Application for Mardin churches, monasteries to be included in UNESCO World Heritage List

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A protocol has been signed for the inclusion of four churches and five monasteries in Mardin, southeast Turkey, to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage permanent list. The structures were included in the tentative list last year.

Mahmut Demirtaş, the governor of Mardin, said, "We have many churches and monasteries. This year, we'll hopefully place nine of them in the candidate list."

"Our target is to prepare files about nearly 60 churches and monasteries and send them to UNESCO," he added.

Gökhan Yazı, the director of cultural assets and museums, also said there are 69 churches and monasteries in MArdin's Tur Abdin region and they intend to apply to UNESCO for them to be included in the World Heritage list.

Mor Gabriel Foundation Chair Kuryakos Ergün said the churches and monasteries will "have the value they deserve" once they are included in the World Heritage list.

The nine churches and monasteries in the tentative list are Mor Sobo Church, Meryem Ana Church (Yoldath Aloho), Deyrulzafaran Monastery, Mor Gabriel Monastery, Mor Abai Monastery, Mor Loozor Monastery, Mor Yakup Monastery, Mor Quryaqos Church ve Mor Azozo Church (AÖ/VK)