Contribution of Organization of Turkic States Members to World Heritage at a Time of Cultural Convergence from the Past to the Future

Abstract

In its journey from ancient history, human society has brought along many cultural and architectural values or properties. Some of which have reached our days and some of which have not for various reasons. Cultural values that are part of the common history of mankind are called world heritage. Since 1972, UNESCO has included cultural and natural heritage sites that can be considered as common assets of all mankind in the World Heritage List and work to protect them. UNESCO’s work on the World Heritage List fulfils the important task of making the values that humanity is about to lose visible and permanent again. As of 2019, there are 1,121 cultural heritage sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In this study, the cultural and natural heritage of the countries belonging to the Organization of Turkic States has been discussed using statistical and descriptive analysis methods according to the ten main criteria defined by UNESCO. Thus, it aims to jointly examine the cultural and natural heritage of the Turkish world inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List and to assess them from an awareness-raising perspective.