Antalya: Kaleici’s World Heritage Listing Efforts Begin

Kaleici (Kaleiçi), located in the heart of Antalya, is a significant area that reflects the city’s historical texture and cultural richness. A major step has now been taken for this unique region. The Governor of Antalya has announced the initiation of a significant effort to include Kaleici in the World Heritage List. This development is considered a part of Antalya’s efforts to preserve and promote its historical and cultural heritage.

As one of Antalya’s oldest and most well-known areas, Kaleici stands out with its historical and cultural wealth. However, maintaining and preserving these values requires continuous care and protection. The Governor shared details about the cleaning, maintenance, and preventive measures being carried out in Kaleici. Particularly, it was noted that the historic Hadrian’s Gate had not received maintenance for many years, leading to significant dirt accumulation and overgrowth.

A three-phase plan has been developed to protect this historical gate. In the first phase, the plants covering the gate were removed, and the stone surfaces were protected with special lotions. In the second phase, the gate was washed with pressurized water and meticulously cleaned with pure water. The final phase will involve applying a special coating material to the stone surfaces. These meticulous efforts aim to preserve Kaleici’s historical heritage.

The Governor emphasized that Kaleici is one of the most important tourism destinations in Antalya and Turkey. He stated that including Kaleici in the World Heritage List would be a significant step in terms of promotion. This move is expected to contribute to the increased international recognition and value of Kaleici.