Hierapolis-Pamukkale
Country
Turkey
Inscribed in
1988
Criteria
(iii)
(iv)
(vii)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good with some concerns" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
Deriving from springs in a cliff almost 200 m high overlooking the plain, calcite-laden waters have created at Pamukkale (Cotton Palace) an unreal landscape, made up of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of terraced basins. At the end of the 2nd century B.C. the dynasty of the Attalids, the kings of Pergamon, established the thermal spa of Hierapolis. The ruins of the baths, temples and other Greek monuments can be seen at the site. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Good with some concerns
Current state and trend of VALUES
Low Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Visually stunning landscape of calcite deposits forming white travertine terraces
Criterion
(vii)
Calcite-laden waters from hot springs, emerging from a cliff almost 200 metres high overlooking the plain, have created a visually stunning landscape at Pamukkale. These mineralized waters have generated a series of petrified waterfalls, stalactites and pools with step-like terraces, some of which are less than a meter in height while others are as high as six meters (Alciçek et al, 2019.; Kele et al., 2011). Fresh deposits of calcium carbonate give these formations a dazzling white coating. The Turkish name Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle”, is derived from this striking landscape (World Heritage Committee, 2013; Altunel and D’Andria, 2019 ). Pamukkale Travertines were listed among the First 100 Geological Heritage Sites by the International Union of Geological Sciences in 2024 (Özkul et al., 2025). Some of the site's geodiversity consists of structural elements related to extensional tectonics (Topal, 2012; Hançer, 2013; Özkaymak, 2015; Topal and Özkul, 2018). The most prominent of these are normal faults (for instance, Pamukkale Fault), springs such as Pınarbaşı spring, landslides and travertine formations located in fault zones.
Plant endemism
587 plant species were identified in the Pamukkale Environmental Protection Area which includes the UNESCO World Heritage site (Pamukkale-SEPA, 2024 based on the Pamukkale SEPA The Determination of Biological Diversity Project results, 2010). Of those, 29 of the plant species were endemic. Among the endemic species, two vulnerable (VU), one conservation dependent, three near threatened (NR), 20 least concerned (LC), one data deficient (DD) and two not categorized plant species were listed according IUCN species threat categories.
Rare reptiles species
One lizard (Schneider's skink-Eumeces schneideri) (LC) and one snake (Eryx jaculus) (LC) species were found in the Pamukkale Special Environment Protection Area. These species were recorded first time in western Anatolia (Pamukkale-SEPA, 2010). In addition, Stellagama stellio (star lizard), (LC), Blanus strauchii (LC) species and 6 species of snakes ((Coluber caspius, Coluber jugularis, Eirenis modestus, Natrix natrix, Natrix tessellata, Typlops vermicularis) were recorded in the site (Yaka, 2014; Pamukkale-SEPA, 2010).
Traditional use of Chaste (Vitex agnus-castus L.) tree
The traditional use of Chaste (Vitex agnus-castus L.) tree found in the site in tree and shrub forms is significant. The tree is used for traditional medicinal practices, to make baskets and as a traditional pest for insects.
Assessment information
The main current threat to the site’s integrity is from tourism infrastructure development and high tourist numbers, domestic sewage, acid rain resulting from air pollution, air pollution, and climate change having an impact on geothermal reservoirs and the amount of water. Pamukkale is one of the top ten visited tourism destinations among the archaeological sites in Turkey. Visitor numbers still exceed the carrying capacity of the site. Threats from tourism infrastructure to spring water and natural assets have been reduced thanks to measures taken in line with the management plan. Despite education and incentives provided to farmers in Pamukkale SEPA as well as water quality monitoring works in Pamukkale SEPA and in other SEPAs, anthropogenic pollution from trace elements and acidity in wet deposition around the site still represent a threat to the travertine at the moment. Climate change is projected to result in an increase in temperatures and heat waves. Its impact is already visible through the decrease in the flow of the underground water that feeds the thermal water, decrease in ground water reservoirs, decrease in the existing water regime, and decrease in water in irrigation canals in the summer. Using natural gas for accommodation in Pamukkale would decrease the use of thermal water for heating purposes in accommodation. Further, better monitoring of air pollution of the site which is located very close to industrial facilities of Denizli with increased number of monitoring stations, monitoring air quality parameters beyond SO2 and PM10 and regular maintenance of monitoring stations is necessary.
