List of World Heritage Sites in Western Asia facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has named 95 special places, called World Heritage Sites, in 18 countries across Western Asia. These countries include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Yemen. Even though Egypt is partly in Western Asia, its World Heritage Sites are listed under Africa. One site is located in Jerusalem. Interestingly, Kuwait is the only country in this region that doesn't have any World Heritage Sites. The Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in Oman was a World Heritage Site in 1994 but was later removed from the list in 2007 because Oman greatly reduced its protected area.

Iran has the most World Heritage Sites in this region, with 27 amazing places. The very first sites from this area to be recognized by UNESCO were Persepolis, Meidan Emam, Esfahan, and Tchogha Zanbil in Iran, along with the Ancient City of Damascus in Syria. Every year, the World Heritage Committee decides which new places to add to the list. They might also remove sites if they no longer meet the special rules. To be chosen, a site must meet at least one of ten criteria. Six of these are for cultural heritage (like old buildings or traditions), and four are for natural heritage (like unique landscapes or wildlife). Some sites are "mixed sites," meaning they have both cultural and natural importance. In Western Asia, there are 67 cultural sites, 1 natural site, and 3 mixed sites.

Sometimes, the World Heritage Committee might say a site is endangered. This means that something is threatening the special features that made the site famous. Currently, seven sites in Western Asia are listed as endangered. One site, Bahla Fort, was on this list before but is now safe. UNESCO has also thought about adding other sites to the danger list.

What Do the Table Columns Mean?

The table below lists all the World Heritage Sites in Western Asia. You can sort the table by clicking the small arrows at the top of each column. This helps you find information easily!

Site: This is the official name of the World Heritage Site.
Location: This tells you where the site is, like the city or region and its exact coordinates.
Criteria: This shows why the site was chosen. It could be for its cultural importance (like old buildings or history) or its natural beauty (like unique landscapes).
Area: This is the size of the site in hectares (ha) and acres. Sometimes, there's also a "buffer zone," which is an extra protected area around the main site. If it says "—", it means no specific size has been published.
Year: This is the year the site was added to the World Heritage List.
Description: This gives you a short explanation about the site and why it's important. It also mentions if a site is currently in danger.

Amazing World Heritage Sites

† In danger

Site	Location	Criteria	Area ha (acre)	Year	Description
Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman	Sharqiyah and Batinah Regions, Oman 22°59′56″N 57°32′10″E / 22.99889°N 57.53611°E / 22.99889; 57.53611 (Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman)	Cultural: (v)	1,456 (3,600); buffer zone 16,404 (40,540)	2006	These are ancient water channels that Omanis used to bring water from underground sources to their farms and villages. They show amazing engineering skills from a long time ago.
Al-Ahsa	Al-Ahsa Governorate, Saudi Arabia 25°25′46″N 49°37′19″E / 25.42944°N 49.62194°E / 25.42944; 49.62194 (Al-Ahsa)	Cultural: (iii)(iv)(v)	8,544 (21,110); buffer zone 21,556 (53,270)	2018	This is a huge oasis with millions of palm trees. It has been a farming area for thousands of years and shows how people lived and worked in the desert.
Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madâin Sâlih)	Al Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia 26°47′1″N 37°57′18″E / 26.78361°N 37.95500°E / 26.78361; 37.95500	Cultural: (ii)(iii)	1,621 (4,010); buffer zone 1,659 (4,100)	2008	This ancient city was built by the Nabataean people. It has impressive tombs carved into rock cliffs, similar to Petra in Jordan.
Al Zubarah Archaeological Site	Madinat ash Shamal, Qatar 25°58′41″N 51°1′47″E / 25.97806°N 51.02972°E / 25.97806; 51.02972 (Al Zubarah Archaeological Site)	Cultural: (iii)(iv)(v)	416 (1,030); buffer zone 7,196 (17,780)	2013	This is a well-preserved example of an 18th-century trading town. It shows how people lived and traded in the Persian Gulf.
Ancient City of Aleppo^†	Aleppo Governorate, Syria 36°14′0″N 37°10′0″E / 36.23333°N 37.16667°E / 36.23333; 37.16667 (Ancient City of Aleppo)	Cultural: (iii)(iv)	350 (860)	1986	Aleppo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It has a rich history and many old buildings, but it is currently in danger due to conflict.
Ancient City of Bosra^†	Daraa Governorate, Syria 32°31′5″N 36°28′54″E / 32.51806°N 36.48167°E / 32.51806; 36.48167 (Ancient City of Bosra)	Cultural: (i)(iii)(vi)	—	1980	This ancient city was an important stop on trade routes. It has a large Roman theatre and early Christian ruins, but it is currently in danger due to conflict.
Ancient City of Damascus^†	Damascus Governorate, Syria 33°30′41″N 36°18′23″E / 33.51139°N 36.30639°E / 33.51139; 36.30639 (Ancient City of Damascus)	Cultural: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	86 (210)	1979	Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history spanning thousands of years. It has many historical buildings and is important to several religions, but it is currently in danger due to conflict.
