Türkiye’s Advancements in Cultural Heritage Protection

Türkiye has made significant strides in protecting its rich cultural heritage and fostering international collaborations. During the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris from July 6 to July 16, 2025, Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bintepe—which has been on UNESCO’s Tentative List since 2013—were officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This addition raises the total count of Türkiye’s UNESCO sites to 22, with the new designation located in the western province of Manisa.

Sardis, previously the capital of the powerful Iron Age Lydians, stands as a testament to the historical richness of Anatolia. Neighboring Bin Tepe, the site of its royal necropolis, is renowned for hosting some of the world’s largest tumulus tombs. The site’s recognition also highlights the outstanding archaeological and architectural evidence that captures the unique cultural attributes of Lydian civilization in Anatolia. This addition fortifies Türkiye’s standing on the UNESCO list and enhances global acknowledgment of its rich historical values.

The Heritage of the Lydian Capital

Sardis boasts a history extending back to the 5th century BCE and was recognized as the capital of the Lydian Kingdom in the 6th century BCE. The Lydians were an Anatolian civilization known for their distinct language, religious systems, and the introduction of the first gold and silver coins, marking a pivotal shift in monetary developments. Legend suggests that King Croesus amassed his wealth from the Sart Çayı, known anciently as the river Pactolus.

According to UNESCO, Sardis featured a unique urban structure characterized by fortified walls, terraces, and distinct zones comprising settlements, sanctuaries, and cemeteries—while the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe comprises one of the largest ancient necropolises globally, encompassing over 119 burial mounds spread across approximately 7,500 hectares.

Following the collapse of the Lydian Kingdom, Sardis maintained its significance under Persian, Greek, Roman, and Eastern Roman rule. Today, well-preserved Roman structures, including a bath-gymnasium complex, acropolis, and the Temple of Artemis, can be found at the site. Sardis is also religiously significant as it housed the largest known synagogue of the ancient world and is among the Seven Churches of Revelation mentioned in Western Anatolia. These churches, critical routes for early Christian dissemination, are sacred for their historical roles and their letters from Saint John, addressing spiritual renewal.

Ongoing archaeological explorations and interdisciplinary preservation efforts are being conducted at Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli under the auspices of the Sardis Excavation Directorate. These initiatives form part of Türkiye’s broader strategy focusing on the preservation and sustainable management of its diverse cultural assets. As part of the Night Museum Project, 27 sites across Türkiye, including Sardis, will remain open late into the night, encouraging visitors to explore its cultural heritage under the stars.