Culture & Travel
18 November 2023Preserving cultural and natural areas worldwide is of utmost importance as a legacy for future generations, transcending borders. Safeguarding universal heritage is a responsibility shared by all of humanity, extending beyond specific groups or nations. Conscious initiatives are crucial to preserving cultural heritage that may face destruction, degradation, or disappearance over time.
To cultivate awareness and safeguard the world's heritage, the "Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage" was adopted during the 17th Session of the 16th General Conference held in Paris from October 17 to November 21, 1972. The goal is to protect the values shared by all nations globally and pass them down to future generations responsibly.
This convention is committed to protecting the heritage left by diverse cultures and civilizations throughout human history, guided by the motto "The loss of one is the loss of the memory of all people," encompassing universal values worldwide. The World Heritage List recognizes all cultural and natural assets on Earth as global heritage, taking necessary measures to protect them by adding them to its list.
This convention is committed to protecting the heritage left by diverse cultures and civilizations throughout human history, guided by the motto "The loss of one is the loss of the memory of all people," encompassing universal values worldwide. The World Heritage List recognizes all cultural and natural assets on Earth as global heritage, taking necessary measures to protect them by adding them to its list.
Purpose of the UNESCO World Heritage List
Exploring the reasons behind the creation of the world heritage list and its objectives includes the following:
Encouraging countries to sign the convention, aiming to protect their cultural and natural heritage.
Encouraging member countries to protect culturally or naturally valuable areas within their national borders.
Facilitating the development of management plans for these protected areas.
Establishing a comprehensive conservation program, offering professional training and support for heritage protection.
Urgently addressing deteriorating world heritage sites and providing necessary support.
Raising awareness of cultural and natural heritage among member countries, supporting civil awareness activities.
Providing incentives for the preservation of cultural and natural heritage for indigenous peoples of member countries.
Creating international awareness and cooperation for the protection of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
Establishing a world heritage fund for endangered sites and regions, based on reports from state representatives within the convention's scope.
States' world heritage applications undergo evaluation by international experts such as ICOMOS, ICCROM, and IUCN, ensuring swift consideration for appropriate submissions.
What are the latest UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Based on the most recent studies, data reveals a total of 897 cultural, 218 natural, 39 mixed assets, and 1154 regions and ruins. This data reflects the state of affairs as of 2021. In 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added 27 new regions to the list. Among these additions is the ancient city of Gordion, the capital city of our country, which has endured from the Phrygian civilization to the present day.
On a global scale, new entries for 2023 include regions in Cambodia, China, Madagascar, culturally significant European towns, Azerbaijan, and Vietnam. The World Heritage Committee's work in 2022 and 2023 played a pioneering role in making these determinations.
As mentioned earlier, various countries submitted applications to the committee with the aim of safeguarding their cultural and natural sites. The committee scrutinized these applications and made selections based on outstanding universal values, importance in terms of natural and aesthetic perception, ultimately deciding to add them to the list.
To be considered a world heritage site, the Commission has established criteria. It was determined that sites meeting at least one of the ten criteria, agreed upon in the convention, would be included in the list. Presently, due to the ongoing Russian occupation, many significant cultural and historical heritage sites in Ukraine, such as Hagia Sophia Cathedral and monastery buildings, are under protection.
UNESCO Diary List of World Heritage Sites
Here are the new sites designated as World Heritage Sites in 2023 and the updated list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Santiniketan Settlement, India
Korea, Tumulus Burial Mounds
Turkey, Gordion Ancient City
Cambodia, Koh Ker Temple
Latvia, Kuldīga
Silk Road, Zarafshan Karakum Corridor
Guatemala, Tak'alik Ab'aj National Archaeological Park
Medieval Synagogue in Erfurt, Germany
Kaunas Town, Lithuania
Czech Republic, Žatec Town
Mongolia, Deer Stone Monuments
Iran, Persian Caravanserai
Gedeo Cultural Landscape, Ethiopia
Azerbaijan, Kuch Road
Jericho, Tell es-Sultan Archaeological Site
India, Hoysalas Communities
Menorca, Talayotik
Canada, Tr'ondëk-Klondike Region
Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Tunisia, Djerba
Martinique, Mount Pelée
Astronomical Observatories of Kazan Federal University, Russia
Ethiopia, Bale Mountains National Park
France, Maison Carrée Roman Temple
Denmark, Viking Castles
Congo, Odzala-Kokoua Forests
China, Ancient Tea Forests
