The World Heritage List is full of surprises. Asked to guess what was on Turkey's list most people would probably plump for Ephesus (Efes). Instead it is Troy that is listed, along with Hierapolis, the ancient city that lives in the shadow of its more upfront sister Pamukkale.
Glaring omissions include the ruined Armenian city of Ani, near Kars, and Hasankeyf, near Batman, an incredible site on the banks of the Tigris that is scheduled to vanish in favor of a dam. Still, if you're planning a tour of Turkey it is perhaps worth knowing that these are the sites the UN thinks the world could not do without.
More information
here We've visited four of Turkey's World Heritage sites so still a bit of travelling to do. Isn't there always?
A few years ago we stayed two nights in Safranbolu on a month's trip around Turkey. The old section of the town, Eski Safranbolu, is a real gem. Positioned in a deep ravine with running streams, there can’t be many towns quite like it remaining in Turkey.
The Rough Guide describes the town as “stunning” and the Lonely Planet says a highlight of visiting Central Anatolia is “to stay in a restored Ottoman house in Safranbolu”, which we did!. They’re not wrong! Narrow, cobbled streets; half-timbered houses; 17th century Ottoman baths;
the Mosque in the town square and the vine-covered bazaar where blacksmiths, leatherworkers and saddle makers still work their trade.
The only hint of modern day Turkey is a few shops selling unexceptional souvenirs.
It’s a real find and I suggest the town is placed on everyone's ‘must-see’ list before it’s too late.
World Heritage Sites
May 30 2010, 11:49 AM
