13 new sites added to UNESCO list

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s 40th session held in Istanbul has concluded with some 15 properties being evaluated and 13 of them registered to the World Heritage List, including the Turkish archeological site of Ani located in the eastern province of Kars, near the Armenian border. 

“As of now a total of 15 properties were evaluated and 13 of these were registered in the World Heritage List. I want to express that we have been extremely happy [to be] part of this [and] that our Seven-Doored City of Ani archeological site has been registered to the World Heritage List. With this opportunity, I want to deliver my thanks sincerely to UNESCO, committee members, the World Heritage Center and ICOMOS [the International Council on Monuments and Sites],” said Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Nabi Avcı, as he delivered a speech at the closing ceremony of the session.  

UNESCO’s 40th session was held in Istanbul with the attendance of some 108 member countries, consulting organs, guests of the host country, media members and NGO representatives.