Ambassador H.E. Mr. Firat Sunel, Turkey’s dedicated representative to India, is actively promoting Turkey’s rich cultural legacy and sustainable tourism practices. With his extensive background in cultural affairs, Ambassador Sunel is shining a spotlight on Turkey’s numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Göbeklitepe and Ephesus, which offer significant insights into early human civilization and ancient architecture.
Göbeklitepe: The Cradle of Civilization
Göbeklitepe, known as the “zero point” in time, is a stunning archaeological site in Upper Mesopotamia that dates back nearly 12,000 years. This ancient temple complex unravels the mysteries of early human rituals and society, expanding our understanding of Mesopotamian life. Ongoing excavations continue to reveal new findings, making Göbeklitepe one of the most important discoveries in the history of archaeology.
Ephesus: A Testament to Ancient Engineering
The ancient city of Ephesus, situated in the modern-day city of İzmir, is another treasure of Turkey. Ephesus thrived under the Roman Empire, showcasing its remarkable urban planning and engineering prowess. The iconic landmarks, including the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus, are windows into the cultural and intellectual life of this ancient metropolis.
Cappadocia: Harmonizing Tourism and Preservation
Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, complete with fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings, offer a unique experience to visitors. However, Turkey ensures that these natural wonders are preserved through sustainable tourism initiatives. A dedicated law established in 2019 created the Cappadocia Area Presidency, which works to manage visitor flow and implement eco-friendly infrastructure projects to safeguard the region’s beauty for future generations.
Promoting Lesser-Known Sites and Expanding Archaeological Discoveries
While Göbeklitepe and Ephesus draw global attention, Turkey is also working to promote lesser-known UNESCO sites, like Çatalhöyük and Mount Nemrut, through national and international tourism campaigns. These efforts enrich the country’s cultural diversity and broaden the scope of tourist experiences. Turkey’s “Golden Age of Turkish Archaeology” project, initiated in 2023, further emphasizes the nation’s commitment to cultural preservation. With a goal of reaching 800 archaeological projects by 2026, Turkey is actively working to excavate, restore, and protect its ancient heritage, ensuring that the world can continue to learn from these sites for years to come.
Balancing Heritage and Growing Tourism
As tourism in Turkey continues to grow, with the country ranked among the top five most-visited destinations globally, Ambassador Sunel emphasizes the balance between promoting these historic sites and preserving them. Turkey’s cultural policies align with international standards, ensuring that each UNESCO site has a comprehensive management plan to minimize environmental impact and regulate tourist access.
