# Turkish archaeological restoration and UNESCO designations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-archaeological-restoration-and-unesco-designations
> Updated: 2026-08-19T11:53:27.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

The historic Justinianus Bridge in Sakarya, a 1,500-year-old Byzantine-era structure, has reopened to the public following an eight-year restoration project. The effort, involving the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Serdivan Municipality, focused on reinforcing the bridge’s 12 arches and load-bearing elements while improving visitor amenities such as lighting, paths, and rest areas.

During the restoration, archaeological work uncovered various Byzantine-era artifacts, including marble columns and bronze coins. The bridge is noted for its historical significance and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. 

Separately, the Anaia Hill site in Kuşadası, which contains remains ranging from prehistoric to the 12th-century Byzantine period, has also been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Justinianus Bridge reopens in Sakarya after eight-year restoration

The 1,500-year-old Justinianus Bridge in Sakarya has reopened to visitors following an eight-year restoration and environmental upgrade project.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/justinianus-bridge-reopens-in-sakarya-after-eight-year-restoration

### 2026-08-05: Turkey's Justinianus Bridge Reopens, Anaia Hill Site Joins UNESCO Tentative List

Turkey reopened the restored Justinianus Bridge in Sakarya and added the Anaia Hill archaeological site in Kuşadası to the UNESCO tentative list, boosting heritage tourism.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-justinianus-bridge-reopens-anaia-hill-site-joins-unesco-tentative-list

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Cite as: Turkish archaeological restoration and UNESCO designations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-archaeological-restoration-and-unesco-designations