Preparations are now underway to include Didim’s Temple of Apollo and Miletus on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
A meeting was held to define the application framework and prepare the dossier for Temple of Apollo and Miletus. A detailed work schedule was developed based on feedback and suggestions.
At the meeting, it was announced that after the preparations are completed in a short time, the application file, which will be prepared under the guidance of academics and experts, will be submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in cooperation with the institutions.
The meeting was attended by Baran Aydın, Miletus Museum Director and Didyma Excavation Director; Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Cevizoğlu, Didyma Excavation Academic Advisor; Prof. Dr. Christof Berns, Miletus Excavation Director; Prof. Dr. Mine Tanaç Zeren from Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Architecture; Expert Archaeologist/Museumologist Hazel Numanoğlu; Hilmi Erbaş, Chairman of the Board of Didim Chamber of Commerce; and other relevant officials.
The Working Group emphasized that the UNESCO application will not only promote the region’s cultural values to the world but will also make significant contributions to tourism and the economy of Didim and the surrounding area.
The application files are expected to be submit to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism by end of October in cooperation with the Didim Municipality, the Miletus Museum Directorate, the Excavation Directorates, and the Development Agency.
Priene hopes
Söke Chamber of Commerce President Metin Sakalar made statements regarding the work carried out to increase the district’s tourism potential. He said the association is striving to bring Söke to its rightful place in the sector through various collaborations at national and local levels.
He attends monthly cooperation meetings with the chambers of commerce of 17 districts of Aydın province and presented suggestions for the development of Söke’s tourism. He also frequently meets Hilmi Erbaş, President of the Didim Chamber of Commerce, and Serdar Akdoğan, President of the Kuşadası Chamber of Commerce.
He added: “Söke has Priene, which we consider a World Heritage Site, and Didim has Miletus. We want to introduce both to our tourists in the coming years. We are meeting with agencies and tour companies to promote our beautiful heritage.”
Sakalar also touched upon the archaeological excavations being conducted at Priene, which continue under the leadership of Prof. Dr. İbrahim Hakan Mert from Bursa Uludağ University. A student delegation comes every summer to continue its work. The Priene excavations are very valuable to us. Ultimately, it’s the heritage and history of Söke.”
Sakalar highlighted ongoing efforts to have Priene included on the UNESCO Permanent Heritage List, with the collaboration of Söke Municipality, Söke Chamber of Commerce, and Bursa Uludağ University.