Recreation & Tourism Areas
(Tourism infrastructure)
Outside site
Tourism infrastructure has been constructed both by the municipality of Denizli and by private enterprises including hotels, motels and swimming pools (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). Threats from infrastructure have been reduced thanks to several measures, including demolition of hotels inside the park in line with the Pamukkale-SEPA management Plan 2020-2024. Currently there are no threats to the travertine terraces caused by tourism infrastructure (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Dams & Water Management/Use
(Use of water for tourism and agriculture)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
It was stated in the project report for "Determination of biodiversity of Pamukkale Special Environmental Protection Area" in 2010 that water regulation and flow was negatively affected by use of water at tourism locations and agriculture. Agricultural lands within the upper basin may affect and pollute the water (IUCN Consultation, 2017). With the approval of Pamukkale-SEPA Management Plan 2020-2024, the General Directorate for Protection of Natural Assets (GDPNA) of MofEUCC, the government agency for all special environment protection areas and natural sites, including Pamukkale-SEPA, initiated water pollution monitoring projects (GDPNA, 2024). The Pamukkale-SEPA plan has also indicated several projects addressing the impacts at upper basins of the Pamukkale SEPA. However, increased number of tourists especially in the high season will be the main source of the pollution at the archaeological pool.There are around 200 illegal wells drilling water. There is no water management plan at the moment for the site (SEPA Management Plan 2020-2024).
Water-borne & other effluent Pollution
(Water pollution)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Pollution from sewage and constant tourist bathing in natural pools was reported as a threat at the time of inscription (IUCN, 1988). At the moment, the waste water treatment facilities are not working at all times and they are stopped from time to time (Pamukkale SEPA 2020-2024). Organic pollution at travertine ponds due to tourism and agriculture has also been reported more recently (Pamukkale-SEPA, 2010). Another problem is in Karahayıt, drinking water and thermal water mixes up in accommodation and housing facilities (Pamukkale SEPA, 2020-2024). A recent study found that 'trace elements that reach travertine by wet deposition may be viewed as a risk because of the anthropogenic origins of air pollutants' due to high concentration values of trace elements in precipitation samples as well as acidic rain events (Cukurluoglu, 2017). These risks are expected to decrease as there have been some positive actions taken in recent years such as education of farmers on good agricultural practices in Pamukkale (Denizli Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, 2024), establishments of garbage collection and recycling system in Develi and Yeniköy villages, and sewage management system in Akköy village (Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, 2024).
Dams & Water Management/Use
(Diversion of spring water)
Outside site
Water regulation in the site has improved in recent years due to strict measures to control tourism infrastructure (hotels etc.). Calcite deposits have been recovering and there is enough water discharge for travertine terraces (IUCN Consultation, 2017). Geothermal water resources are being explored outside the property within ongoing projects on sustainable use of geothermal water resources Pamukkale-SEPA, e.g. in the ongoing project to ensure geothermal and fresh water needs of Pamukkale and Akköy from sources outside of Pamukkale SEPA (Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, 2024). Therefore, this threat is considered to be less important in the future. However, water deficiency in moderate and long-time-periods dependent on climate change would create a risk and it should take into consideration for future planning.
Recreational Activities
(Impacts from tourism)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
High number of tourists (more than one million tourists in some years) had been identified as an issue of concern (State Party of Turkey, 2006). Pamukkale is the one of the top-ten visited tourism destination among the archaeological sites in Turkey (2015 DÖSİMM tourism statistics), and has been selected among the best 100 geological heritage sites by IUGS (IUGS, 2022). According to archaeological site statistics between 2014 and 2020 annual number of visitors fluctuated between 1.0 and 1.8 million in Hierapolis, and even during reduced tourism activities during COVID-19 tourism infrastructures and associations were still targeting around one million visitors for 2020 (Daily Sabah, 2020). A study on the carrying capacity and visitors management of Hierapolis and Pamukkale Travertines World Heritage site, using data from 2018 to 2020, indicated that the carrying capacity of natural site-travertines is about 1.4 million per year and 9800 per day (Göktuğ & Zengin, 2021) although the duration of the visits is rather short. In 2019, number of visitors exceeded 2.5 million, indicating a need to restrict the number of visitors to travertines in high tourist period (July-September) to a carrying capacity number. Also, the ongoing project on designating Denizli UNESCO geoparks to include Pamukkale travertines, together with the IUGS designation are expected to attract more tourists in the future. Thus, the impact of unplanned and uncontrolled tourism should be handled by a visitor management plan, as suggested in Pamukkale SEPA management plan 2020-2024. It is therefore suggested to integrate as a whole the impact of tourism, nature conservation, socio-economic and rural development in the renewed/updated future management plan (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Changes in Temperature Regimes
(Climate change having an impact on geothermal reservoirs and the amount water )
Outside site
According to the scenarios and models based on projections for Denizli province where the site is based, the site will experience higher annual average temperatures and increased heat waves (Denizli Province 2023 Environmental Outlook Report, 2024). Both the average winter and summer temperatures are projected to rise gradually. This already results in a threat for the flow of the underground water that feed the thermal water, decrease in ground water reservoirs, decrease in the existing water regime, decrease in water in irrigation canals in the summer (SEPA Management Plan 2020-2024).
