Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls (Unesco)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/148

 

As a holy city for Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Jerusalem has always been of great symbolic importance. Among its 220 historic monuments, the Dome of the Rock stands out: built in the 7th century, it is decorated with beautiful geometric and floral motifs. It is recognized by all three religions as the site of Abraham's sacrifice. The Wailing Wall delimits the quarters of the different religious communities, while the Resurrection rotunda in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre houses Christ's tomb.

 

Postcard 1 : The Mosque of Omar (The Dome of The Rock)

 

 

Sender: Marina, Received on: 25 Apr, 2014

Sent from Jerusalem, Israel

Tower of Hercules, Spain (UNESCO)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1312

 

The Tower of Hercules has served as a lighthouse and landmark at the entrance of La Coruña harbour in north-western Spain since the late 1st century A.D. when the Romans built the Farum Brigantium. The Tower, built on a 57 metre high rock, rises a further 55 metres, of which 34 metres correspond to the Roman masonry and 21 meters to the restoration directed by architect Eustaquio Giannini in the 18th century, who augmented the Roman core with two octagonal forms. Immediately adjacent to the base of the Tower, is a small rectangular Roman building. The site also features a sculpture park, the Monte dos Bicos rock carvings from the Iron Age and a Muslim cemetery. The Roman foundations of the building were revealed in excavations conducted in the 1990s. Many legends from the Middle Ages to the 19th century surround the Tower of Hercules, which is unique as it is the only lighthouse of Greco-Roman antiquity to have retained a measure of structural integrity and functional continuity.

 

 

Sender: Alba, Sent on: 7 Apr, 2014, Received on: 25 Apr, 2014, Travel time: 18 days

Kiev: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, Ukraine (UNESCO)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/527

 

Designed to rival Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, Kiev's Saint-Sophia Cathedral symbolizes the 'new Constantinople', capital of the Christian principality of Kiev, which was created in the 11th century in a region evangelized after the baptism of St Vladimir in 988. The spiritual and intellectual influence of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra contributed to the spread of Orthodox thought and the Orthodox faith in the Russian world from the 17th to the 19th century.

 

1- Saint-Sophia Cathedral

2- Kiev-Pechersk Lavra
3- Church of the Saviour at Berestovo

 

Postcard 1 : Saint-Sophia Cathedral

 

 

Sent on: 25 Apr, 2014, Received on: 14 Mar, 2014, Travel time: 19 days

Sent from Russia

 

Postcard 2 : Kiev-Pechersk Lavra

 

 

Sender: GirlOfSummer, Sent on: 9 Apr, 2014, Received on: 25 Apr, 2014, Travel time: 16 days

Sent from Cherkasy

Old Town of Corfu, Greece (UNESCO)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/978

 

The Old Town of Corfu, on the Island of Corfu off the western coasts of Albania and Greece, is located in a strategic position at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea, and has its roots in the 8th century BC. The three forts of the town, designed by renowned Venetian engineers, were used for four centuries to defend the maritime trading interests of the Republic of Venice against the Ottoman Empire. In the course of time, the forts were repaired and partly rebuilt several times, more recently under British rule in the 19th century. The mainly neoclassical housing stock of the Old Town is partly from the Venetian period, partly of later construction, notably the 19th century. As a fortified Mediterranean port, Corfu’s urban and port ensemble is notable for its high level of integrity and authenticity.

 

 

Sender: Sophie, Sent on: 16 Apr, 2014, Received on: 25 Apr, 2014, Travel time: 9 days

Episcopal City of Albi, France (UNESCO)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1337

 

On the banks of the Tarn river in south-west France, the old city of Albi reflects the culmination of a medieval architectural and urban ensemble. Today the Old Bridge (Pont-Vieux), the Saint-Salvi quarter and its church are testimony to its initial development (10th -11th centuries). Following the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathar heretics (13th century) it became a powerful episcopal city. Built in a unique southern French Gothic style from local brick in characteristic red and orange colours, the lofty fortified Cathedral (late 13th century) dominates the city, demonstrating the power regained by the Roman Catholic clergy. Alongside the Cathedral is the vast bishop’s Palais de la Berbie, overlooking the river and surrounded by residential quarters that date back to the Middle Ages. The Episcopal City of Albi forms a coherent and homogeneous ensemble of monuments and quarters that has remained largely unchanged over the centuries.

