I was amazed to discover that Ephesus is not yet a World Heritage Site.
In fact, the ancient town of Ephesus has been on UNESCO's tentative list since 1994 but seems never to have been formally nominated for recognition as a World Heritage Site.
This is odd. Ephesus seems to be an archaeological site of outstanding value, the primary qualification for recognition. It is also an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement which is representative of Graeco-Roman culture. This site should be at the top of the list.
Of course, a successful nomination brings expensive responsibilities, and Turkey already has nine other World Heritage Sites to look after.
But, at last, it seems that Ephesus is to be nominated (Balkan News report). Good luck, Turkey!
about time too.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree. I was lucky enough to visit Ephesus last year, which was my own personal idea of heaven. It's one thing to see the theatre and the library in inumerable text books, it's quite another to stand before them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for bringing this to my attention Antoninus.
Anonymous of Durham