Air-borne Pollutants, Energy Emissions
(Air pollution )
Outside site
In Denizli province natural gas is the main source of heating. However, it is not used in the hotels in Pamukkale and the hotels use thermal water as a source of heating. Hence, it is recommended to use natural gas in Pamukkale hotels and motels instead of the thermal water. In this way, the precious thermal water will be used solely for the purposes of tourism and health. It is important to note that Denizli province where the site is located is rapidly getting urbanized and industrialized. It is also necessary to monitor air quality parameters other than SO2 and PM10 in the site. The number of air quality monitoring stations in Denizli Province could be increased from 2 to 3 to facilitate this along with periodical maintenance of these monitoring stations (Denizli Province Clean Air Action Plan (2020-2024)).
Earthquakes have been identified as a potential threat the travertine terraces; however, it is considered as a very low threat.
Geological Events
(Earthquakes)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Earthquakes are the only identified potentials threat to travertine terraces (IUCN, 1988). In 2017, earthquakes in southern part of Aegean Sea have increased but no impacts have been recorded in Denizli Province. The quantity of water within the World Heritage site is mostly affected by earth movements. The earth movements may change the flow of water within the limestone system. Considering the age of travertine developments in Pamukkale which is about 400 000 year old (Altunel, 1996), the flow of thermal water and travertine development have not been changed over the past years. The potential threat from earthquakes is not likely to occur in near future. At the moment, there is adequate water for travertine terraces (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
For an improved brand image in Pamukkale there is a need of increased collaboration among stakeholders. Social, economic and cultural research is still needed to define the integration of local culture in management. Local people should receive more benefits from tourism by increasing the quality of their services and defining quality standards, as it appears the benefits from tourism are mostly received by large companies and consequently less income is generated for local people. The data and information on socio-economic status (2018) in the most recent management plan of the site needs to be updated.
Legal framework
Hierapolis-Pamukkale World Heritage site is subject to the National Conservation Law (No: 2863), Municipality Law, Local Government Law and the legislation to Conserve and Control Water Basins (revised in 2018) as being the 1st and the 2nd Degree Archaeological and the 1st Degree Natural Site. No exclusive legislation exists for World Heritage Sites in Turkey (State Party of Turkey, 2024). In 1990, the site was registered as a ‘Special Environmental Protection Area’. The most recent SEPA Management Plan is dated for 2020-2024. An adequate legal framework for the maintenance of the Outstanding Universal Value including conditions of Authenticity and / or Integrity of the World Heritage property exists but there are some deficiencies in implementation (State Party of Turkey, 2014). Overall, whilst there are several legislative instruments in force for the archaeological site, and protection and management of the environment; there is little harmonization between them (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Governance arrangements
The Pamukkale Execution Unit was established in the Pamukkale SEPA Management plan 2020-2024 (Pamukkale SEPA 2020a). The unit consists of 35 members representing stakeholders from government and non-governmental organizations to manage and monitor the site. The Secretariat of the Unit is the General Directorate for Protection of Natural Assets- Denizli Provincial Directorate of MofEUCC. The World Heritage site which is part of larger Pamukkale SEPA, including both the Hierapolis archeologic site and travertines, is managed by Denizli Provicial Directorate of Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MofCT). However, better coordination between Denizli Provincial Directorates of MofEUCC and MofCT is needed. The two authorities are responsible for the management of the site (cultural and natural sectors), but the level of coordination between them and sharing of responsibilities are not efficient and need to be improved.
