An important subject to be dwelt upon in the world and in Turkey too, is the preservation of cultural values, so that these can be handed down to future generations.
Turkey is lucky in that it has a richness and variety in cultural and natural resources and the preservation and development of these have been stipulated by law. Many organizations have been set up in connection with this subject and preservation has now become a subject that concerns many organizations, institutions and people.
Turkey has approximately 2,700 historical ruins some dating back to prehistoric times and 41,000 works of culture.
In the UNESCO "World Cultural Heritage" the following have been included as being essential preservation projects:
Old City of Istanbul
The Cappadocia Region (Göreme)
Bogazköy (Hattusas)
Pamukkale (Hierapolis)
Antalya, Kas, Xanthos,
Letoon
Adiyaman (Nemrut)
Divrigi Ulu Cami (mosque) and the Darüssifa
Pamukkale (Hierapolis), as mentioned in the list are now covered by a comprehensive protection and construction plan and needed restoration work has already begun.
An agreement ratified in Barcelona on February 16, 1976 in regard to the "Prevention of Pollution in the Mediterranean" and a Protocol relevant to special areas of protection have all gone into effect. Within the framework of this protocol the following have been designated as special protection areas:
Dilek Yarimadasi (Peninsula)
Olympos Beydaglari (Beyda Mountains)
Gelibolu Yarimadasi Milli Park (Gelibolu
Peninsula National Park)
Furthermore, in accord with the same agreement, 100 sites along the shores of the Mediterranean sea which share a common importance, and seventeen other sites around the country have come under protection. Work is being undertaken at an international level. The seventeen sites are as follows:
Antalya, Aspendos, Bursa, Didyma, Ephesus, Fethiye - Ölüdeniz, Halikarnassos, Istanbul, Kaunos, Kekova, Knidos, Miletos, Pergamon, Phaselis, Priene, Troy, Xanthos.
An agreement on the Protection of the European Archaeological Heritage has also been signed.
An agreement signed between Turkey and the Council of Europe countries on the protection of the European architectural heritage has been ratified by Law 3534 and brought into effect.
For sample Tours visiting some of the above sites, please Click Here.
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