Ancient City of Qalhat	Ash Sharqiyah South Governorate, Oman 22°42′N 59°22′E / 22.700°N 59.367°E / 22.700; 59.367 (Ancient City of Qalhat)	Cultural: (ii)(iii)	75.82 (187.4); buffer zone 170.09 (420.3)	2018	This ancient port city was a major trading hub between the 11th and 15th centuries. It shows how important trade was in the region long ago.
Ancient Villages of Northern Syria^†	Aleppo and Idlib Governorates, Syria 36°20′3″N 36°50′39″E / 36.33417°N 36.84417°E / 36.33417; 36.84417	Cultural: (iii)(iv)(v)	12,290 (30,400)	2011	These are hundreds of abandoned villages from the 1st to 7th centuries. They show how people lived in ancient times, but they are currently in danger due to conflict.
Anjar	Beqaa Governorate, Lebanon 33°43′33″N 35°55′47″E / 33.72583°N 35.92972°E / 33.72583; 35.92972 (Anjar)	Cultural: (iii)(iv)	—	1984	Anjar is a unique example of an Umayyad city from the 8th century. Its ruins show a well-planned city with streets and buildings.
Archaeological Site of Troy	Çanakkale Province, Turkey 39°57′23″N 26°14′20″E / 39.95639°N 26.23889°E / 39.95639; 26.23889 (Archaeological Site of Troy)	Cultural: (ii)(iii)(vi)	158 (390)	1998	Troy is a famous archaeological site known from ancient Greek stories, especially the Trojan War. It has many layers of ruins from different time periods.
Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn	Ad Dhahirah Region, Oman 23°16′11″N 56°44′42″E / 23.26972°N 56.74500°E / 23.26972; 56.74500	Cultural: (iii)(iv)	—	1988	These sites have ancient tombs and settlements from the 3rd millennium BC. They show early human settlements and burial practices in Oman.
Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran	West Azerbaijan, Iran 38°58′44″N 45°28′24″E / 38.97889°N 45.47333°E / 38.97889; 45.47333	Cultural: (ii)(iii)(vi)	129 (320); buffer zone 655 (1,620)	2008	This site includes several ancient Armenian monasteries and churches. They are important examples of Armenian architecture and religious traditions.
Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)^†	Salah ad Din Governorate, Iraq 35°27′32″N 43°15′35″E / 35.45889°N 43.25972°E / 35.45889; 43.25972 (Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat))	Cultural: (iii)(iv)	70 (170); buffer zone 100 (250)	2003	Ashur was an ancient Assyrian capital and religious center. It has important ruins, but it is currently in danger due to conflict.
At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah	Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia 24°44′3″N 46°34′21″E / 24.73417°N 46.57250°E / 24.73417; 46.57250 (At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah)	Cultural: (ii)(iii)	29 (72)	2008	This was the first capital of the Saudi Dynasty. It shows the unique architecture of the region and how the city developed.
Baalbek	Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, Lebanon 34°0′25″N 36°12′18″E / 34.00694°N 36.20500°E / 34.00694; 36.20500 (Baalbek)	Cultural: (i)(iv)	—	1984	Baalbek is home to some of the most impressive Roman temple ruins in the world. The huge columns and detailed carvings are amazing to see.
Babylon	Hillah, Iraq 32°32′11″N 44°25′15″E / 32.53639°N 44.42083°E / 32.53639; 44.42083 (Babylon)	Cultural: (iii)(vi)	1,054.3 (2,605) ; buffer zone 154.5 (382)	2019	Babylon was one of the most famous cities of the ancient world. It was known for its Hanging Gardens and impressive buildings.
Bahá’i Holy Places in Haifa and the Western Galilee	Haifa and North District, Israel 32°49′46″N 34°58′18″E / 32.82944°N 34.97167°E / 32.82944; 34.97167	Cultural: (iii)(vi)	63 (160); buffer zone 255 (630)	2008	These beautiful gardens and buildings are important holy places for the Baháʼí Faith. They are known for their stunning design and peaceful atmosphere.
Bahla Fort	Ad Dakhiliyah Region, Oman 22°57′51″N 57°18′4″E / 22.96417°N 57.30111°E / 22.96417; 57.30111 (Bahla Fort)	Cultural: (iv)	—	1987	This large fort was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. It's a great example of Omani military architecture and was once listed as endangered.
Bam and its Cultural Landscape	Kerman, Iran 29°07′00.68″N 58°22′06.51″E / 29.1168556°N 58.3684750°E / 29.1168556; 58.3684750 (Bam and its Cultural Landscape)	Cultural: (ii)(iii)(iv)(v)	&10000000000000000000000—	2004	Bam is a huge ancient city made of mud bricks, with a large fortress. It shows how cities were built in the desert thousands of years ago.
Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas)	Jordan River, Jordan 31°50′13″N 35°32′50″E / 31.83694°N 35.54722°E / 31.83694; 35.54722	Cultural: (iii)(vi)	294 (730); buffer zone 957 (2,360)	2015	This site is believed to be where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. It's a very important religious site for Christians.
Biblical tells - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba	Israel 32°35′50″N 35°10′56″E / 32.59722°N 35.18222°E / 32.59722; 35.18222	Cultural: (ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	96 (240); buffer zone 604 (1,490)	2005	These are ancient mounds (tells) that contain the remains of important biblical cities. They show how cities were built and rebuilt over thousands of years.
