The famous Cappadocia region of Turkey, known internationally for its “fairy chimney” formations, cave monasteries, underground cities, and balloon tours, which has been recognised as a World Heritage Site since 1985, is now seeking to extend its status and recognition at UNESCO to be included in the organisation’s Global Geoparks Network.
“UNESCO designations have three levels: World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Geoparks. There are very few places in the world that have all three distinctions at the same time,” academic Ahmet Serdar Aykaç told the Turkish news agency İHA, recalling that in 2022 the Global Geoparks Network has already identified the 100 most important geological sites on the planet, including two destinations in Turkey: Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
“If Cappadocia obtains the status of UNESCO Global Geopark, it will position itself as an exceptionally rare and valuable place, and it will have at the same time two UNESCO distinctions,” the expert added, recalling that the Global Geoparks Network contributes significantly to education, culture, science and socio-economic development of the regions where they are located.
“Moreover, the declaration of Geopark by UNESCO would lead to the promotion of tourism in Cappadocia to the whole province of Nevşehir. Tourists visiting geoparks are people with a special interest in geological sites and geotourism; therefore, they represent a niche in the tourism sector. Given its nature, this type of tourism generally attracts people with higher purchasing power and a higher level of education, who have a deep respect for the nature and culture of the region,” Aykaç said.
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Edited and reviewed by:
Pablo Gómez is a specialist in Turkey and has been editor-in-chief of Hispanatolia since 2011. He has been analysing current affairs and geopolitics in Turkey and the surrounding region since 2006.
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