20 SEP, 2023
Ayaan Paul Chowdhury
Photo: Getty Images
The World Heritage Committee, currently meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, carefully evaluated global nominations submitted from 2022 and 2023.
To earn a coveted spot on the list, a site must possess remarkable universal value and align with specific criteria, like being a testament to human creativity or displaying exceptional natural beauty.
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Tragically, the committee had to designate Ukrainian treasures like Kyiv's Saint Sophia Cathedral and L'viv's historic centre as endangered due to the ongoing Russian invasion.
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Here's a list of the fresh sites added to UNESCO's coveted World Heritage status this year.
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A hidden gem with ancient temples and intricate sculptures nestled within Cambodia's dense jungles.
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A cultural oasis famous for its artistic and educational legacy, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, in West Bengal, India.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Historic Puer tea plantations spread across the breathtaking landscapes of Jingmai Mountain in China.
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Mysterious stone pillars adorned with ancient engravings, offering a glimpse into Mongolia's ancient past.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Burial mounds preserving the rich history and traditions of South Korea's Gaya confederation.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The extensive remains of an ancient Phrygian city, including the tomb of King Midas, in Turkey.
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A well-preserved historic centre that reflects the Jewish heritage in medieval Germany.
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An architectural treasure trove in Lithuania's second-largest city, Kaunas.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A significant archaeological site in Guatemala, home to ancient ruins and artifacts.
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Quaint streets and well-preserved architecture in Latvia's charming old town of Kuldīga.
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Ancient stone structures and settlements that paint a picture of Menorca's prehistory, in the Spanish island.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A historic trade route connecting cultures along the Silk Road's path in Central Asia.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A captivating landscape reflecting Ethiopia's diverse cultures and traditions.
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Historic caravanserais that once served as crucial rest stops along Iran's trade routes.
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An area steeped in history from the Klondike Gold Rush era in the Yukon, Canada.
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A Czech town renowned for its unique tradition of cultivating Saaz Hops.
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One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history spanning millennia, located on the outskirts of Jerusalem.
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A traditional transhumance migration route through Azerbaijan's picturesque landscapes.
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An enchanting island known for its rich cultural tapestry and ancient history in Tunisia.
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Stunning temples and architectural wonders showcasing the Hoysala dynasty's artistic prowess in Karnataka, India.
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The central axis of Yogyakarta in Indonesia has continued as a centre of government and embodying key beliefs about the cosmos in Javanese culture, including the marking of the cycles of life.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A biodiverse haven in Ethiopia's highlands, home to unique wildlife and landscapes.
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A pristine forest massif ecosystem at the heart of Congo's natural beauty.
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Dramatic landscapes showcasing Martinique's volcanic terrain and lush forests. Martinique is an overseas region of France.
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Historical fortifications offering insights into the Viking era in Denmark.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
An exceptionally preserved Roman temple in Nîmes, France - a testament to ancient engineering and architecture.
Photo: Getty Images
Historic observatories contributing to Russia's scientific heritage and astronomical studies.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons