Türkiye’s ancient city of Gordion, renowned as the capital of the Phrygian civilization, has secured a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The announcement was made by Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism, on Monday.
“We are elated to announce that the Gordion Ancient City, a cultural gem of Ankara, has been recognized as a ‘World Heritage’,” Ersoy expressed on X, the platform previously known as Twitter. This inclusion marks Türkiye’s 20th asset on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Ersoy extended his gratitude to everyone involved in this accomplishment and hinted at more good news from UNESCO. “We anticipate positive news regarding the wooden-supported mosques of Anatolia, which would further augment our presence on the World Heritage List. Congratulations to all,” he remarked.
The decision came during the 45th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
Gordion holds immense historical significance in the ancient Near East, as highlighted by UNESCO. Situated approximately 90 kilometers southwest of Ankara, Gordion was a pivotal juncture between major empires like the Assyrians, Babylonians, Hittites from the east, and the Greeks and Romans from the west.
The site played a crucial role in trade routes connecting the Aegean and Mediterranean to the Near East. Gordion’s rich history spans nearly 4,500 years, from the Early Bronze Age to the Medieval period, and even to contemporary times. The city was once under the reign of King Midas, famed for his legendary Golden Touch. Centuries later, the Phrygian citadel became intertwined with the conquests of Alexander the Great. (AA)
