World heritage and outstanding universal value: an assessment on the ancient city of Sardis and the Bin Tepe Lydian Tumuli

Abstract

The ancient city of Sardis and Bin Tepe Lydian Tumuli developed under the influence of different civilizations throughout history and gained great importance in terms of cultural heritage. Sardis, which stood out as the capital of the Lydians, a local Anatolian civilization in the 7th and 6th centuries BC, maintained its importance during the Persian, Hellenistic and Roman periods. The invention of coins by the Lydians during the Lydian period was considered an important development in the world economy and spread to other civilizations in a short time. In the Hellenistic period, it was included in the Hellenistic kingdoms and became the western capital of the Seleucid Empire. In the Roman period, the city, which was enriched with its art and architecture, developed under the Roman peace.

This historical process was also reflected in the multi-layered architectural structure of Sardis, leaving traces in a wide range from the monumental tomb structures and city walls of the Lydian period to the theaters and temples of the Hellenistic period, and the bath-gymnasium, columned streets and synagogue of the Roman period. The cultural richness of the site led to the inscription of the Sardis and Bin Tepe Lydian Tumuli on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013. This development is considered an important step in the process of the site's to permanent world heritage status.

This article examines the cultural heritage values of the ancient city of Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe in the context of the nomination process for the UNESCO World Heritage List. The examination is based on UNESCO's 'Outstanding Universal Value' criteria and seeks to demonstrate the universal importance of these heritage sites.