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
The World Heritage property is included in the Pamukkale SEPA and Aydın-Muğla-Denizli Regional Landscape Plan. An environmental plan was approved in 2011 for three provinces including Denizli Province. There is a need to revise the management plan at the landscape level. Previous concerns surrounding the diversion of spring water to feed local demand, including the tourist industry, which requires planning at the regional level, appear to have been addressed through the deconstruction of hotels within the site boundaries. Nonetheless, there appears to remain a lack of clarity between institutions responsible for particular elements of the site's management. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is responsible for activities to control tourism movement, archaeological excavations and daily management of the heritage site. The Museum Directorate is responsible for the archaeological site including travertine terraces; whereas the General Directorate of Protection of Natural Assets is responsible for environmental planning, and management and monitoring of natural assets. However, there is neither a representative body nor a management unit at the site.
Boundaries
Status of boundaries of the site considered adequate. No buffer zone has been defined (State Party of Turkey, 2006). Boundaries of the car park need to be clearly defined as well as the balloon arrival and departure points (Pamukkale SEPA Management Plan, 2020-2024).
Overlapping international designations
N/A
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
Measures had been taken, aligned with the Pamukkale SEPA management plan 2020-2024, to ensure better monitoring of tourism activities (IUCN Consultation, 2017), which was one of the areas of concern in previous World Heritage Committee Decisions (e.g. World Heritage Committee, 1990). Measures included the completion of the tourism carrying capacity work and Visitor Management Plan, Pamukkale SEPA Biodiversity project, and thermal water quality monitoring projects. There have been no recent Committee Decisions on this site, except the one adopting its Retrospective Statement of OUV (World Heritage Committee, 2013).
Climate action
Denizli Governership published the Environment Outlook Report 2023 of Denizli Province in 2024. This report addresses the air pollution, climate change and drought effects issues and projects carried out to address these issues by various government agencies.
Management plan and overall management system
The updated Pamukkale SEPA management plan 2020-2024 ensures an effective the protection and management of the site. The overall management system could be however improved with the establishment of The Hierapolis and Pamukkale Travertines Heritage Site Management Authority including both responsible institutions of MofEUCC and MofCT.
Law enforcement
There is some cooperation among Provincial Directorates of MofEUCC and MofCT, municipal governments and security units in Denizli Governorship, however the number of guards is considered insufficient and enforcement of regulations weak.
Sustainable finance
Major funding comes from entrance fees, Authority of Protected Special Areas, Italian Archaeological Mission for excavation, UNDP, and World Bank. There is annual funding from the Government but there should be a share from tourism income to ensure a better management. Previously assessments funding for protection and conservation was considered to be adequate, but insufficient in terms of management (State Party of Turkey, 2006). The income generated from the site is not distributed equally between the relevant institutions responsible in the site disregarding the law (SEPA Management Plan, 2020-2024).
Staff capacity, training and development
Improvements are needed in terms of staff capacity, number, training and development as suggested by the Pamukkale SEPA Management Plan 2020-2024.
Education and interpretation programmes
Site museum, information booths, guided tours, trails / routes and information materials are considered insufficient. Visitor routes and information panels have been provided within the site (State Party of Turkey, 2014). However, interpretation, guiding, information panels and communications in general have been considered in need of improvement, guided tours are an adequate approach to consider for the future. The public awareness on nature conservation in the site and information on the site is considered weak. A protocol is planned to be prepared between the Provincial Ministry of Education, Provincial Ministry of Culture and Tourism at the SEPA to provide training on the values, flora and fauna of the site to students (Pamukkale SEPA, 2020-2024). Posters and brochures will be prepared as well. Further, during museums week additional activities are planned.
Tourism and visitation management
Some previously identified threats from infrastructure had been reduced thanks to several measures, including demolition of hotels inside the park, in line with the management plan (IUCN Consultation, 2017). Six hotels and the structures around the thermal pool threatening the site's values have been demolished; entry of the private vehicles into the site has been forbidden except for emergencies; public transportation has been provided for visitors; the road passing through the south-eastern travertine terraces has been closed (State Party of Turkey, 2014). A visitor management plan seems to have been developed within the project on "Determination of Pamukkale SEPA Carrying Capacity" (Pamukkale SEPA 2020b), this plan should be implemented to reduce and control the number of visitors to site, especially in high tourist months (July-August-September).
Sustainable use
The Pamukkale SEPA is aware of how to manage to sustain the natural values of the site, The management plan has outlined the project and actions to meet the specific objectives and targets for sustainable management of the sites. The SEPA Management Plan (2020-2024) includes targets and activities to develop tourism, agriculture and livestock activities through a balanced and sustainable use approach.