 

 

Sender: Sebastien, Sent on: 16 Apr, 2014, Received on: 25 Apr, 2014, Travel time: 9 days

Historic District of Old Québec, Canada (UNESCO)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/300

 

Québec was founded by the French explorer Champlain in the early 17th century. It is the only North American city to have preserved its ramparts, together with the numerous bastions, gates and defensive works which still surround Old Québec. The Upper Town, built on the cliff, has remained the religious and administrative centre, with its churches, convents and other monuments like the Dauphine Redoubt, the Citadel and Château Frontenac. Together with the Lower Town and its ancient districts, it forms an urban ensemble which is one of the best examples of a fortified colonial city.

 

 

 Sender: Emilie, Sent on: 10 Apr, 2014, Received on: 25 Apr, 2014, Travel time: 15 days

Sent from Québec

Eflatun Pinar: The Hittite Spring Sanctuary, Konya, Turkey (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5912/

 

The Hittite spring sanctuary of Eflatun Pınar lies about 100 kilometres west of Konya close to the lake of Beyşehir in a hilly, quite arid landscape. At the top of a little river valley, that flows in the further progress into the lake, the “lilac coloured spring” (translation of Eflatun Pınar) produces an astonishing quantity of ice cold, clear water. Directly next to the spring, a relief-covered wall of huge boulders was erected more than three thousand years ago.

 

Date of Submission: 15/04/2014

 

Anatolian Seljuks Madrasahs, Turkey (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5907/

 

Madrasahs were educational institutions that first appeared in Islamic countries. Before madrasahs, mosques were used as schools only outside the hours of worship and the education consisted solely of making students memorise the Koran and giving them religious information. In later times, it was considered inappropriate for mosques, which were used as places of worship, to be simultaneously used as schools, and so hodjas began giving lessons in their homes.

 

“Anatolian Seljuks Madrasahs” comprise some of notable buildings such as İnce Minareli Madrasah and Karatay Madrasah in Konya; Çifte Madrasah and Sahibiye Madrasah in Kayseri; Buruciye Madrasah, Çifte Minareli Madrasah and Gök Madrasah in Sivas; Çifte Minareli Madrasah and Yakutiye Madrasah in Erzurum; Cacabey Madrasah in Kirşehir.

 

Date of Submission: 15/04/2014

 

İnce Minareli Madrasah

 

Karatay Madrasah 

Ancient City of Kaunos, Antalya, Turkey (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5906/

 

The property within boundaries of District of Koycegiz is located in the face of Dalyan City and on the right shores of Dalyan Stream (Calbis) which connect Koycegiz Lake to Mediterranean. It was the capital of the ‘Kaunos Region’ between the Caria and Lycia until the beginning of the 4th BC.

Date of Submission: 15/04/2014

 

 

Trading Posts and Fortifications on Genoese Trade Routes from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea, Turkey (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5825/

 

In the middle of 13th century, Genoeses were actively trading all over Mediterranean and Black Sea. Genoeses were originally inhabitant of Genoa, the city and Mediterranean seaport in north-western Italy. It was the capital of Genoa Province and of Liguria region.

In the eastern Mediterranean, Genoeses was greatly advanced by the Treaty of Nymphaeum (1261) with the Byzantine emperor Michael VIII Palaeologus, in exchange for the aid to the Byzantine reconquest of Constantinople, actually ousted the Venetians from the straits leading to the Black Sea.

As general Genoeses had possessions from 11th century to 19th century for nearly eight centuries over Mediterranean and Black Sea. Their main hub in Anatolia was Galata (Pera) in İstanbul.

"Trading Posts and Fortifications on Genoese Trade Route from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea" comprise some of the noticable trading ports situated in areas where the Genoese influence is still be observed. The property consists of five forts (Yoros, Foça, Çandarlı, Amasra, Akçakoca, Sinop) and one tower (Galata).

 

Date of Submission: 15/04/2013

 

Galata Tower

 

Yoros Fortress (Bottom Right)

Historical Monuments of Niğde, Turkey (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5731/

 

The Province of Niğde is located within the Central Anatolia. The city is surrounded by the provinces of Konya, Aksaray, Nevşehir, Kayseri, Adana and İçel.

