Ambassador of Turkey HE Firat Sunel on UNESCO heritage and sustainable tourism in Turkey

HE Mr. Firat Sunel is the Ambassador of Turkey to India, dedicated to promoting Turkey’s rich cultural heritage and sustainable tourism practices. With extensive experience in cultural affairs, he emphasizes the importance of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Göbeklitepe and Ephesus, in shaping global narratives about early civilization. Ambassador Sunel advocates for the protection and promotion of lesser-known heritage sites in Turkey, highlighting initiatives such as the Golden Age of Turkish Archeology project. Its commitment to international cooperation underscores Turkey’s leadership in preserving cultural heritage while accommodating growing demand for tourism.

Türkiye boasts important UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Göbeklitepe and Ephesus. How do you think they shape global historical narratives about early human civilization and ancient architecture?

UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Göbeklitepe and Ephesus reshape and enrich our view of early human civilization and the history of ancient settlements. Göbeklitepe in Upper Mesopotamia, known as the cradle of human civilization, is the oldest known temple complex, dating back nearly 12,000 years. It helps us unlock the daily rituals of ancient Mesopotamian societies in all their complexities. Göbeklitepe still retains its mystery as one of the most important discoveries in the history of archeology and is considered the “zero point” in time. The wider area is still an excavation site. New found inventions drastically expand our knowledge and understanding of humanity and civilization.

The ancient city of Ephesus, on the other hand, is located in the westernmost city of İzmir. Today, a stunning historical site, Ephesus has been a city since Neolithic times, with a history stretching back to 7,000 BC. However, it came to full prominence under the Roman Empire, renowned for its exceptional urban planning. Ephesus today showcases the engineering skills of that ancient era. The city played a significant role in science, culture and art, making it one of the most important metropolises of the ancient world. Ephesus’ attractions include the Temple of Artemis, as well as the Great Theater and the Library of Celsus. Ephesus is important because it is also home to early Christian archaeological remains.

These two sites are some of the historical wonders of Turkey. They provide crucial insights into early human history and enrich our historical narratives by providing important insights into ancient civilizations.

How does Türkiye balance preserving the landscapes and cave dwellings of Cappadocia while promoting tourism?

Cappadocia is an open air museum that is truly one of its kind. It was designed and carved by the hands of nature and skilled workers over the centuries. This volcanic landscape with conical structures known as “fairy choirs”, underground cities, cave dwellings and other historical monuments in a large geography spanning 5 different provinces.

Türkiye is taking steps to protect and conserve Cappadocia in the best possible way. In order to ensure the sustainable development and protection of the region in a holistic manner, while balancing the high demand for tourism, a specific Law was adopted in 2019. As a result, a dedicated entity called the “Cappadocia Area Presidency” was established. It is affiliated to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and collaborates with local and regional stakeholders for the successful management and supervision of the area. The Presidency develops and implements projects to provide green infrastructure solutions and services to businesses and the local community, regulate visitor numbers and encourage responsible tourism. These measures ensure that the natural and historical beauty of the region is protected while allowing tourists to experience its wonders.

What are Turkey’s other policies regarding the protection of UNESCO heritage sites while maintaining its sustainable tourism practices?

Turkey is among the epicenters of world history and heritage. My country is a leading tourist destination, ranked 5th among the most visited destinations globally in 2023. Our success comes from institutional capacity, qualified experts and sustainable and effective collaboration between stakeholders. Turkey’s legal and political framework in the field of cultural affairs also reflects the values ​​of the international community, embodied in international conventions. A founding member of UNESCO and party to the primary conventions, Türkiye supports and supports national and international efforts that emphasize our role and responsibility in preserving cultural heritage so valuable to humanity as a whole.

Türkiye considers culture and tourism as complementary and mutually reinforcing spheres, and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism adopts a holistic perspective in this regard. Each UNESCO site has a Management Plan that outlines conservation measures, visitor management strategies and aims to minimize the environmental impact of tourist flows.

What efforts are being made to promote Turkey’s lesser-known UNESCO sites? How do they enhance the country’s cultural diversity?

Türkiye is home to 21 properties inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, of which 19 are cultural and 2 are mixed. There are a total of 79 sites, with 72 cultural, 4 mixed and 3 natural on the UNESCO Indicative List. In addition to those listed, we have numerous ancient sites and monuments in our national inventory. I would like you to imagine the extent of our cultural wealth and the intensity of work and effort involved in protecting and promoting heritage areas.

Türkiye focuses on promoting all its UNESCO sites through various marketing campaigns and local tourism projects. By highlighting locations such as the Çatalhöyük archaeological site and Mount Nemrut, these campaign initiatives aim to showcase the country’s rich cultural landscape. The aim here is to encourage tourism in a diversity of areas and encourage a greater appreciation for Turkey’s distinct historical heritage.

Another important step forward, the “Golden Age of Turkish Archeology – Future Heritage” project started in 2023. All resources have been mobilized to ensure that in the next four years, our cultural heritage, especially our ancient sites, will be excavated, restored. and preserved. The number of ongoing archaeological excavations and projects in Turkey has increased from 670 to 720 in the past two years. They are set for 750 in 2024, with a target of 800 digs and projects by 2026.

How does Türkiye manage the promotion and conversation of its UNESCO sites amid growing tourism? Are there new technology strategies being used?

Türkiye has assumed responsibilities both within the UNESCO Executive Committee and the World Heritage Committee. As a country dedicated to international cooperation, peace and dialogue, we contribute to UNESCO with our share of experience, know-how and skills and play a role in leading sustainable practices and strategies in protecting and promoting heritage.

I would like to mention that combating the illicit trafficking of cultural goods has always been one of the backbones of Turkish cultural policies. We are among the main countries that consistently emphasize the need to return these artifacts to their homelands on both bilateral and multilateral platforms.

As mentioned, Türkiye manages its UNESCO heritage sites by implementing sustainable conservation practices and regulating visitor access. By promoting our sites through targeted marketing and managing tourist flows, we ensure the preservation of its cultural heritage while accommodating our growing tourism. In addition, we implement nighttime activities in selected museums and historical sites, including Ephesus, Hierapolis and more during peak season. I highly recommend Indian visitors not to miss out on enjoying these spectacular ancient ruins.