Monitoring
Geothermal water drills and illegal wells are strictly controlled by Pamukkale SEPA and Denizli and Pamukkale Municipalities and geothermal water quality monitoring is done regularly by the Pamukkale SEPA. However, all geothermal water sources require monitoring, regulated by single agency to prevent illegal and overuse of geothermal waters in Pamukkale SEPA. It is also necessary to monitor air quality parameters other than SO2 and PM10 in the site with an increase in the number of air quality monitoring stations in Denizli Province. The periodical maintenance of these monitoring stations is necessary (Denizli Province Clean Air Action Plan (2020-2024)).The yellow lizard (Eumeces schneideri) and Eryx jaculus need to be monitored (SEPA Management Plan (2020-2024).
Research
The formation of travertines and feeding reservoirs, and the role of cynobacteria in the precipitation of the travertines were subjected to several studies (Özgür and Uzun, 2022; Alçiçek et al., 2019; Zedef et al., 2003; Şimşek et al., 2000; Pentecost et al., 1997). Pamukkale Travertines were listed among the First 100 Geological Heritage Sites by the International Union of Geological Sciences in 2024 (Özkul et al., 2025). Some of the site's geodiversity was subject to various research by Topal (2012), Hançer (2013), Özkaymak (2015), Topal and Özkul (2018), and Özkul (2019). Diverse fossil fauna of freshwater gastropods and bivalves were recently discovered by research by Neubauer and Wesselingh (2023) via EU Horizon 2020 funding.
Two species of Ephemeroptera were studied by Aydınlı and Ertorun (2023). During the field work of the determination of the biological diversity project, three turtle species (Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Rana ridibunda) and two turtle species (Mauremys rivulata, Testudo graeca) were recorded by Pamukkale SEPA -The Determination of Biological Diversity Project results (2010).
Two species of Ephemeroptera were studied by Aydınlı and Ertorun (2023). During the field work of the determination of the biological diversity project, three turtle species (Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Rana ridibunda) and two turtle species (Mauremys rivulata, Testudo graeca) were recorded by Pamukkale SEPA -The Determination of Biological Diversity Project results (2010).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
Since Pamukkale SEPA is 6600 ha and the Hierapolis and Pamukkale Traverties UNESCO World Heritage site about 1/6 of the Pamukkale SEPA, the management system and governance of the World Heritage site is embedded within a broader protected landscape. Nevertheless, improvements in the governance arrangements and stronger integration into the regional and national landscape systems would be desirable.
This includes better coordination between Denizli Provincial Directorates of MofEUCC and MofCT to clarify the sharing of responsibilities
Furthermore, although an environmental plan was approved in 2011 for three provinces including Denizli Province, there is a need to revise the management plan at the landscape level. Previous concerns surrounding the diversion of spring water to feed local demand, including the tourist industry, which requires planning at the regional level, appear to have been addressed through the deconstruction of hotels within the site boundaries. Nonetheless, there appears to remain a lack of clarity between institutions responsible for particular elements of the site's management. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is responsible for activities to control tourism movement, archaeological excavations and daily management of the heritage site. The Museum Directorate is responsible for the archaeological site including travertine terraces; whereas the General Directorate of Protection of Natural Assets is responsible for environmental planning, and management and monitoring of natural assets. However, there is neither a representative body nor a management unit at the site.
This includes better coordination between Denizli Provincial Directorates of MofEUCC and MofCT to clarify the sharing of responsibilities
Furthermore, although an environmental plan was approved in 2011 for three provinces including Denizli Province, there is a need to revise the management plan at the landscape level. Previous concerns surrounding the diversion of spring water to feed local demand, including the tourist industry, which requires planning at the regional level, appear to have been addressed through the deconstruction of hotels within the site boundaries. Nonetheless, there appears to remain a lack of clarity between institutions responsible for particular elements of the site's management. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is responsible for activities to control tourism movement, archaeological excavations and daily management of the heritage site. The Museum Directorate is responsible for the archaeological site including travertine terraces; whereas the General Directorate of Protection of Natural Assets is responsible for environmental planning, and management and monitoring of natural assets. However, there is neither a representative body nor a management unit at the site.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
There have been difficulties associated with the mixed World Heritage site designation of the Hierapolis and Pamukkale Travertines. At the time of inscription of the site to UNESCO World Heritage list, the site was under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Culture and Tourism- The General Directorate for Protection of Natural Assets. Since 2011, the Pamukkale Travertines as the first degree natural site under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change-The General Directorate for Protection of Natural Assets. Although the Pamukkale SEPA Management plan and Carrying Capacity-Visitor Management plan exist for the site, the implementation of plans take time to be implemented due to bureaucratic processes. The daily operations of the site are managed by a understaffed unit of Ministry of Culture and Tourism-Denizli Museum Directorate. With the update of Pamukkale SEPA management plan 2020-2024, threats inside the heritage site are being better addressed, thus the effectiveness of the protection and management of the site can be considered to be improving.