The historical core of the city is located within the District of Alaeddin which is situated on the hill known today as the Hill of Alaeddin. Several significant monuments are located on this hill such as the citadel, Alaeddin Mosque, the Mosque of Rahmaniye, Sungur Bey Mosque, the Covered Bazaar of Sokullu Mehmet Paşa, Nalbantlar Fountain, Armenian and Greek Churches etc.

 

Date of Submission: 13/04/2012

 

Gordion, Ankara, Turkey (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5727/

 

The site of Gordion is 70 km southwest of Ankara, in Central Anatolia. The Main Settlement Mound lies on the Sakarya river (Classical Sangarios, Hittite Sahiriya), in the village territory of Yassıhöyük. The site has a long history of occupation, extending from the Early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BCE) into the Medieval period (12th to 13th centuries CE). Yet Gordion is best known for having been the political and cultural capital of Phrygia and the Phrygians, a southeast European people who probably first arrived at the site in the 12th century BCE, after the collapse of the Hittite Empire. The Phrygian cultural presence continues to be strong going well into the 4th century BCE, until the conquests of Alexander the Great, who came to Gordion in 333. It is, in fact, the later Historians of Alexander who link the site with King Midas and relate the famous episode of the Gordian Knot.

 

Date of Submission: 13/04/2012

 

Bergama, Izmir, Turkey (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5614/

 

Bergama, lying on the northern-west of the Aegean Region, is 107 km away from the city center of Izmir and 30 km away from the sea shore.

Bergama represents many archaeological remains dating back to Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods as well as prehistory. After the Persian and Lydian reign, the city came under the sway of Alexander the Great in 333 B.C. and became one of the outstanding trading and cultural centers of the Hellenistic period since 283 B.C. During the rule of Eumenes II (197-159 B.C) Pergamon acropolis was adorned with its finest buildings whereas the city became the one of the most important centers of culture, architecture and sculpture in the Hellenistic world. Pergamon continued to be an important center in Roman times. It was the center of diocese during Byzantine times. Stones from previous Hellenistic and Roman buildings as well as ancient statuary were used as building materials.

 

Date of Submission: 15/04/2011

 

Esrefoglu Mosque, Konya, Turkey (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5611/

 

Esrefoglu Mosque located 100 meters north of Beysehir Lake, in the Esrefoglu Neighborhood. The building size is 31,80 x 46,55 meters. Esrefoglu Mosque was constructed in a rich cultural environment as a complex with a tomb, caravanserai and a Turkish bath. The buildings around the mosque like madrasah and badastan belong to the later periods. Esrefoglu Mosque was built in 1299, by Emir Suleyman Bey. This date was clearly mentioned in the inscription panel on the inner door, ornamented with tiles.

 

Date of Submission: 15/04/2011

 

Archaeological Site of Perge, Antalya (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5411/

 

Perge, the long-established city of Pamphylia region, is located 18 km east of Antalya and 2 km north of Aksu Village. The Archaeological site of Perge has been excavated systemically by Istanbul University since 1946.

Archaeological finds in Perge date back to different periods beginning from the Late Chalcolitic Ages. It's revealed through the even rarely found remains that Perge had been settled permanently in Early Bronze Ages, meaning that it is a significant settlement witnessing permanent land use from the beginning of that time.

 

Date of Submission: 06/02/2009

 

Archaeological Site of Sagalassos, Burdur, Turkey (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5409/

 

The archaeological site of Sagalassos is located in southwest Turkey, near the present town of Ağlasun (Burdur province); roughly 110 km to the north of the well-known port and holiday resort of Antalya. The ancient city was founded on the south facing slopes of the Taurus mountain range and was the metropolis of the Roman province of Pisidia. Next to its mountainous landscape, a series of lakes form another typical feature of the regional geography. Today this region is known as the Lake District.

 

Date of Submission: 06/02/2009

 

Ancient City of Sagalassos (Top)

General View of Burdur City (Bottom)

Archaeological Site of Aphrodisias, Aydın, Turkey (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5406/

 

Aphrodisias lies in southwestern Turkey, in the fertile valley of the Dandalas River, a tributary of the Meander, about 150 kilometres east (inland) of the Aegean Sea. It is situated at the base of the Babadag mountain range, at 500 m above sea level.  The city was the capital of the ancient Roman province of Caria.

The ancient city of Aphrodisias is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Greek and Roman periods in Turkey. Famous in antiquity for its sanctuary of Aphrodite, the city's patron goddess, Aphrodisias enjoyed a long and prosperous existence from the second century B.C. through the sixth century A.D.  Today, many of the city's ancient monuments remain standing, and excavations have unearthed numerous fine marble statues and other artifacts. The great beauty and extraordinary preservation of this site combine to bring the civic culture of the Greco-Roman world vividly to life.

