Turkey has signed the World Heritage Convention in 1983 and through the work carried out under the responsibility of the General Directorate for the Preservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage has so far registered 9 locations on the World heritage List. Among these İstanbul, Safranbolu, Boğazköy-Hattushash, Mt. Nemrut Remains, Xanthos-Lethoon, Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital and Truva are registered as cultural, while Pamukkale and Göreme-Cappadocia are registered both as cultural and natural heritage.

Other sites which are new candidates and for which documentation is still in progress are Ephesus, Troy and Karain Cave. The work initiated to have historical ruins of Troy included in the World Heritage List reached its final stage at the beginning of 1998.

NAME OF PROPERTY The Cidatel and the Walls of Diyarbakır

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATİON  37 55’N-40 14’ E Located in the province of Diyarbakır in the South East of Turkey

DESCRIPTION The citadel and the walls of Diyarbakır is situated 100 m. above the valley of River Tigris.

Diyarbakır 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 Dağ Kapı, Urfa Kapı, Mardin Kapı and Yeni Kapı.

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.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) i,iii, v

Assurances of authenticity or properties :  The city with its surrounding wall, is an authentic historic urban and archaelogical site of outstanding importance.

Comparison with other similar properties : They are the second largest (5.5 kms) and best preserved walls in the world after the famous great wall of China. The area that these walls enclose measures 1.700 m from east to west and 1.300 m.

NAME OF PROPERTY Seljuk Caravanserais on the route from Denizli to Doğubeyazıt

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATİON  The route cuts Anatolia from West to East

DESCRIPTION The caravanserais, a new architectural type with social function developed in central Asia by the Karakhanids and Ghaznavids passed into Anatolian Turkish architecrure. The institution of caravanserai has its most variations in Seljuk Anatolia, using the froms 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 foundation subject to an organized an contious state programme, appear to present a typical characteristic of Turkish society, Denizli-Doğubeyazıt Route consists of about 40 Hans about which 10 are very well-preserved. Some of these are Akhan, Ertokuş Han, Saadettin Han, Obruk Han, Ağzıkarahan, Sultan Han (2), Öresin Han, Şikre Han, Mamahatun  Caravenseria and Hacıbekir Han.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) ii,iii, iv

Thus route meets the criteria of cultural landscapes which in present culturally significant transport and communication network.

Assurances of authenticity or properties :  All these Hans are authentic in desing and architecture being synthesis of Asian eastern tradition, İslamic and christian art.

Comparison with other similar properties : Caravanserais in central Asia can be comparable with Anatolian ones however anatolian hans are synthesis of Asians and they are well preserved.

CARAVANSERAIS

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 century, 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. They were arranged along trade routes at intervals that were calculated in view of the amount of distance that a caravan could be expected to cover in a single day. This distance was called menzil in Turkish, a word that means, among other things, “journey” in its archaic sense of “a day’s travel”. On the basis of the examples remaining and other evidence, this menzil seems to have averaged about 30 kilometre the equivalent, under normal conditions, of a six-hour journey to which another two hours had to be added for arduous travel in regions like deserts. Caravanserais or their simpler counsins, khans, were always located to that a caravan could be sure of reaching one by the day’s end.

Architecture and function

Architecture is always determined by climatic and environmental conditions but never more so than in the case of caravanserais, to which the problem of security had to be added.

Caravanserais in the eastern part of Anatolia for example were built like small, square castles heavily fortified with thick walls of stone as we move westward on the other hand, they tend to be U-shaped and built of masonry and even, on occasion, of mud brick, Other differences are also apparent in such details s the sizes of individual rooms, the width of doors and windows, and the units and functional divisions they contained.

Nevertheless there were certain things that every caravanserai had to have. There were certain to be baths, a masjid, a cistern o fountain, an infirmary, a cookshop, a place for the storage of provisions, and shops. Among the personnel there would certainly be a wainman, a blacksmith, a money-changer, a tailor, a cobbler, a physician, a veterinary, and so on.

About 250 Anatolian caravanserais are known. Of these, eight are called sultanhan (literally “sultan’s khan”) and were all built in the 13 th century.  Those constructed in the early part of the century generally conford to a standart plan of a courtyard and enclosed areas covering the same amount of ground. Seven of these building bean identifying inscriptions and one does not. Some of them are still referred to by the name sultanhan who others acquired local names to distinguish them.