Since the inscription of the site in 1988, improvements to the protection and management of the site have been made, including the Aydın-Muğla-Denizli Regional Landscape Plan, the Pamukkale SEPA Management Plan 2020-2024, Denizli Provincial Environmental Report of 2023 and the Pamukkale SEPA carrying capacity study. However, protection and management could be improved further. Although the site has been under the supervision of Pamukkale SEPA Execution Unit according to the Pamukkale SEPA Management Plan 2020-2024 the coordination between different institutions need to be strengthened. Also of some concern are levels of staffing, staff training and development, education and interpretation programs and particularly tourism management. Both the archaeological and Pamukkale travertine areas attract increasing visitors each year but there are too few guards and enforcement of regulations are weak. Actions suggested by the Pamukkale SEPA carrying capacity-visitor management study should be implemented fully.
Good practice examples
The Pamukkale SEPA Management Plan (2020-2024) was prepared in a participatory manner with the involvement of stakeholders including NGOs. Three stakeholder meetings have been organized. The participatory process is well documented with many photos, problem trees, depiction of group work.
Visually stunning landscape of calcite deposits forming white travertine terraces
Low Concern
Trend
Stable
Both the archaeological and cascade areas receive thousands of visitors each year, but there have been too few guards and too little enforcement of regulations. In 1990, the degradation was obvious during the evaluation mission. The diversion of spring water to feed hotel pools, pollution by sewage, mechanical damage to the stone and constant tourist bathing and littering in the pools diminished them and began to turn the travertine grey (Dilsiz, 2002). Moreover, the thermal water flow that feed travertine has decreased compared to previous times. If flow rate of water decreases further due to natural or human factors (illegal drilling, etc.) the future of travertine would be in danger just as in past years (Somuncu, 2009).The Pamukkale SEPA Management Plan 2020-2024, however, addresses these issues and actions and projects have been identified.
The encroaching hotel development was therefore pushed back from the edges of the natural formations and the commercial use of water came under control. Bathing in the pools was prohibited and access was limited to certain paths. As a consequence the quality of the travertine deposit returned (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). However, more recent concerns have been noted, which highlight the lack of capacity of staff to enforce bans and overcrowding in the travertine, which may cause damage if not effectively managed.
The encroaching hotel development was therefore pushed back from the edges of the natural formations and the commercial use of water came under control. Bathing in the pools was prohibited and access was limited to certain paths. As a consequence the quality of the travertine deposit returned (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). However, more recent concerns have been noted, which highlight the lack of capacity of staff to enforce bans and overcrowding in the travertine, which may cause damage if not effectively managed.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Stable
The natural values of Hieropolis-Pamukkale are confined to the beauty of the calcite-laden waters which over millennia have created a snow-white landscape of petrified waterfalls. The problem of over-use of this site by tourists has been a long-term issue, having been noted at the time of inscription of the site. Previous issues including the diversion of spring water to feed hotel pools, pollution by sewage, mechanical damage to the stone and constant tourist bathing and littering in the pools, had significantly diminished them and began to turn the travertine grey. The encroaching hotel development was therefore pushed back from the edges of the natural formations and the commercial use of water came under control. Bathing in the pools was also prohibited and access limited to certain paths, resulting in improved status of the travertine. The Pamukkale SEPA Management plan 2020-2024 addresses the effective implementation of visitor regulations, as well as under-staffing and visitor management problems. Pamukkale Travertines were listed among the First 100 Geological Heritage Sites by the International Union of Geological Sciences in 2024.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values
Low Concern
Stable
The yellow lizard (Eumeces schneideri) which was recorded solely in the vicinity of Hierapolis was not observed during the field visits of the Biological Diversity Project (2018). In this respect, the site should be protected and declared a rich habitat particularly of target species of Eumeces Schneider and Eryx jaculus. These species need to be monitored as well (SEPA Management Plan (2020-2024). Furthermore, 2 species of Ephemeroptera (insects) were observed in Denizli province (Aydınlı and Ertorun, 2023). During the field work of the determination of the biological diversity project, three turtle species (Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Rana ridibunda) and two turtle species (Mauremys rivulata, Testudo graeca) were recorded as well (Pamukkale-SEPA, 2024 based on the Pamukkale SEPA The Determination of Biological Diversity Project results, 2010).