 

Date of Submission: 06/02/2009

 

 

Güllük Dagi-Termessos National Park, Antalya, Turkey (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1412/

 

Gulluk Dagi National Park is located within the province of Antalya in a valley hidden between mountains. There is the ancient fortified city of Termessos rising 1050 m above the sea level. The ancient city of Termessos was found by the Solims who lived in the Psidia Region. Although there are nofacts available about Termessos and Solims, they are natured by Homer in the Iliad in connection with the legend of Bellerophon. The most significant remains of the site are the city walls, Towers, King's Road, Hadrian's Gate, Gymnasium, Agora, Theatre, Odeon, Richly, Decorated Tombs, cisterns and drainage system. Other features of the Natural Park are the step rocks of Gulluk Dagi and the Mecine Canyon with its 600 m high walls along with the typical Mediterranean vegetation sheltering such endangered wild creatures as Mountain Goats, Fallow Deer and Golden Eagle.

 

Date of Submission: 25/02/2000

 

 

Sent from the city of origin, Antalya

 

 

 

Kekova, Antalya, Turkey (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1411/

 

Kekova is the name of a region of fascinating islands, bays and ancient cities. Kekova has a rarely seen attraction, a long the shore of the Island a sunken city is observed. The geological movements of the Island caused the city on the Island to be submerged, creating a strange scene with half of the city under water and half above. Teimiussa, Simena are the main Lycian settlements in the area. Kekova is the only area where the flying fish can be wathched in this region. Beyond its cultural features, Kekova shows very significant geological formations, ondulated coastal line, hydrobiological features and scenic beauty of the area form an outstanding quality. It is a remarkable example of cultural continuity, and a living cultural assents as well.

 

Date of Submission: 25/02/2000

 

 

Sent from the city of origin, Antalya

 

 

 

Bursa and Cumalikizik Early Ottoman urban and rural settlements, Turkey (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1407/

 

Bursa was founded in 200 BC by King Prusia of Bitinia and was ruled by the Roman and Byzantium Empires for centuries. The main importance of the city is that it became the first political centre of the Ottomans. There are 127 mosques, 45 tombs, 34 madrasas, 25 inns, 37 public bath houses, 14 public kitchens and dervish lodges constructed during the first 6 sultans of Ottomans. Cumalikizik located on the northern skirts of Uludag was established to provide logistic support just before the conquer of Bursa. It has preserved not only its historical texture but the traditional lifestyle up to this date as well. It became a district of Bursa in time.

 

Date of Submission: 25/02/2000

 

Great Mosque (Ulu Cami)

 

Yeşil Mousoleum (Yeşil Türbe) 

Mardin Cultural Landscape, Turkey (Unesco Turkey)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1406/

 

Mardin is a city in a rocky region in southeastern Anatolia. The city is mainly medieval in origin and is situated on the slopes of a rocky hill, crowned by o fortress built on its citadel. This barren stoney region around Diyarbaklr and Mardin stretches as for as Sanliurfa and Gaziantep. The city as a whole with its traditional stone, religious and vernacular architecture and its terraced urban pattern is the best preserved example of Anatolian soil. Deyrulzafaran Monastery is one of the living religious center of Syriandacobites in Mardin, an impressive architectural complex in the Mesopotamian plain.

 

Date of Submission: 25/02/2000

 

 

Alanya, Antalya, Turkey (Unesco Tentative)

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1405/

 

Alanya situated in the eastern part of the Gulf of Antalya is 137 kms away from Antalya by the main highway. The peninsula of Alanya surrounded by city walls was named "Karakesion" during the Hellenistic period went under the hegomany of Romans and Byzantines, followed by the Seljuks. The present name of the town comes from Alaaddin Keykubat, who did great service to the development of the town. Inside the Alanya castle there exist a Seljuk cistern, a Byzantine church, the Keykubat Sultan Palace and the ruins of a Seljuk bath, completed with the traditional urban texture. The castle extends down to the sea and encloses a medieval dockyard that is guarded by a 33 meter high octagonal tower of red stone and brick.

 

Date of Submission: 25/02/2000

 

 

Sent from the city of origin, Antalya