01.11.2025 17:49
The lighting works have been completed at the ancient city of Sardis, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, located in the Salihli district of Manisa. Known as the place where the first coins were minted in history, the ancient city will be open for night visits starting from April.
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The ancient city of Sardes, which served as the capital of the Lydia Kingdom and is considered the place where the first coins in history were minted, has completed its lighting and landscaping works. As of mid-April, visitors will have the opportunity to see the Temple of Artemis, the Gymnasium, and the bath complex with special lighting.
ON THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST
AK Party MKYK Member and Manisa Deputy Mücahit Arınç, who visited the Manisa Museum, answered questions about Sardes, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List last July. Arınç stated that he played an active role in ensuring coordination among ministries and relevant institutions from the beginning of the project, emphasizing that protecting the thousands of years of cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations is their greatest responsibility.
"WE ARE INITIATING THE CONCEPT OF NIGHT MUSEUMS"
Pointing out that Manisa is a treasure in terms of historical artifacts, Arınç said, "Excavation and restoration works have been ongoing for many years in the ancient city of Sardes. The lighting has been completed, and now we are initiating the concept of night museums. Sardes has become the 22nd site from Turkey on the list of living heritage under protection worldwide," he said.
Arınç expressed that Sardes will become a center that can be visited at night, like Ephesus, and will create value with its surroundings, stating, "Sardes is a point where civilization and trade began. In this context, we plan to organize various events. Additionally, we aim to make Manisa an attraction center for both domestic and foreign tourists with the restorations of Aigai and Yoğurtçu Castle," he said. Arınç toured the Manisa Museum with the Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism İbrahim Sudak and received information about the exhibited artifacts.
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