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UNESCO’s recognition of Göbeklitepe ‘will boost protection efforts’
UNESCO’s recognition of Göbeklitepe ‘will boost protection efforts’
The inclusion of the “world’s oldest temple” Göbeklitepe, located in the southeastern Turkish province of Şanlıurfa, in UNESCO’s World Heritage List will strengthen efforts to protect the site, the head of Turkey’s commission to UNESCO has said. Click through for the story in photos...
Göbeklitepe was added to the list during the 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Manama, Bahrain.
“The world’s oldest known megalithic structure located in Upper Mesopotamia dates back 11,000 years,” the Foreign Ministry stated on July 1.
Speaking to state-run Anadolu Agency, Öcal Oğuz said with the inclusion of Göbeklitepe, Turkey “has made an important contribution to the history of mankind.”
“The list also includes Çatalhöyük, which dates back 10,000 years and is located in Konya. Göbeklitepe has upgraded this history to 12,000 years,” said Oğuz, adding that the site “summarizes the history of mankind, not only of Turkey, Europe, Asia or Africa.”
He said the inclusion of Göbeklitepe would also increase the tourism potential and recognition of the region.
Stating that Turkey was a cradle of many ancient civilizations, Oğuz said the country has 18 sites in the UNESCO Heritage List and 77 sites on the Tentative List.
“Other countries that are also ‘cradles of civilization’ like Turkey have about 50 artifacts on the list,” he said, adding that more Turkish sites should be included.
Credit: Anadolu Agency
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