Ağzıkara Han is probably one of the most important “ordinary” khans and the degree of its workmanship approches that of the royal khans. It is another of those caravanserais whose massive portal and rowers give it the appearance of a fortied castle. The double portal, free-standing masjid and domed hall, as well as the quality of its architecture, are all worthy of a true royal khan. The main portal is decorated with qeometric patterns. Between the surmounting muqarnas and framing arches is a band of swastikas. The building was completed in 1237.

Sultan Han

On the Kayseri-Sivas road is another caravanserai with the name Sultan Han. Covering 3,900 square meters, it is the second-largest of the buildings of the group. All the distinguishing features of the Konya-Aksaray caravanserai are repeated here. The massive walls and supporting turret-towers give the building the appearance of a fortress.

NAME OF PROPERTY Konya A capital of Seljuk Civilization

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATİON  37 52’N-32 30’ E Located in central Anatolia.

DESCRIPTION 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 outher fortress of Konya and the Alaaddin Mosque, the Sırçalı Madrasa, many small mosques and tombs are examples of Seljukian architectural elements of Konya.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) i,ii, iv

Assurances of authenticity or properties :  The oldest known Seljuk mosque in Anatolia (Alaeddin Mosque) is in Konya The outstanding examples of Seljukian arts and architectural synthesis can be observed in Konya which is a part of universal heritage of civilization.

Comparison with other similar properties : Konya is a unique examples of Seljuk architectural and cultural tradition, as a living city.

NAME OF PROPERTY Alanya 

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATİON  36 32’N-31 59’ E Located on the southern coast of Turkey.

DESCRIPTION Alanya situated in the eastern part of the Gulf of Antalya is 137 kms 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, follewed 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.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) iii, iv

Assurances of authenticity or properties :  Blending the cultures of Romans, Byzantines and Seljuk Alanya shows on outstanding example of architectural synthesis. Not only its monumental and vernacular architectural buildings but its combination with the nature is spectucular.

Comparison with other similar properties : Alanya can be compared to Konya as a Seljukian city, however it is unique with its dockyard, the first naval installation ever built by the Seljuks.

NAME OF PROPERTY Bursa and Cumalıkızık Early Ottoman urban and rural settlements

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATİON  40 12’N-29 04’E Situated in the Marmara Region in western Turkey

DESCRIPTION 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.

Cumalıkızlık located on the northern skirts of Uludağ 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.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) i,iii, iv

Assurances of authenticity or properties :  Bursa is one of the most important cities of the world, with an identity of a centre of administrative, cultural, social and economic activities throughout its 2200 year old history. Cumalıkızık is one of the best examples of the rural architecture of the Ottoman Empire and until recently did not face the problems of the rapid developments.

Comparison with other similar properties : Cumalıkızık is unique as a living best preserved Ottoman village, though the city of Bursa can be compared to Istanbul and Edirne, but its monumantal buildings and bath houses are outstanding examples of early Ottoman civilization.

NAME OF PROPERTY Edirne Selimiye Mosque 

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATİON  41 41’N-26 34’ E Edirne is near the Bulgarian Border

DESCRIPTION Edirne was the capital of the Ottoman Empire prior to the conquest of Istanbul and is famaus for its mosques, the elegant domes and minarets, where as Selimiye is the most important monument in this historic city.

The complex built in the historic centre of Edirne comprises, two madrasas, a primary school and a covered bazaar besides this magnificient mosque.

Carrying the name of the then reigning the Sultan Selim II, the Mosque was built in the 16 th century.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) i,ii, iii, iv

Assurances of authenticity or properties :  The complex is authentic in design, materials and workmanship. It magnificiantly represents Turkish marble handicrafts and it is covered with valuable tiles and fine paintings.

Comparison with other similar properties: Selimiye Mosque is a master piece of the great Ottoman Architect Sinan which can be compared to the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul. Both are the contributions of Ottomans to the architectural world.

NAME OF PROPERTY St. Paul Church St. Paul’s Well and surrounding historic quarters

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATİON  Tarsus located on the South of Turkey.

DESCRIPTION Tarsus is the birth place St.Paul, situated on the edge of the fertile Çukurova 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.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) ii,iii, iv

Assurances of authenticity or properties :  St. Paul is authentic with it historic features and is important as the birth place of St. Paul, and a site of faith.

Comparison with other similar properties : St. Paul Church can be compared to other religious buildings but is as unique being birth place of St. Paul.

