Ankara, the capital city of Türkiye, has been officially added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. This recognition highlights the city’s unique modern architectural heritage and its planned urban development. The addition raises the total number of Turkish properties on the Tentative List to 80.
The nomination, called “Ankara: The Planning and Building of a Republican Modern Capital City,” was prepared by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism together with the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO. It focuses on Ankara’s transformation between 1920 and 1970 as a significant example of 20th-century urban planning. The file was accepted under UNESCO’s cultural heritage criteria ii, iv, and vi.
Key elements of the nomination include Ankara’s central axis, Atatürk Boulevard, and important districts such as Ulus and Kızılay. The submission features important buildings like the First, Second, and Third Grand National Assembly buildings, the Presidential Complex, Güven Park and Youth Park, Ulus Square, Kızılay Square, Ankara Train Station, İş Bank Building, and several key ministry buildings. These sites show Ankara’s growth from a small Anatolian town to the political and cultural center of the Republic.
Ankara was declared the capital on October 13, 1923, shortly after the Republic of Türkiye was founded on October 29, 1923. It replaced İstanbul as the nation’s capital and was built on the fertile lands of Anatolia. The city has a rich history shaped by many civilizations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, Romans, and Ottomans.
Besides its modern architecture, Ankara is home to ancient landmarks like Gordion, Türkiye’s 20th UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also holds important monuments such as Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Türkiye. Ankara hosts many cultural institutions, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, the Ethnography Museum, the Painting and Sculpture Museum, the Faculty of Language, History, and Geography, the State Opera and Ballet, and Ankara Radio.
Ankara’s inclusion on the Tentative List highlights Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to protect and share its cultural heritage with the world. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism continues to work with UNESCO and international partners to preserve the country’s legacy for future generations.
This nomination marks a significant step in promoting Ankara’s unique modern architectural identity and its role in Türkiye’s history. News Herder will follow this story closely and provide updates as Ankara advances toward becoming a full UNESCO World Heritage Site.