Bisotun	Kermanshah, Iran 34°23′18″N 47°26′12″E / 34.38833°N 47.43667°E / 34.38833; 47.43667 (Bisotun)	Cultural: (ii)(iii)	187 (460); buffer zone 361 (890)	2006	This site has a large rock carving and inscription from ancient Persia. It's like a giant history book carved into a mountain.
Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire	City of Bursa and village of Cumalıkızık, Bursa Province, Turkey 40°11′5″N 29°3′44″E / 40.18472°N 29.06222°E / 40.18472; 29.06222 (City of Bursa)	Cultural: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	193 (480)	2014	These sites show the early development of the Ottoman Empire, with mosques, bridges, and a traditional village.
Byblos	Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon 34°7′9″N 35°38′51″E / 34.11917°N 35.64750°E / 34.11917; 35.64750 (Byblos)	Cultural: (iii)(iv)(vi)	—	1984	Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It was an important port city and played a key role in spreading the alphabet.
Caves of Maresha and Bet-Guvrin in the Judean Lowlands as a Microcosm of the Land of the Caves	Southern District, Israel 31°36′0″N 34°53′44″E / 31.60000°N 34.89556°E / 31.60000; 34.89556 (Caves of Maresha and Bet-Guvrin)	Cultural: (V)	259 (640)	2014	This site has a huge network of man-made caves. They show how people used to live, work, and bury their dead underground.
Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots	Armavir Province, Armenia 40°9′34″N 44°17′43″E / 40.15944°N 44.29528°E / 40.15944; 44.29528	Cultural: (ii)(iii)	74 (180)	2000	These are important early Christian churches in Armenia. They show unique Armenian church architecture and history.
Choirokoitia	Larnaca District, Cyprus 34°47′54″N 33°20′36″E / 34.79833°N 33.34333°E / 34.79833; 33.34333 (Choirokoitia)	Cultural: (ii)(iii)(iv)	—	1998	This is a very old Neolithic settlement, showing how people lived in Cyprus thousands of years ago. You can see the remains of their round houses.
Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem	Bethlehem Governorate, Palestine 31°42′16″N 35°12′28″E / 31.70444°N 35.20778°E / 31.70444; 35.20778 (Church of the Nativity)	Cultural: (iv), (vi)	2.98 (7.4)	2012	This site is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. It's a very important religious site for Christians around the world.
Erbil Citadel	Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq 36°11′28″N 44°0′33″E / 36.19111°N 44.00917°E / 36.19111; 44.00917 (Erbil Citadel)	Cultural: (iv)	16 (40); buffer zone 268 (660)	2014	The Erbil Citadel is a large ancient mound in the middle of the city, believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth.
City of Safranbolu	City and district of Safranbolu, Karabük Province, Turkey 41°15′36″N 32°41′23″E / 41.26000°N 32.68972°E / 41.26000; 32.68972 (City of Safranbolu)	Cultural: (ii)(iv)(v)	193 (480)	1994	Safranbolu is a well-preserved Ottoman city. Its traditional houses and buildings show what life was like during the Ottoman Empire.
Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din^†	Homs and Latakia Governorates, Syria 34°46′54″N 36°15′47″E / 34.78167°N 36.26306°E / 34.78167; 36.26306	Cultural: (ii)(iv)	9 (22)	2006	These are two impressive Crusader castles. They show the military architecture of the Middle Ages, but they are currently in danger due to conflict.
Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas)	United Arab Emirates 24°4′4″N 55°48′23″E / 24.06778°N 55.80639°E / 24.06778; 55.80639	Cultural: (iii)(iv)(v)	4,945 (12,220); buffer zone 7,605 (18,790)	2011	These sites include ancient tombs, oases, and archaeological remains. They show how people lived and used the desert environment for thousands of years.
Dilmun Burial Mounds	Northern Governorate and Southern Governorate, Bahrain 26°8′59″N 50°30′46″E / 26.14972°N 50.51278°E / 26.14972; 50.51278 (Dilmun Burial Mounds)	Cultural: (iii)(iv)	168.45 (416.2) ; buffer zone 383.46 (947.6)	2019	These are thousands of ancient burial mounds from the Dilmun civilization. They show how people were buried and their beliefs about the afterlife.
Gelati Monastery	Imereti, Georgia 42°17′41″N 42°46′6″E / 42.29472°N 42.76833°E / 42.29472; 42.76833 (Gelati Monastery)	Cultural: (iv)	4.2 (10); buffer zone 1,246 (3,080)	1994	This medieval monastery is known for its beautiful mosaics and wall paintings. It was an important center of learning in Georgia.
Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape	Garadagh and Absheron districts, Azerbaijan 40°7′30″N 49°22′30″E / 40.12500°N 49.37500°E / 40.12500; 49.37500	Cultural: (iii)	537 (1,330); buffer zone 3,096 (7,650)	2007	This site has thousands of ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) that show scenes of prehistoric life, animals, and dances.
Golestan Palace	Tehran, Iran 35°40′49″N 51°25′14″E / 35.68028°N 51.42056°E / 35.68028; 51.42056 (Golestan Palace)	Cultural: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)	5.3 (13); buffer zone 26 (64)	2013	This beautiful palace complex was the seat of the Qajar dynasty. It shows a mix of Persian and European architectural styles.