NAME OF PROPERTY Ishak Pasha Palace

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATİON  39 31’N-44 08’ E Ishak Pasha is located in Doğubeyazıt in the East of Turkey.

DESCRIPTION Ishak Pasha Palace on the Silk Route near the Iranian frontier, 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  İstanbul was taken as an example in the desing of İshak Pasha Palace. The western influence in Ottoman architecture during the post-classical period can be observed is Ishak Pasha Palace.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) i,iii, iv

Assurances of authenticity or properties :  The Ishak Pasha Palace although built in 1764 and in many ways typical of the 18 th century, is quite different in structure, and gives the general effect of traditional Turkish architecture.

Comparison with other similar properties : It is in many ways typicals of its period and yet quite unlike any other structure of its time.

NAME OF PROPERTY Kekova

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATİON  36 13’N-29 53’ E In the Province of Antalya, between Kaş and Finike.

DESCRIPTION Kekova is the name of a region of fascinating islands, bays and arcient cities. Kekova has a sorely seen attroction a long the shore of the Island a sunken city is observed. The geological movevements 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.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  Natural   a) i,iii, Cultural  a) ii, iiii

Assurances of authenticity or properties :  Natural setting of the Kekova Island and the coast in relation with culture creates an outstanding example of natural- cultural property.

Comparison with other similar properties : Kekova is a unique example of fascinating wonders of art and history and nature all at once.

NAME OF PROPERTY Güllük Dağı-Termessos National Park 

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATİON  37 00’N-30 30’ E Located within the provincial boundaries of Antalya.

DESCRIPTION Güllük Dağı 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 Termosses 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 Güllük Dağı 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.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) ii,iii, v  (Cultural), a) ii,iii, iv (Natural)

Assurances of authenticity or properties :  The natural features of the National Park is important as an example of typical Mediterranean vegetation integrated with a man-made cultural environment.

Comparison with other similar properties : It can be compared to many Mediterranean natural-cultural sites but is important in sheltering many endangered species.

NAME OF PROPERTY Mardin Cultural Landscape

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATİON  37 19’N-40 44’ E Mardin is located on the south east.

DESCRIPTION Mardin is a city in a rocky region in south-eastern 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 Diyarbakır and Mardin stretches as for as Şanlıurfa 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 Anatolion soil.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) ii,iii, iv (Cultural Landscape)

Assurances of authenticity or properties :  The city of Mardin as a whole has an exceptional aesthetic and socio-cultural value. Its beauty comes with its combination of the natural features of the site and man made activities.

Comparison with other similar properties Architecture of Mardin can be compared to other south-east urban architecture of Turkey, but is unique when combined with nature.

Turkey has seen many civilizations beginning from the earliest ages of humanity, signs of which are spread all around the country. The spectular examples of natural wonders support this rich cultural heritage.

Besides the incredible diversity of nature, culture, history Turkey hosts many beliefs, philosopy and ideas.

When one thinks about this irreplaceable and incomparable civilizations and nature of Turkey, he can see that this huge possesion is not throughly reflected in the world heritage list.

Turkey having ratified the World Heritage Convention, 7 cultural and 2 mixed properties are inscribed in the world heritage list.

In 1999 a dossier for nomination of Ephesus was sent to the World Heritage Center. We look forward for assesment of our dossier and expect the visits of experts for evaluation of Ephesus as a world herigate.

There is only Karain Cave left in our current tentative list. The works for preparing the dossier for nomination of Karain is ongoing. Karain is outstanding because of the evidence it provides for early human settlement in Asia Minor, is an unique example of prehistory. As soon as the dossier is completed it will be sent to the World Heritage Center for nomination.

A new tentative list for the world heritage for Turkey is essential. Acknowledging the need for a representative, balanced and a credible world heritage list, Turkey is presenting this new tentative list. While preparing this list Turkey  considered the concept of “Global Strategy” and tried to achieve a more representative and balanced list. Inscribtion of 9 properties in the list may be sufficient for many countries, but it is not representative for a country like Turkey.

Following the criteria for Operational Guidelines for Implemantation of World Heritage Convention 19 properties are presented in our new tentative list.

Relation ships between world cultures, spirituality of sites, nomadism and migration, routes for people and goods, different modes of occupation of land, cultural landscapes, traditional life styles and settlements are all taken into account.