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important values
Good
Stable
The traditional use of Chaste (Vitex agnus-castus L.) tree found in the site in tree and shrub forms is significant. The tree is used for traditional medicinal practices, to make baskets and as a traditional pest for insects.
Additional information
Wilderness and iconic features
This site is exceptional because of its calcite-laden waters that have created a snow-white landscape of petrified waterfalls, step-terraced pools and stalactites on a hillside cliff almost 200 m high above a plain (UNEP-WCMC, 2011).
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Over 2 million tourists visited Hierapolis-Pamukkale in recent years. The increase of number of tourists is 12% when compared with last year. The introduction of night visits to the site was influential in the increase in the number of tourists. Tourism provides an important source of income for communities in and around the site as well as the global tourism industry. In response to the inflow of visitors, tourist infrastructure has been built by both the municipality of Denizli and by private enterprises and includes hotels, motels and swimming pools.
https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/gundem/pamukkaleyi-yilin-8-ayinda-1-milyon-700-bin-turist-ziyaret-etti/3319902#:~:text=UNESCO%20Dünya%20Mirası%20Listesi%27nde,1%20milyon%20700%20bin%20oldu.
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality)
There are 17 thermal water sources with temperatures ranging from 35-100 C. The main utilization of geothermal energy in Pamukkale SEPAs is for domestic heating, greenhouses, spas and thermal resorts (Taşeli, 2016). The geothermal quality of water inside the area is not enough for producing energy.
The geothermal source has been irresponsibly used by houses, motels and hotels without considering re-injection for years. In order to get benefit in accordance to its natural balance, General Directorate for Protection of Natural Assets, Denizli Provincial Governorship, Greater Denizli Municipilaty and General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration have been working in coordination.
History and tradition
The thermal waters of Pamukkale is believed to have soothing, nourishing and healing features and the unique designs of travertines shaped in centuries is considered an artwork.
By conserving the superlative natural landscape of Hierapolis-Pamukkale the communities in and around the site as well as the global tourism industry benefit from the income provided by over 2 million tourists a year. Landscape level analysis and planning is required to define benefits and their beneficiaries in order to manage the flow and prevent unsustainable use. The tourists benefit from the thermal waters of Pamukkale which is believed to have a nourishing, soothing and healing effect. The recreational and aesthetic value of the white travertines serve uniquely beneficial for the visitors.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, General Directorate for Protection of Natural Assets | Pamukkale SEPA Management Plan 2020-2024 |
/https://webdosya.csb.gov.tr/db/tabiat/icerikler/pamukkale_yp_2020_2-20200327084440.pdf
|
| 2 | Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, General Directorate for Protection of Natural Assets | With this project, a complete biodiversity survey and biodiversity assessments were made in the Pamukkale SEPA area which includes the Hierapolis and Pamukkale Travertines World Heritage site. |
https://tvk.csb.gov.tr/pamukkale-ozel-cevre-koruma-bolgesi-karasal-biyolojik-cesitliligin-tespiti-projesi-proje
|
| 3 | Monitoring the water quality and | With this project, important lakes, rivers, ground waters and marine areas in SEPAs are monitored with respect to physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters to action to prevent pollution of natural resources as well as to establish sustainable natural resources use regulations. |
https://webdosya.csb.gov.tr/db/tabiat/projeler/ockbnde_su_kalit_20230207114639.pdf
|
| 4 | Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, General Directorate for Protection of Natural Assets | Determination of Pamukkale SEPA carrying capacity and visitor management plan |
https://cevresehiriklimkutuphanesi.csb.gov.tr/ShowPDF/b68bae18-2673-453e-83ba-e23b8be73c41
Göktuğ and Zengin (2021)
|
| 5 | Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Directorate General of Water and Sewage Management | This is the final revised Denizli province environmental and social management plan which includes Hierapolis-Pamukkale site. It is around 200 pages. |
https://www.ilbank.gov.tr/storage/uploads/uidb/denizli_csyp_nihai_rev02_tr_1684501560.pdf
|
| 6 | Funded by European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (grant agreement No. 642973). | Geological research project and its fieldwork |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/642973/reporting
|
| 7 | Ministry of Environment and Urbanization | report cited in SEPA Management Plan report (2020-2024) |
https://webdosya.csb.gov.tr/db/tabiat/icerikler/pamukkale_yp_2020_2-20200327084440.pdf
|
References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Aktaş, E., Bozkurt, Y., & Ceylan, S. (2018). The Influence of Perceptions Towards Destination on the Reasons of Preference: Case of Pamukkale. In: Doğan, M. & Morady, F. (Eds.) Current Debates in Development Studies: Volume 12. London: IJOPEC Publication Limited, pp.111-130.