Gonbad-e Qabus	Golestan, Iran 37°15′29″N 55°10′8″E / 37.25806°N 55.16889°E / 37.25806; 55.16889 (Gonbad-e Qabus)	Cultural: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)	1.48 (3.7); buffer zone 18 (44)	2012	This tall, conical brick tower from the 11th century is a great example of early Islamic architecture in Iran.
Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği	city and district of Divriği, Sivas Province, Turkey 39°22′25″N 38°7′25″E / 39.37361°N 38.12361°E / 39.37361; 38.12361	Cultural: (i)(iv)	2,016 (4,980)	1985	This complex includes a mosque and a hospital from the 13th century. It's known for its amazing stone carvings and unique architecture.
Göbekli Tepe	Şanlıurfa Province, Turkey 37°13′23″N 38°55′21″E / 37.22306°N 38.92250°E / 37.22306; 38.92250 (Göbekli Tepe)	Cultural: (i)(ii)(iv)	126 (310); buffer zone 461 (1,140)	2018	Göbekli Tepe is one of the oldest known temples in the world, built even before farming began. It has huge carved stone pillars.
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia	Nevşehir Province in Central Anatolia Region, Turkey 38°40′0″N 34°51′0″E / 38.66667°N 34.85000°E / 38.66667; 34.85000	Mixed: (i)(iii)(v)(vii)	9,576 (23,660)	1985	This unique landscape has "fairy chimneys" (rock formations) and ancient cave churches carved into the soft rock. It's both naturally beautiful and culturally rich.
Hatra	Ninawa Governorate, Iraq 35°35′17″N 42°43′6″E / 35.58806°N 42.71833°E / 35.58806; 42.71833 (Hatra)	Cultural: (ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	324 (800)	1985	Hatra was an ancient city with impressive temples and fortifications. It shows a mix of Greek, Roman, and Eastern architectural styles.
Hattusha: the Hittite Capital	Sungurlu, Çorum Province, Turkey 40°0′50″N 34°37′14″E / 40.01389°N 34.62056°E / 40.01389; 34.62056 (Hattusha: the Hittite Capital)	Cultural: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)	268 (660)	1986	Hattusha was the capital of the Hittite Empire. It has impressive city walls, temples, and royal residences.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town^†	PalHebron Governorate, Palestine 31°31′30″N 35°06′30″E / 31.52500°N 35.10833°E / 31.52500; 35.10833	Cultural:PalPal (ii)(iv)(vi)	20.6 (51)	2017	This old town is important to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It has a special building over the tombs of Abraham and his family. It is currently in danger.
Hierapolis-Pamukkale	Denizli Province, Turkey 37°55′26″N 29°7′24″E / 37.92389°N 29.12333°E / 37.92389; 29.12333 (Hierapolis-Pamukkale)	Mixed: (iii)(iv)(vii)	1,077 (2,660)	1988	This site combines the ancient city of Hierapolis with the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale, formed by mineral-rich hot springs. It's both a natural wonder and a historical site.
Ḥimā Cultural Area	Najran Province, Saudi Arabia 18°14′55″N 44°27′6″E / 18.24861°N 44.45167°E / 18.24861; 44.45167	Cultural: (iii)	242.17 (598.4); buffer zone 31,757.83 (78,475.3)	2021	This area has a large collection of rock art and inscriptions from ancient times. It shows how people lived and communicated thousands of years ago.
Historic Areas of Istanbul	Istanbul city and Istanbul Province, Turkey 41°0′30″N 28°58′48″E / 41.00833°N 28.98000°E / 41.00833; 28.98000 (Historic Areas of Istanbul)	Cultural: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)	678 (1,680)	1985	Istanbul was the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. It has many famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, showing its rich history.
Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan's Palace	Sheki, Azerbaijan 41°12′12″N 47°11′15″E / 41.20333°N 47.18750°E / 41.20333; 47.18750 (Sheki)	Cultural: (ii)(v)	120.5 (298) ; buffer zone 146 (360)	2019	This historic city was an important stop on the Silk Road. It has beautiful traditional houses and the stunning Khan's Palace.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah	Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 21°29′2″N 39°11′15″E / 21.48389°N 39.18750°E / 21.48389; 39.18750 (Jeddah)	Cultural: (ii)(iv)(vi)	18 (44) ; buffer zone 114 (280)	2014	This old part of Jeddah was a major port for pilgrims going to Mecca. It has unique multi-story buildings made of coral stone.
Historical Monuments of Mtskheta	Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Georgia 41°51′N 44°43′E / 41.850°N 44.717°E / 41.850; 44.717 (Historical Monuments of Mtskheta)	Cultural: (iii)(iv)	&10000000000000000000000—	1994	Mtskheta was the ancient capital of Georgia and is a very important religious center. It has several historic churches.
Historic Town of Zabid^†	Al Hudaydah Governorate, Yemen 14°11′53″N 43°19′48″E / 14.19806°N 43.33000°E / 14.19806; 43.33000 (Historic Town of Zabid)	Cultural: (iii)	—	1993	Zabid was an important center of Islamic learning. It has many mosques and houses with unique architecture, but it is currently in danger due to conflict.
Hyrcanian Forests	Golestan, Mazandaran and Gilan Province, Iran 37°25′17.3″N 55°43′27.4″E / 37.421472°N 55.724278°E / 37.421472; 55.724278 (Hyrcanian forests)	Natural: (ix)	129,484.74 (319,963.8) ; buffer zone 177,128.79 (437,694.8)	2019	These ancient forests along the Caspian Sea are home to many unique plant and animal species. They are a rare example of temperate broadleaf forests.
Incense Route – Desert Cities in the Negev	Negev, Israel 30°32′28″N 35°9′39″E / 30.54111°N 35.16083°E / 30.54111; 35.16083	Cultural: (iii)(v)	—	2005	This route was used for trading frankincense and myrrh in ancient times. It includes ancient desert cities and forts.
Land of Frankincense	Dhofar Governorate, Oman 18°15′12″N 53°38′51″E / 18.25333°N 53.64750°E / 18.25333; 53.64750 (Land of Frankincense)	Cultural: (iii)(iv)	850 (2,100); buffer zone 1,243 (3,070)	2000	This site includes ancient frankincense trees, trading ports, and oases. It shows the history of the frankincense trade, which was very important long ago.
Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir^†	Bethlehem Governorate, Palestine 31°43′11″N 35°7′50″E / 31.71972°N 35.13056°E / 31.71972; 35.13056 (Land of Olives and Vines)	Cultural: (iv), (v)		2014	This area has ancient agricultural terraces where olives and grapes have been grown for centuries. It shows how people have managed the land for farming, but it is currently in danger.
Masada	South District, Israel 31°18′49″N 35°21′10″E / 31.31361°N 35.35278°E / 31.31361; 35.35278 (Masada)	Cultural: (iii)(iv)(vi)	276 (680); buffer zone 28,965 (71,570)	2001	Masada is an ancient fortress on a high plateau. It's famous for its dramatic history and the story of Jewish rebels.
Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan	Isfahan, Iran 32°40′11″N 51°41′7″E / 32.66972°N 51.68528°E / 32.66972; 51.68528 (Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan)	Cultural: (ii)	2.08 (5.1); buffer zone 19 (47)	2012	This is one of the oldest and largest mosques in Iran. It shows the development of Islamic architecture over many centuries.
Meidan Emam, Esfahan	Isfahan, Iran 32°39′27″N 51°40′40″E / 32.65750°N 51.67778°E / 32.65750; 51.67778 (Meidan Emam, Esfahan)	Cultural: (i)(v)(vi)	—	1979	This huge public square is surrounded by impressive buildings, including mosques and a palace. It's a masterpiece of Persian architecture.
Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin	Haghpat and Sanahin, Lori Province, Armenia 41°5′42″N 44°42′37″E / 41.09500°N 44.71028°E / 41.09500; 44.71028	Cultural: (ii)(iv)	2.65 (6.5); buffer zone 24 (59)	1996	These two medieval monasteries are important examples of Armenian religious architecture. They were centers of learning and art.
Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley	near Goght, Kotayk Province, Armenia 40°9′32″N 44°47′48″E / 40.15889°N 44.79667°E / 40.15889; 44.79667	Cultural: (ii)	2.70 (6.7)	2000	This monastery is partly carved out of the rock face of a mountain. It's a unique example of Armenian medieval architecture and art.
Nemrut Dağ	Adiyaman Province, Turkey 38°2′12″N 38°45′49″E / 38.03667°N 38.76361°E / 38.03667; 38.76361 (Nemrut Dağ)	Cultural: (i)(iii)(iv)	11 (27)	1987	This site has a huge tomb-sanctuary built for King Antiochus I. It features giant stone heads of gods and kings.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük	Central Anatolia Region, Turkey 37°40′0″N 32°49′41″E / 37.66667°N 32.82806°E / 37.66667; 32.82806 (Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük)	Cultural: (iii)(iv)	37 (91); buffer zone 111 (270)	2012	Çatalhöyük is a very large and well-preserved Neolithic settlement. It shows how early farming communities lived and built their homes.
Old City of Acre	Western Galilee, Israel 32°55′42″N 35°5′2″E / 32.92833°N 35.08389°E / 32.92833; 35.08389 (Old City of Acre)	Cultural: (ii)(iii)(v)	63 (160)	2001	Acre is an ancient port city with a long history. It has well-preserved Crusader and Ottoman buildings, showing its importance over centuries.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls^†	Jerusalem 31°46′36.12″N 35°14′3.12″E / 31.7767000°N 35.2342000°E / 31.7767000; 35.2342000	Cultural:JerOld (ii)(iii)(vi)	—	1981	Jerusalem is a holy city for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It has many important religious sites and historical buildings, but it is currently in danger.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape	Bergama, Izmir Province Turkey 39°7′33″N 27°10′48″E / 39.12583°N 27.18000°E / 39.12583; 27.18000 (Pergamom)	Cultural: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	333 (820); buffer zone 477 (1,180)	2014	Pergamon was an important ancient Greek and Roman city. It has impressive ruins, including a theatre and a library.