The economic, social, symbolic and philosophical dimensions of traditional settlements, their interaction with the nature are also considered

• Knowing that the Turkish-Ottoman, rural and urban architecture and traditional life styles are under-represented in the current list, Bursa and Cumalıkızık are presented in the new list,which also show the dynamic nature of settlements.
• In order to reflect, moslem religious architecture of Ottoman period Süleymaniye and Selimiye are also listed. Süleymaniye and Ayasofya are in the historic quarter of Istanbul, but being-outstanding examples of religious architecture of all times we believe they should take their places individually in the world heritage list. This is true for Topkapı Palace, too. Owing to its uniqueness it should be an inscribed world heritage with its own name.
• Caravanserai Route starting from Denizli, ending in Doğubeyazıt “door to Iranian caravanserai rounte”- is a unique example for acultural landscape. Mardin is also an attractive example for a  cultural landscape.
• Arts, architecture and religious beliefs of Seljuk Turks are introduced with Konya and Alanya which are the outstanding examples of that period. Hans, caravanserais and Ahlat monumental tombstones will be the examples of art of stone carving, faith and life styles of that period too. Turkey is a country where several religions and beliefs were emerged and many faith sites are seated. This is also taken into account Sümela and Alahan Monasteries, St. Nicholas Church, Harran and Şanlıurfa, settlements, Mardin and St. Paul are the examples of this appoach. They all carry different spiritual values belong to different periods and have architectural values.
• Kekova and Termessos are presented in the list considering their spectacular natural setting and the relation of man-made environment with these natural sites.
• Diyarbakır historic city and surronding walls and the Ishakpasa Palaces are the other examples of a blend of cultural and architectural styles.

In summary in the presented tentative list, there are 2 natural sites, 2 cultural landscapes and 15 cultural sites. We plan to enlarge this list and add some other properties which are never listed.

Turkey hopes to participate more in world heritage activities and closed the gap occurred in the time span. As a responsible State Party the obligations of the convention will always be follewed respectfully.

TENTATIVE LIST

1)       Süleymaniye Mosque and Complex
2)       Ayasofya (Hagia Sofia)
3)       Topkapı Palace and the Archeological Museum
4)       Sümela Monastery
5)       Alahan Monastery
6)       Church of St. Nicholas
7)       Harran and Şanlıurfa Settlements
8)       The tombstones, Urartian and Ottoman citadels of Ahlat
9)       The citadel and the walls of Diyarbakır
10)   Seljuk Caravanserais on the route from Denizli to Doğubeyazıt
11)   Konya-A capital of Seljuk Civilization
12)   Alanya the fortress and the dockyards
13)   Mardin cultural landscape
14)   Bursa and Cumalıkızık Early Ottoman urban and rural settlements
15)   Edirne Selimiye Mosque
16)   St. Paul Church, St. Paul’s Well and surrounding historic quarters
17)   Ishakpaşa Palace
18)   Kekova
19)   Güllük Dağı-Termessos National Park

NAME OF PROPERTY İstanbul Süleymaniye Mosque

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATİON  The Süleymaniye Mosque is located in the historic quarter of İstanbul

DESCRIPTION Süleymaniye mosque built in the 16 th century is considered to be the most beautiful of the imperial mosques in İstanbul.

It includes 6 madrasas, a poor house-tabhane, an imaret-soup kitchens, a caravanserai, mental hospital, baths, a school and shops, as well as the mausoleums of Süleyman I and the Sultana Hürrem Sultan.

What is most noticable about this grand complex is that, although the mosque may be monumental the structure and its annexes are built so as to blend with the urban landscape, a remarkable acheivement on taht scale. It was completed in a comparatively short time between 1550 and 1557 which illusturates, beyond all else, the might and organisation of the Ottoman state at the time.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) i,ii, iii and iv

Assurances of authenticity or properties :  The complex is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture, it was designed to be a major social and cultural center centered around one of the largest religious structures of the day.

Comparison with other similar properties : Süleymaniye is a master piece of Architect Sinan which can be compared to Selimiye in Edirne. The complex is as important and extensive as the earlier Fatih complex, interms of the size and variety of functions it serves.

NAME OF PROPERTY Ayasofya (Hagia Sofia)

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATİON  Hagia Sofia is located in the historic quarter of Istanbul.

DESCRIPTION The largest Basilica of the Justinian Period which was turned into a mosque during the Ottoman Period has been carefully maintained over the centuries.

