2nd Anniversary of Bursa’s Inscription on UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List

It has been two years since Bursa inscribed on UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List with Historical Bazaar and Khans Area, Sultan Kulliyes and Cumalıkızık within the theme ‘Birth of Ottoman Empire’. Vigorous efforts were made with the leadership of Metropolitan Municipality. 2nd anniversary of Bursa’s inscribing on UNESCO World Heritage List is celebrated with various events organized by Metropolitan Municipality.
Citizens of Bursa have given close attention to the ‘UNESCO World Heritage Bursa Day Celebration’ took place in Tophane Quarter. After listening ney concert of İbrahim Benlioğlu and his student, citizenz visit ‘Exhibition of Traditional Handicraft Artists’ Works Themed UNESCO World Heritage Bursa’. Illumination artist Arife Aktuğ, pottery artist Nükhet Poyraz, Weaving artist Hatica Yüksel, Ebru artists Zeynep Gültekin and Mutlu Çatalkaya, Naht and kat’ı artist Gül Kölük, Caligraphy artists Beytinaz Kükrek and Demirali Kurtulmuş have displayed their handcrafts and also performed their arts practically.

Contribution to cultural tourism
Bursa Site Manager Prof. Dr. Neslihan Dostoğlu, giving vigorous efforts for inscription of Bursa on UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, gave details about UNESCO process of Bursa and said “During ’38th World Heritage Commitee Meeting’ held in Qatar on 22nd June 2014, Bursa was inscribed on UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List with Khans Area, Sultan Kulliyes and Cumalıkızık village. It is really a proud for Bursa. As Site Management Unit, founded with the leadership of Metropolitan Municipality, we put so much effort and finally we were able to succeed. Now, there are 1031 sites on World Heritage List and 15 of them are in Turkey. Bursa is one of them and that is very important. Because, this inscription has brought a significant potential for Bursa in respect of cultural tourism. If Tourist coming to Bursa follow only this route, they can see almost all the values of Bursa.
As you know İznik is on tentative list and we really hope the inscription of İznik on World Cultural Heritage list. So, all of Bursa’s beauties will able to be revealed.” Mrs. Dostoğlu also reminded that 22nd June will be celebrated as ‘UNESCO World Heritage Bursa Day’ each year.

Events go on
Within the scope of events, “UNESCO World Heritage Cities in Cultural Routes” panel will be held on 25th June, in Merinos Atatürk Congress and Culture Center at 2.00-4.00 pm. Panel moderator will be Bursa Site Manager Prof. Dr. Neslihan Dostoğlu, and statements name Cultural Route Planning and Heritage Preservation, Silk Road, Turkey-Balkans Cultural Routes, Evliya Çelebi Cultural Route will be presented. Exhibition named “Outstanding Universal Value” will be displayed in Ressam Şefik Bursalı Art Gallery on 22nd June – 10th July and also in Yeşil Kulliye on 10th July – 5th August.