Old City of Sana'a	Sana'a Governorate, Yemen 15°21′20″N 44°12′29″E / 15.35556°N 44.20806°E / 15.35556; 44.20806 (Old City of Sana'a)	Cultural: (iv)(v)(vi)	—	1986	Sana'a is an ancient city with unique architecture, including multi-story houses decorated with geometric patterns.
Shahr-i Sokhta	Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran 30°35′38″N 61°19′40″E / 30.59389°N 61.32778°E / 30.59389; 61.32778 (Shahr-i Sokhta)	Cultural: (ii)(iii)(iv)	1,456 (3,600); buffer zone 2,200 (5,400)	2014	This is an ancient Bronze Age city that was a major trading center. It provides important information about early urban societies.
Old Walled City of Shibam	Hadhramaut Governorate, Yemen 15°55′37″N 48°37′36″E / 15.92694°N 48.62667°E / 15.92694; 48.62667 (Old Walled City of Shibam)	Cultural: (iii)(iv)(v)	—	1982	Shibam is known as the "Manhattan of the Desert" because of its tall, mud-brick buildings. It's a great example of early urban planning.
Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley) and the Forest of the Cedars of God (Horsh Arz el-Rab)	North Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon 34°14′36″N 36°2′56″E / 34.24333°N 36.04889°E / 34.24333; 36.04889	Cultural: (iii)(iv)	—	1998	This beautiful valley has ancient Christian monasteries carved into the cliffs. The Cedars of God are a small but important forest of ancient cedar trees.
Painted Churches in the Troodos Region	Troodos Mountains, Limassol and Nicosia Districts, Cyprus 34°55′13″N 33°5′45″E / 34.92028°N 33.09583°E / 34.92028; 33.09583	Cultural: (iii)(vi)	—	1985	These churches have amazing wall paintings from the Byzantine period. They are hidden in the mountains and show unique religious art.
Paphos	Paphos District, Cyprus 34°45′30″N 32°24′20″E / 34.75833°N 32.40556°E / 34.75833; 32.40556 (Paphos)	Cultural: (iii)(vi)	—	1980	Paphos was an ancient Greek and Roman city. It has impressive ruins, including beautiful mosaics that tell stories from mythology.
Pasargadae	Pars, Iran 30°11′38″N 53°10′2″E / 30.19389°N 53.16722°E / 30.19389; 53.16722 (Pasargadae)	Cultural: (1)(ii)(iii)(iv)	160 (400); buffer zone 7,127 (17,610)	2004	Pasargadae was the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It includes the tomb of Cyrus the Great, a very important ancient Persian ruler.
Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy	Muharraq Governorate, Bahrain 26°14′29″N 50°36′49″E / 26.24139°N 50.61361°E / 26.24139; 50.61361	Cultural: (iii)	35,087 (86,700); buffer zone 95,876 (236,910)	2012	This site tells the story of Bahrain's pearling industry, which was very important to its economy for centuries. It includes oyster beds and old merchant houses.
Persepolis	Fars, Iran 29°56′4″N 52°52′25″E / 29.93444°N 52.87361°E / 29.93444; 52.87361 (Persepolis)	Cultural: (i)(iii)(vi)	13 (32)	1979	Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It has magnificent palace ruins with detailed carvings.
Petra	Ma'an Governorate, Jordan 30°19′50″N 35°26′36″E / 30.33056°N 35.44333°E / 30.33056; 35.44333 (Petra)	Cultural: (i)(iii)(iv)	—	1985	Petra is a famous ancient city carved into pink sandstone cliffs. It was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom and is known for its stunning architecture.
Qal’at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun	Northern Governorate, Bahrain 26°13′59″N 50°31′20″E / 26.23306°N 50.52222°E / 26.23306; 50.52222	Cultural: (ii)(iii)(iv)	32 (79); buffer zone 1,238 (3,060)	2005	This ancient mound was once the capital of the Dilmun civilization. It has layers of ruins from different periods, showing its long history as a port.
Quseir Amra	Zarqa Governorate, Jordan 31°48′7″N 36°35′9″E / 31.80194°N 36.58583°E / 31.80194; 36.58583 (Qasr Amra)	Cultural: (i)(iii)(iv)	—	1985	This desert castle is famous for its beautiful frescoes (wall paintings) from the early Islamic period. They show scenes of daily life and hunting.
Rock Art in the Hail Region	Hail Region, Saudi Arabia 28°2′16.8″N 40°32′40.92″E / 28.038000°N 40.5447000°E / 28.038000; 40.5447000	Cultural: (i)(iii)	2,043.8 (5,050); buffer zone 3,609.5 (8,919)	2015	This site has thousands of ancient rock carvings and inscriptions. They provide clues about the lives of people who lived in the desert for thousands of years.
Samarra Archaeological City^†	Salah ad Din Governorate, Iraq 34°20′28″N 43°49′25″E / 34.34111°N 43.82361°E / 34.34111; 43.82361 (Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat))	Cultural: (ii)(iii)(iv)	15,058 (37,210); buffer zone 31,414 (77,630)	2007	Samarra was once the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. It has a huge spiral minaret and other impressive ruins, but it is currently in danger due to conflict.
Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region	Fars Province, Iran 29°46′39″N 51°34′13″E / 29.77750°N 51.57028°E / 29.77750; 51.57028	Cultural: (ii)(iii)(iv)	639 (1,580); buffer zone 12,715 (31,420)	2018	This area has many archaeological sites from the Sassanid Empire. They show the art, architecture, and urban planning of this ancient Persian empire.
Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex	Edirne, East Thrace, Turkey 41°40′40″N 26°33′34″E / 41.67778°N 26.55944°E / 41.67778; 26.55944	Cultural: (i)(iv)	2.50 (6.2); buffer zone 38 (94)	2011	This mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan. It has a huge dome and tall minarets.
Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil	Ardabil, Ardabil Province, Iran 38°14′55″N 48°17′29″E / 38.24861°N 48.29139°E / 38.24861; 48.29139	Cultural: (i)(ii)(iv)	2.14 (5.3); buffer zone 13 (32)	2010	This is a spiritual retreat and burial place for a Sufi leader. It has beautiful Islamic architecture and decorations.
Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System	Khuzestan, Iran 32°1′7″N 48°50′9″E / 32.01861°N 48.83583°E / 32.01861; 48.83583	Cultural: (i)(ii)(v)	240 (590); buffer zone 1,572 (3,880)	2009	This ancient water system is an engineering marvel. It includes bridges, dams, and canals that were used to manage water for farming.
Site of Palmyra^†	Homs Governorate, Syria 34°33′15″N 38°16′0″E / 34.55417°N 38.26667°E / 34.55417; 38.26667 (Site of Palmyra)	Cultural: (i)(ii)(iv)	0.36 (0.89)	1980	Palmyra was an ancient oasis city that was an important stop on trade routes. It has impressive Roman ruins, but it is currently in danger due to conflict.
Sites of Human Evolution at Mount Carmel: The Nahal Me’arot / Wadi el-Mughara Caves	Mount Carmel, Israel 32°40′12″N 34°57′55″E / 32.67000°N 34.96528°E / 32.67000; 34.96528	Cultural: (iii)(v)	54 (130); buffer zone 370 (910)	2012	These caves contain evidence of human occupation from hundreds of thousands of years ago. They show how early humans lived and evolved.
Socotra Archipelago	Hadhramaut Governorate, Yemen 12°30′N 53°50′E / 12.500°N 53.833°E / 12.500; 53.833 (Socotra Archipelago)	Natural: (x)	410,460 (1,014,300); buffer zone 1,740,958 (4,302,000)	2008	This island group has unique plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth, like the dragon's blood tree. It's a natural wonder.
Soltaniyeh	Zanjan, Iran 36°26′7″N 48°47′48″E / 36.43528°N 48.79667°E / 36.43528; 48.79667 (Soltaniyeh)	Cultural: (ii)(iii)(iv)	790 (2,000); buffer zone 350 (860)	2005	This site has a huge dome, one of the largest brick domes in the world. It was built as a mausoleum for a Mongol ruler.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex	Tabriz, Iran 38°4′53″N 46°17′35″E / 38.08139°N 46.29306°E / 38.08139; 46.29306 (Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex)	Cultural: (ii)(iii)(iv)	29 (72); buffer zone 75 (190)	2010	This is one of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the world. It was an important trading center on the Silk Road.
Takht-e Soleyman	West Azerbaijan, Iran 36°36′14″N 47°14′6″E / 36.60389°N 47.23500°E / 36.60389; 47.23500 (Takht-e Soleyman)	Cultural: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	10 (25); buffer zone 7,438 (18,380)	2003	This archaeological site includes a Zoroastrian fire temple and other ancient ruins. It's built around a volcanic lake.
Tchogha Zanbil	Khuzestan, Iran 32°5′0″N 48°32′0″E / 32.08333°N 48.53333°E / 32.08333; 48.53333 (Tchogha Zanbil)	Cultural: (iii)(iv)	&10000000000000000000000—	1979	This is an ancient Elamite ziggurat (a type of stepped pyramid). It's one of the few ziggurats outside of Mesopotamia.
The Persian Garden	Pars, Iran 30°10′0″N 53°10′0″E / 30.16667°N 53.16667°E / 30.16667; 53.16667 (The Persian Garden)	Cultural: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)	716 (1,770); buffer zone 9,740 (24,100)	2011	This site includes nine different examples of traditional Persian gardens. They are known for their beautiful design, water features, and symbolism.
Tyre	South Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon 33°16′15″N 35°11′46″E / 33.27083°N 35.19611°E / 33.27083; 35.19611 (Tyre)	Cultural: (iii)(vi)	154 (380)	1984	Tyre was an ancient Phoenician city and a major port. It has impressive Roman and Crusader ruins.
Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a)	Amman Governorate, Jordan 31°30′6″N 35°55′14″E / 31.50167°N 35.92056°E / 31.50167; 35.92056 (Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a))	Cultural: (i)(iv)(vi)	24 (59); buffer zone 90 (220)	2005	This archaeological site has ruins from Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods. It's known for its beautiful mosaic floors.
Upper Svaneti	Mestia District, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Georgia 42°54′59″N 43°0′41″E / 42.91639°N 43.01139°E / 42.91639; 43.01139 (Upper Svaneti)	Cultural: (iv)(v)	1.06 (2.6); buffer zone 19 (47)	1996	This mountain region has unique medieval stone tower-houses. They were built for defense and are a special part of Georgian culture.