Due to several earthquakes and the repeated restorations and additions over time it is notably altered. However, this remarkable complex with the rich mosaic and marble decorations is still glamorous.

The total area of the church is 3570 m2 which is the fourth largest church in the world. Though the church is in the historic areas of  Istanbul in the World Heritage list, owing to its uniqueness, it has to be inscribed individually in the list.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) ii, iii,iv

Assurances of authenticity or properties :  Hagia Sofia (Ayasofya) is an outstanding example of Byzantine cathedrals

Comparison with other similar properties : It is one of the incomparable religios architecture of all times.

NAME OF PROPERTY Sümela Monastery (The Monastery of Virgin Mary)

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATİON  40 48’N- 39 02’E  17 km SE of Maçka, in the province of Trabzon

DESCRIPTION Sümela is a monastic complex built into the rock cliffs of the Altındere Valley. 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.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) i,iii, iii

Assurances of authenticity or properties :  The Monastory complex is authentic in desing, materials, workmanship and survives in a spectacular natural setting.

Comparison with other similar properties : Sümela Monastery can be compared to those in Metera Greece however Sümela is in a totally different natural and physical setting.

NAME OF PROPERTY  Alahan Monastery        

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION   37 52’N-32 30’E  Located in the provicial Boundaries of İçel

DESCRIPTION  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 comlex streches along the side of the mountain and covers an area of 30x200 m’s.

The existing cultural remains demonstrate that the comlex was surrounded by small houses. It  is quite possible that the monastery official, and monks lived in these houses.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVARSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) i, iii, iv

-Assurances of authenticity or properties : The cult buildings are constructed in a particular style of architecture and are enriched with superb decorations. It is significant in terms of understanding the Byzantine religious architecture.

-Comparison with other similar properties : It can be compared to Sümela Monastery but is authentic in its georaphical location.

NAME OF PROPERTY St. Nicholas Church                                         

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION  29 58’N-36 7.5’E  St. Nicholas is located in Demre on the Kaş-Finike highway 25 kms away from Finike

DESCRIPTION  St Nicholas church is in ancient Myrin large city in the Lykian

Group developed tremendously in the 2 nd century AD.

The church is made for the Bishop of this Mediterranean city duing the 4 th century AD.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Critera met :      a) iii, ıv

-Assurances of authencity or properties : It is an important example of Byzantine religious architecture.

-Comparison with other similar properties : Though there are other example of Byzantine churches it is significant being named for Father Christmast.

NAME OF PROPERTY Harran and Şanlıurfa                  

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION  Şanlıurfa is located on the South East of Turkey and Harran lies 48 kms on the south of Şanlıurfa

DESCRIPTION  Şanlıurfa 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 Şanlıurfa 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 these best examples of tradition and art stone.

The old city of Harran is situated in a land through which have run trade routes from İskenderun to Antakya (ancient Antioch) and to Kargamış. The city is mentioned in the Holy bible and in 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.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDİNG UNİVERSAL VALUE”

-Criteria met :  a) i, iii, iv

-Assurances of authenticity or properties : Both places are authentic sites of outstanding importance, as tradition, spirit and architecture.

-Comparison with other similar properties : Architectural and traditional materials used in the Urfa city can be compared to other South East Cities however Şanlıurfa and Harran are incomparible in terms of spiritual background.  The traditional architecture of Harran can be seen in Syria but it is the seat of first Islamic University.

NAME OF PROPERTY The Tombstones of Ahlat the Urartian and Ottoman citadel

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION  38 45’N-42 30’E Located within the provincial boundaries of Bitlis in the East Anatolia.

DESCRIPTION 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 şehir cemetery, Tahtı Süleyman cemetery, Kırklar cemetery, Kale cemetery, Merkez cemetery, Meydanlık cemetery.

Tombstones in Ahlat, some of the most outstanding tombstones and mausoleums of 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 olso act as historical sources for important masons and craftman, whose names appear in inscriptions there.

JUSTIFICATION OF “OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE”

-Critera met :      a) i, iii

-Assurances of authencity or properties : Calligraph one of the major elements of Seljuk decoration is distinctly a Islamic component of their art. In the Islamic world calligrapy is considered the most importand of all the arts because of its role in recording the word of God as revealed in the Koran.

-Comparison with other similar properties : There are some other Seljukian tombs and cemeteries in the east of Turkey but it is incomparaible in numbers and size of the site.