich geography with thousands of years of history and countless civilizations, is one of the most frequently mentioned countries on this prestigious list. We have compiled a list of 19 monuments visited by millions of people every year, each of which is one of the milestones of human history, and the most outstanding examples in the West.
Go on a fun and informative journey, especially with your children; you can review our guide article to follow a route consisting of the beauties of our country that are known to the world and see all these beauties on site.
Of course Istanbul first!
Historical Peninsula and Historical Sites
Since 1985, Istanbul has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List not only for its monuments but also for its regions, and it is one of the cities that most deserves to be on this list with its countless Roman and Ottoman monuments.
This unique and historical capital is covered in 4 main sections: Sultanahmet Urban Archaeological Site, Süleymaniye Conservation Area, Zeyrek Conservation Area and Istanbul Land Walls Conservation Area.
First to the North, then to the South: Edirne
Edirne Selimiye Mosque and Complex
The Selimiye Mosque and Complex in Edirne, which Mimar Sinan called "my masterpiece" and which is called an architectural miracle by today's experts, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. Selimiye Mosque, a mesmerizing beauty with its unique harmony of architecture and handicrafts and its majestic appearance, can be a good starting point after Istanbul as the northernmost stop of your route.
From the Iliad to Today: Troy Archaeological Site
The world-famous Troy, which is at the center of the Iliad, one of the most famous epics of history, is located within the borders of Çanakkale province. The region's history dating back more than 3000 years, the fact that it is the subject of mythological stories, and the fact that it has been enriched layer by layer with the traces of dozens of different civilizations since the Bronze Age are among the most important factors in finding a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
A little bit of green: Bursa Cumalıkızık Village
Cumalıkızık, the beautiful village of the former capital Bursa, which has preserved its beauty and authenticity from the Ottoman period to the present day, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2014. Cumalıkızık, with its streets resembling a historical movie set and unique architecture, is one of the stops you should definitely visit.
Towards the South Bergama
The intersection point of many civilizations that left their mark on history from the Hellenistic period to the Ottoman period, Bergama, formerly known as Pergamon, is one of the most valuable and richest stops on this list. A living history with its temples, theater, roads, agora and much more, Bergama is a must-see cultural value for everyone.
Ancient City of Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus, which is also home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the world, is one of the most special places on the Unesco World Heritage List. According to researches, the fact that it has been inhabited for 9000 years without interruption is proof in itself of how important a center Ephesus is.
Aphrodisias Ancient City
This uniquely beautiful city, dedicated to Aphrodite, is a unique cultural heritage that was discovered by chance by the world-famous photographer Ara Güler and today is considered one of the most important sites in world history. Aphrodisias, located within the borders of Aydın province, continues to preserve the traces of thousands of years with the beauty of the first day.
Xanthos-Letoon
Since 1988, Xanthos and Letoon, the most important ancient cities inherited from Lycia, which is considered to be the first democratic union of history and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988, are located within the borders of Muğla.
Hieropolis-Pamukkale
Pamukkale and Hieropolis, which have both natural and historical value and are unique in this respect, are one of the most important parts of Turkey's visual image. With its fantastic views and special historical ruins, it is also one of the most important stops that everyone should visit once.
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