‘Uruq Bani Mu’arid Protected Area	Najran, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 19°20′13″N 45°54′14″E / 19.337°N 45.904°E / 19.337; 45.904	Natural: (vii)(ix)	1,276,500 (3,154,000); buffer zone 80,600 (199,000)	2023	This vast desert area is home to unique sand dunes and wildlife, including the Arabian oryx. It's a key place for desert ecosystems.
Wadi Rum Protected Area	Aqaba Governorate, Jordan 29°38′N 35°26′E / 29.633°N 35.433°E / 29.633; 35.433 (Wadi Rum Protected Area)	Mixed: (iii)(v)(vii)	74,180 (183,300); buffer zone 59,177 (146,230)	2011	Wadi Rum is a stunning desert landscape with towering sandstone mountains and ancient rock carvings. It's known for its natural beauty and historical importance.
Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower	Absheron Peninsula, Azerbaijan 40°22′0″N 49°50′0″E / 40.36667°N 49.83333°E / 40.36667; 49.83333	Cultural: (iv)	22 (54)	2000	This ancient walled city has a rich history, with a royal palace and a mysterious tower. It shows the unique architecture of Azerbaijan.
White City of Tel-Aviv—the Modern Movement	Tel Aviv, Israel 32°4′0″N 34°47′0″E / 32.06667°N 34.78333°E / 32.06667; 34.78333	Cultural: (ii)(iv)	140 (350); buffer zone 197 (490)	2003	Tel Aviv's "White City" has many buildings built in the Bauhaus style. It's a great example of modern architecture from the 1930s.
Xanthos-Letoon	Muğla and Antalya Provinces, Turkey 36°20′6″N 29°19′13″E / 36.33500°N 29.32028°E / 36.33500; 29.32028 (Xanthos-Letoon)	Cultural: (ii)(iii)	126 (310); buffer zone 63 (160)	1988	These are two ancient cities from the Lycian civilization. They have unique tombs and ruins that show the art and culture of this ancient people.

Images for kids

Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman
Al-Ahsa Palm Oasis
Al-Hijr Archaeological Site
Zubarah Fort
Ancient City of Aleppo
Ancient City of Bosra
Ancient City of Damascus
Bibi Maryam mausoleum at Ancient City of Qalhat
Ancient Villages of Northern Syria
Anjar
Archaeological Site of Troy
Burial mound at the site of Al-Ayn
Saint Thaddeus Monastery, part of Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran
American soldiers on guard at the ruins of Ashur in 2008
At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah
Baalbek
Babylon
Bahá’i Holy Places in Haifa
Bahla Fort
Bam and its Cultural Landscape
Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas)
Biblical Tell Hazor
Bisotun Inscription
Bursa Grand Mosque
Byblos
Caves of Maresha and Bet-Guvrin
Etchmiadzin Cathedral
Choirokoitia
Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
Erbil Citadel
Safranbolu traditional houses
Crac des Chevaliers
Al Ain Oasis
Dilmun Burial Mounds
Gelati Monastery
Gobustan Rock Art
Shams-ol-Emareh, Golestan Palace
Gonbad-e Qabus tower
Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği
The ruins of Göbekli Tepe
Göreme Valley fairy chimneys
Hatra ruins
Lion Gate, Hattusha
Hebron-(Abraham)-Mosche.JPG
Pamukkale terraces
Bir Hima Rock Petroglyphs
Historic Areas of Istanbul
Khan's Palace, Sheki
Traditional house in Al Balad, Jeddah
Historical Monuments of Mtskheta
Historic Town of Zabid
Hyrcanian Forests
Incense Route – Desert Cities in the Negev
Ruins at Khor Rori, Land of Frankincense
Battir's ancient terraces
Masada room
Jameh Mosque of Isfahan courtyard
Meidan Emam, Esfahan
Haghpat Monastery
Monastery of Geghard
Mount Nemrut
Excavations at Çatalhöyük
Acre - Akko Tower
Temple Mount, Old City of Jerusalem
Pergamon
Old City of Sana'a
Shahr-i Sokhta ruins
Old Walled City of Shibam
Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley)
Constantine and Helen, Church of Archangel Michael, Pedoulas
House of Aion, Paphos
Tomb of Cyrus the Great, Pasargadae
Isa Bin Ali House, Muharraq, Bahrain
Persepolis - Tachara
Al Khazneh, Petra
Qal’at al-Bahrain
Quseir Amra
Rock Art in the Hail Region
Great Mosque of Samarra
Persepolis ruins, Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region
Selimiye Mosque, Edirne
The mausoleums of Sheikh Safi
Shushtar Bridge
Temple of Bel, Palmyra
Mount Carmel caves
Socotra dragon tree
Soltaniyeh dome
Carpet Bazaar of Tabriz
Takht-e Soleyman
Tchogha Zanbil
Chehel Sotoun, The Persian Garden
Tyre Al Mina
Umm Rasas House ruins
Mestia, Upper Svaneti
‘Uruq Bani Mu’arid Protected Area
Wadi Rum Protected Area
Hajji Gayyib bathhouse, Walled City of Baku
White building in Tel Aviv
Xanthos ruins

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List of World Heritage Sites in Western Asia Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.