World Heritage Sivas/Divrigi Turkey; Sivas Great Mosque Of Divrigi

The Mosque Where Stones Were Dressed With Love. The first Turkish building inscribed to UNESCO's World Heritage List, the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi was built in the 13th century by Ahmed Shah and his wife Mellke Turan of the Principality of Mengucek. Designed by the architect Hurrem Shah, of Ahlat, in 1288, the Great Mosque of Divrigi is renowned for Its monumental architecture, its hexagonal dome, and its unique stone carving decorations.
The Great Mosque and Hospital has a plain fagade. Its status as a unique masterpiece rests on the merits of the stone carving decorations that adorn the great portal of the Hospital, the northern portal of the Mosque, the western portal of the Mosque and the portal of Shah's dais. Each and every figure In the decoration is a unique marvel of art and architecture, as well as a feat of engineering.

Art historians and architects agree that there are no other examples of the three dimensional and Intricate geometric styles and flowing figures of plants.
Its portals appear to have borrowed from Baroque, Seljuk and Gothic styles, but nevertheless represent a unique and distinct style of their own. All figures carved on the portals and on the walls were asymmetrical and each square has thousands of stone carved figures. The main characteristic of the designs featured In the portals is their uniqueness: each is distinct from other decorations. For example, the wreath of life used on the portal on the North fagade Is noteworthy since It depicts a totally imaginary plant world that only existed in the imagination of the craftsman.
As well as portals, all bases, shafts and capitals of the columns, and the Inner surface of the dome, were decorated a different, distinct and unique style.
The Hospital, situated next to the Great Mosque Is, In itself, a masterpiece of stone carving. It shares the splendid unity of the Great Mosque. The Hospital Is a two-storey building with a central courtyard surrounded by porticoes, and designed as a hospital where cures included the soothing sound of flowing water from the fountains.
This exciting stone masterpiece shaped with love is waiting for Its visitors.

Turkey is one of the most interesting destinations for travelers who enjoy history. The country sits between Europe and Asia. Many civilizations lived here for thousands of years. Greeks built cities on the Aegean coast. Romans created large urban centers. Byzantine emperors ruled important trade routes. Ottoman sultans built mosques, palaces and markets. These cultures left strong monuments across the country. Many of these places appear on the UNESCO sites Turkey list. These locations protect important cultural heritage. Travelers visit these places to understand world history and ancient civilizations. A program such as 7 Days Turkey Tour Package can connect many important historical regions across the country. Ephesus, there’s something for everyone in Turkey. But how do you make the most of your trip? The answer may lie in joining a group tour. Here’s why:

Turkey in World Heritage

Historical Areas of Istanbul, City of Safranbolu, Hattusha (Bogazkoy): The Hittite Capital, Edirne Selimiye Mosquee, Nemrut Mountain, Xanthos-Letoon, Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi, Archaeological Site of Troy, Hierapolis-Pamukkale, Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia

Unesco Tentative List
1) Izmir, Selcuk, Ephesus (1994)
2) Antalya, Karain Cave (1994)
3) Trabzon, Sumela Monastery (2000)
4) Mersin, Alahan Monastery (2000)
5) Antalya, Demre, St. Nicholas Church(2000)
6) Sanliurfa, Harran and Sanliurfa Settlements (2000)
7) Bitlis, The Tombstones of Ahlat the Urartian and Ottoman Citadel (2000)
8) Diyarbakir, The Citadel and the Walls of Diyarbakir (2000)
9) Seljuk Caravanserais on the route from Denizli to Dogubeyazit (2000)
10) Konya, Konya A Capital of Seljuk Civilisation (2000)
11) Antalya, Alanya Castle and Dockyard (2000)
12) Mardin, Mardin Cultural Landscape (2000)
13) Bursa, Bursa and Cumalikizik Early Ottoman Urban and Rural Settlements (2000)
14) Tarsus, St. Paul Church, St. Pauls Well and surrounding historic quarters (2000)
15) Agri, Ishak Pasha Palace (2000)
16) Antalya , Kas, Kekova (2000)
17) Antalya, Gulluk Mountain Termessos National Park (2000)
18) Aydin, Archaeological Site of Aphrodisias (2009)
19) Antalya, Ancient Cities of Lycian Civilisation (2009)
20) Burdur Archaeological Site Of Sagalassos (2009)
21) Konya,Neolitic Site Of Catalhoyuk (2009)
22) Antalya,Archaeological Site of Perge (2009)
23) Beyşehir, Eşrefoğlu Mosque (2011)
24) Hatay, St. Pierre Church (2011)
25) Bergama-İzmir (2011)
26) Göbeklitepe Archaeological Site (2011)

Daily Tours Of Historical Istanbul