The Nomination of Ankara City for UNESCO World Heritage Site A Proposal and an Action Plan

Abstract

Preperation for UNESCO World Heritage status has increasingly became a recognized activity in its own right. The achievement of World Heritage Site status brings recognition at global level and demonstrates the existence of conservation awarness and capacity at the site concerned. It is acknowledged that the preperation for nomination itself improves conservation awareness and culture, especially in places with a problematic conservation background. In view of the problems of planning, restoration and rehabilitation of historical assets, the nomination of the City of Ankara as a World Heritage Site could bring about an innovative approach for urban identity and culture. Yet, the aquisition of UNESCO World Heritage Site status requires a strategic approach based on collective wisdom and acquired conservation knowledge. The evaluation of Ankara’s suitability for World Heritage Site status requires the development of an appropriate road map. This paper will attempt to define such a read map by using UNESCO requirements and criteria.