ADVENTURE

Discovering Anatolia: the forgotten UNESCO heritage region

Anatolia is a fascinating and very ancient region, a true cradle and meeting point of Western and Eastern civilizations. A central point of Asia Minor, its territory is dotted with archaeological sites full of traces and remnants of the past.

Because of its prestige and cultural-historical importance, for as many as 40 years UNESCO has included Turkish sites in the prestigious World's Heritage List, giving a big hand to tourism in the country. At present, there are 19 sites in Turkey on the UNESCO list, another 84 are candidates to become one.

In this our brief trip to Anatolia, we show you perhaps the most spectacular sites in the area.

Ugur Basak - Wikipedia.org
Safranbolu
This city, a symbol of the meeting of cultures, has been ruled in the past by many different peoples, such as Phrygians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and finally Ottomans. To walk through its streets is to see perfectly the differences of cultures and eras that these places have gone through.
Flickr.com
Pammukkale
Located in the province of Denizli, it stands on the ruins of the archaeological site of Hierapolis. As many as 17 hot springs can be found in this picturesque place, and the characteristically clear blue water can be seen as far as 20 km away.
Publicdomainpictures
Ephesus
An ancient city located on the Aegean, it is one of the most visited places on the planet. The first settlements here date back as far as the 7th millennium BC. It was also a conquest area of Alexander the Great. Many remains also from the Roman imperial age, such as libraries and temples. In addition, it has enormous religious interest. In fact, Christians think that the Virgin Mary lived here in the last years of her life.
Haluk Cömerte - Wikipedia.org
Xanthos
Since 1988 heritage UNESCO site, it is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. One can find many ancient remains dating back as far as 700 BC. The demigod Sarpedon, the one who supported Hector in his battle to defend Troy, is thought to have lived here.
Getty Images
Mount Nemrut
The highest open-air museum in the world. Accessible only in the summer months, this site features statues as high as 10 meters, inscriptions also many meters long, and the Commagene sanctuary, where the tomb of King Antiochus I is located, consisting of three terraces with huge statues and altars.
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