28.12.2023
8 Dakika
Those who spent 2023 visiting beautiful archaeological sites and museums and those who want to get to know new places for 2024, this article is for you!
Türkiye, hosting numerous civilizations throughout history, continues to bear the traces of these cultures. Drawing attention with its archaeological sites, natural wonders, and intangible cultural heritage, Türkiye naturally holds a significant place on UNESCO’s agenda, which plays a crucial role in preserving the shared heritage of humanity.
As a social organization affiliated with the United Nations, UNESCO, aims to pass on this heritage to future generations by recognizing important historical places and natural areas belonging to the common heritage of humanity through the World Heritage List, and Türkiye proudly boasts 21 of the 1,199 heritage sites on this list. How about joining us in exploring 5 of these UNESCO sites that could top your 2024 travel plans?
Gordion Archaeological Site, the center of the Phrygian Kingdom and renowned for its legends, earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. Naturally, it is one of our recommended places to visit in 2024. The site, among the region’s significant archaeological places, captivates with a history dating back to the Early Bronze Age. The area, surrounded by tumuli housing the tombs of Phrygian nobles and dignitaries, also features the Great Tumulus, Türkiye’s second largest tumulus. You can explore the artifacts from different periods unearthed at the Gordion Archaeological Site at the Gordion Museum.
Dating back to the Hellenistic Period, Mount Nemrut made its way into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 with its well-preserved 8-10-meter statues made of limestone blocks, commissioned by Antiochos I, King of Commagene, to express his gratitude to the gods and ancestors. Besides these statues on the mountain slopes, you can also discover the relief stelae depicting the Persian kings of the Kingdom of Commagene among the ruins. For more information on Mount Nemrut, refer to our article titled “The UNESCO Sites of Türkiye: Nemrut, the Summit Where the Gods Shake Hands.”
Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986, Boğazköy Archaeological Site remains a top attraction, serving as one of the most important open-air museums in Anatolia. This settlement, which served as the capital of the Hittite Empire for centuries, introduces visitors to the advanced art and architectural examples of the Hittite civilization. During your visit to Boğazköy Archaeological Site, you can explore the city walls, the King Gate, the Lower and Upper City, the Royal Castle where the kings resided, and the iconic Lion Gate, which has become the symbol of Hattusa. For more insights on Boğazköy Archaeological Site, you can read our article titled “Türkiye's UNESCO Sites – Hattusha: the City of a Thousand Gods.”
Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017, Aphrodisias stands out as one of Türkiye’s most important archaeological sites. Dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, it boasts monumental structures preserved to this day. The well-preserved stadium and monumental temple structure of the ancient world, with its white marble theatre is a must-see. At the Aphrodisias Museum, located at the entrance of the site, you can discover artifacts from various periods unearthed during the excavations in the area. To learn more about Aphrodisias and plan your trip in more detail, you can visit our article titled “The City Where Beauty Became Immortal in Marble: Aphrodisias.”
Hierapolis, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988 as both cultural and natural heritage, is located within the borders of Denizli. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, the ancient city is thought to be named after Hiera, the wife of Telephos, the legendary founder of Pergamon. An important open-air museum with ruins from the late Hellenistic and early Christian periods, the city famous is also famous for its location, next to Pamukkale Travertines. In the city, which has been a center of faith and healing throughout history, you can explore the main street surrounded porticoes on both sides, the theater where gladiator fights were held, baths, and the Temple of Apollo. The artifacts telling the history of this healing center can be explored at the Hierapolis (Pamukkale) Archaeology Museum. To learn more about Hierapolis, you can read our article titled “UNESCO Sites of Türkiye: Pamukkale Hierapolis.”
As we bid farewell to another year filled with trips blending history and culture, if you're planning new adventures to discover Türkiye's rich historical and cultural heritage in 2024, be sure to include UNESCO sites in your travel itinerary. For an experience full of unforgettable memories and new discoveries, we invite you to visit Türkiye's archaeological sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List!
