Manisa’s Salihli district is celebrating a major cultural milestone: the ancient city of Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli at Bin Tepe have been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This international recognition marks a new chapter in preserving and promoting the legacy of the Lydian civilization—one of the world’s most fascinating ancient cultures.
🌍 UNESCO Recognition: A Milestone Achieved
On July 6, 2025, during the 47th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Paris, Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli were unanimously accepted onto the World Heritage List. This decision follows 12 years on the tentative list, with considerable local and national efforts focused on site preservation and global recognition.
🗣️ “We believe this listing will significantly boost tourism in the Salihli district and across Manisa,” said Kadir Durmaz, President of the Salihli Tourism Association.
🏺 Sardis: The Capital of Lydia and the Birthplace of Coinage
Located in western Turkey, Sardis (or Sardes) was once the capital of the ancient Lydian Kingdom. It holds immense historical value as the first place where money was minted under state guarantee—a landmark in economic history that shaped the foundations of modern trade and finance.
The archaeological site features:
- The Temple of Artemis
- A well-preserved gymnasium and synagogue
- Residential and civic structures reflecting Greco-Roman and Lydian influences
⛰️ Bin Tepe: Land of a Thousand Tumuli
Nearby Bin Tepe, meaning “A Thousand Hills” in Turkish, is home to a vast necropolis consisting of Lydian burial mounds (tumuli). These monumental earth mounds date back to the 7th and 6th centuries BCE and serve as enduring symbols of Lydian funerary traditions and royal power.
Together, these sites offer a comprehensive narrative of Lydian life, death, and innovation.
🌸 City of Firsts: More Than Just Money
Sardis is known as the “City of Firsts.” Archaeological findings suggest that:
- The first textile dyeing techniques
- The first written contracts between individuals
- And even the first perfume recipes
may have originated here.
These cultural innovations highlight Sardis as a center of ancient creativity and commerce.
🧭 What’s Next for Sardis and Salihli?
Local stakeholders are optimistic that this new status will increase international tourism and provide a platform for cultural diplomacy and education.
Feray Tanı, a recent visitor, expressed her excitement:
“It’s such a joy to witness this recognition. The world needs to know more about this beautiful region. Promoting it internationally is now more important than ever.”
📌 Visiting Sardis: Plan Your Cultural Journey
If you’re a history lover or cultural explorer, Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli are must-see destinations in Turkey. With improved recognition, accessibility, and conservation, now is the perfect time to discover the legacy of the Lydians firsthand.
