The campaign for the ancient city of Priene to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List has been endorsed with the aid of the Turkish Airlines Flight Academy.
Officials visited the Söke Chamber of Commerce to assess the process, while its president of Turkish Technic Inc inspected the site.
Fatih Ünalan, General Manager of Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (TAFA), and İnanç Ünal, Airport and Operations Manager, visited Chamber of Commerce members. During the visit, they exchanged information about upcoming trips, joint projects, and tourism collaborations in the region. Following the visit, the delegation toured Priene and examined the permanent heritage status process firsthand.
Metin Sakalar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Söke Chamber of Commerce, explained the historical and cultural significance of Priene and shared the efforts being made for its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage Permanent List.
Turkish Airlines Technic Inc. Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat officially visited Priene this week.
Söke Mayor Dr. Mustafa İberya Arıkan, Söke Chamber of Commerce President Metin Sakalar, board members, and District Gendarmerie Commander First Lieutenant Fatih Fuçular accompanied Prof. Dr. Bolat, on the visit.
Prof Dr. Bolat, who conducted research at the ancient city, stated that there are nearly 90 archaeological sites across Turkey on UNESCO’s provisional list.
He said, “The ancient city of Priene is awaiting inclusion on UNESCO’s permanent heritage list. Only one ancient city is included on the permanent list each year in our country. Therefore, we attach great importance to promotion.
“This is our first visit to Priene, and from now on, we will work to promote it internationally. We will bring YouTubers, journalists, and tourists to the region. We need to ensure that tourists who come for the sea, sand, and sun also visit these historical sites.”
He also emphasized the need to raise young people’s historical awareness and suggested that schools encourage students to do homework on the historical sites in their region. He also stated that Turkish Airlines would establish a special fund to promote Priene.
Bolat said: “We promised Aydın Governor Yakup Canbolat and Aydın Metropolitan Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu that we would make specific investments here over the next five years. Anatolia is the cradle of civilizations, and we must protect this heritage.”
Chamber of Commerce officials stated that this visit presents a significant opportunity for Priene’s international promotion. Turkish Airlines’ five-year investment and promotion program in Söke is considered a significant step in revitalizing regional tourism and raising the global recognition of Priene.