Known for its cultural richness, unique nature, warm-hearted people and friendly atmosphere, Izmir has been home to many civilisations throughout history. Are you ready to discover the sites in Izmir that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the areas that are candidates for this list? Keep reading to find out more!
Izmir continues to be one of the most special cities not only in Turkey but also in the world in terms of history, culture, nature, gastronomy and lifestyle. This ancient city, nestled along the sparkling shores of the Mediterranean and bathed in the cool breezes of the Aegean, is home to numerous significant sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and many others that are candidates for inclusion, all of which reflect its enduring values spanning from the past to the present.
Among the most important factors highlighting Izmir's world heritage potential is the diversity it possesses in both archaeological and cultural fields. Alongside world-renowned ancient settlements like Ephesus and Bergama, living history examples like Kemeraltı and natural riches like the Gediz Delta are among the values that make Izmir indispensable from a UNESCO perspective.
Located in the Selçuk district of Izmir, Ephesus Ancient City is a place that proudly stands out not only in Izmir's cultural heritage list but also in the world's cultural heritage list. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015, Ephesus was one of the leading cities of the ancient world in philosophy, science, art and architecture.
Ephesus consists of four main sections:
Ephesus Archaeological Site
House of the Virgin Mary
Ayasuluk Hill and St. John's Basilica
Çukuriçi Mound
These areas offer visitors a journey through thousands of years of history. With structures such as the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus, the Agora and the Trajan Fountain, Ephesus is like an open-air museum.
Located north of Izmir, Bergama (formerly known as Pergamon) was a very important centre in ancient times, both politically and culturally. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014, Bergama attracts attention not only for its architecture and history, but also for its institutions that pioneered scientific developments.
The Bergama Acropolis is one of the city's most magnificent structures. The library within it was once known as the second-largest library in the ancient world, with over 200,000 works. Bergama is also the birthplace of the snake figure, the symbol of medicine and pharmacy.
One of the most notable sites, the Asklepion Health Centre, is considered the birthplace of modern psychiatry. Patients were treated here through music, water, therapy, and sleep. Additionally, the world's steepest ancient theatre is also located in Bergama.
Located in the heart of Izmir, the Historic Port City is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List under the title ‘Historic Port City of Izmir.’ The area encompasses many important landmarks that have become symbols of Izmir, such as Kemeraltı Bazaar, Konak Square, Clock Tower, Kadifekale, and Basmane.
Kemeraltı, one of the world's oldest and largest open-air shopping centres, continues to preserve its centuries-old trading culture. This historical fabric spans a vast area from Konak Pier to Kadifekale, drawing attention with its historical and socio-cultural layers.
Located in the Ödemiş district of İzmir, Birgi is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and is one of the rare settlements that showcases the unique harmony between nature and history.
With its historic stone houses, tombs and mosques, Birgi carries the traces of the past into the present and is particularly important because it was the capital of the Aydınoğulları Beylik. Çakırağa Mansion is one of the symbols of the region's architectural heritage. With its 5,000-year history, Birgi offers its visitors the opportunity to travel through a time tunnel.
Foça, Çandarlı and Çeşme castles, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List under the title ‘Castles and Fortifications on the Genoese Trade Route from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea,’ stand out for their strategic and historical importance.
Çeşme Castle: Built by the Genoese in the 15th century to protect their maritime trade with Chios Island, it took its current form with additions made during the reign of Bayezid II. The castle, with its six towers and three sides surrounded by moats, is a marvel of architecture.
Çandarlı Castle: Located on the Izmir-Bergama highway, this region was known as Pitane in ancient times and takes its name from the Amazon queen. The current castle structure was built by the Genoese in the 14th century.
Foça (Beşkapılar) Castle: Dating back to the 11th century, it was restored by the Genoese. The castle, which has preserved its historical texture, is one of the most striking structures in Foça today.
Source: Müze.gov.tr
Located just northwest of Izmir, the Gediz Delta is a must-see destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. This region, which has been nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is an internationally significant wetland.
The delta, which is home to different ecosystems, includes many habitats such as salt marshes, lagoons, freshwater swamps, reed beds and meadows. At the same time, approximately 10% of the world's flamingo population lives in this region. The Gediz Delta, which accounts for one-third of Turkey's salt production, is also of vital importance to Izmir fishermen and farmers.
Source: İzmir Büyükşehir Belediyesi
Izmir is not only advancing as a model city with its historical and natural riches, but also with its visionary approach to preserving and promoting these values to the world. The sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the tentative list further solidify this unique city's place in human history.
If you truly want to feel the spirit of Izmir, you must experience this heritage journey that spans from ancient cities to natural wonders, from castles to bazaars.