Turkey's Justinianus Bridge Reopens, Anaia Hill Site Joins UNESCO Tentative List

After an eight‑year restoration and archaeological program, the historic Justinianus Bridge in Sakarya—one of Turkey’s oldest monumental structures—has been reopened to visitors. The work, carried out by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism together with the Serdivan Municipality, reinforced the bridge’s 12 arches, uncovered Byzantine‑era artifacts such as bronze coins, marble columns and a nearby early‑Byzantine bath complex, and aimed to preserve the bridge’s original fabric while improving its surroundings. Officials expect the reopening to boost regional tourism.

In Kuşadası, the Anaia Hill (Anaia Höyüğü) site, where a 26‑year excavation led by Doç. Dr. Suna Çağaptay uncovered a 12th‑century Byzantine church, a 5th‑century holy spring, and a range of artifacts from pre‑historic to Hittite periods, has been placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List. The designation raises Turkey’s total tentative sites to 81 and, according to the excavation team, will facilitate international sponsorship and stronger protection of the extensive settlement area, further promoting the district’s cultural profile.