|
| 2 |
Altunel E, D’Andria F. (2019). Pamukkale Travertines: A Natural and Cultural Monument in the World Heritage List. In: Kuzucuoğlu, C., Çiner, A., Kazancı, N. (eds) Landscapes and Landforms of Turkey. World Geomorphological Landscapes. Springer, Cham..https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03515-0_8
|
| 3 |
Altunel. E. 1996.Pamukkale (Hierapolis) de arkeologlartarafından yanlış yorumlanan jeolojik yapılar: Kendiliğinden oluşan kanal travertenler ve sırt tipi travertenler. Jeoloji Dergisi 49:35-47. (in Turkish)
|
| 4 |
Alçiçek H, Bülbül A, Yavuzer IM and Alçiçek C. 2019.Origin and evolution of the thermal waters from the Pamukkale Geothermal Field (Denizli Basin, SW Anatolia, Turkey):Insights from hydrogeochemistry and geothermometry.Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 372:48-70.
|
| 5 |
Anatolian Agency, (2024) 1 million 700 000 tourists visited Pamukkale in the first 8 months of the year. (in Turkish) Available at https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/gundem/pamukkaleyi-yilin-8-ayinda-….
|
| 6 |
Aydınlı, C., Ertorun, N., (2023). Research on Ephemeroptera (Insecta) fauna of Aydın and Denizli (Türkiye) provinces. Biological Diversity and Conservation. 165/2:152-157. DOI: 10.46309/biodicon.2023.1272183
|
| 7 |
Cukurluoglu, S. (2017). Sources of trace elements in wet deposition in Pamukkale, Denizli, western Turkey. Environmental forensics, 18(1), pp.83-99.
|
| 8 |
Daily Sabah. (2020). Turkey's Pamukkale eyes 1 million tourists in 2020. [online] Available at: https://www.dailysabah.com/business/tourism/turkeys-pamukka… (Accessed 4 August 2020).
|
| 9 |
Denizli Province 2023 Environmental Outlook Report. (2024). Denizli Governorship, Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. (in Turkish) Available at https://webdosya.csb.gov.tr/db/ced/icerikler/den-zl-_-cdr20…
|
| 10 |
Denizli Province Clean Air Action Plan (2020-2024) (in Turkish). Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, Denizli Environment and Urbanization Provincial Directorate. https://webdosya.csb.gov.tr/db/denizli/icerikler/den-zl-_te…
|
| 11 |
Denizli Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry (2024). Good Agricultural Practices Training Held in Pamukkale Yeniköy. [online]. Available at: https://denizli.tarimorman.gov.tr/Sayfalar/Detay.aspx?OgeId… [Accessed on 19 March 2025]
|
| 12 |
Denizli Revised Final Environmental and Social Management Plan (2022). Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Directorate General of Water and Sewage Management. Available at https://www.ilbank.gov.tr/storage/uploads/uidb/denizli_csyp…
|
| 13 |
Dilsiz, C. , 2002, Environmental Issues Concerning Natural Resources at Pamukkale Protected Site, Southwest Turkey, Environmental Geology 41(7):776– 784.
|
| 14 |
Dösimm. 2016. Müze ve Örenyeri Statistics (Museum and Archaeological Site Statistics).
|
| 15 |
GDPNA (2024). Ankara Gölbasi Special Environmental Protection Zone – Protection and Monitoring Projects. [online] General Directorate for Protection of Natural Assets (GDPNA). Available at: https://webdosya.csb.gov.tr/db/tabiat/menu/1-birlestirildi_… [Accessed on 19 March 2025]
|
| 16 |
Göktuğ HT and Zengin M. 2021. Carrying Capacity Analysis and Visitor Management in amukkale Special Environmental Protection Zone. In: Landscape Researches (eds.,.Ö Demirel, E Düzgüneş), Livre de Lyon, Lyon France, pp_347-370 (in Turkish).
|
| 17 |
Hançer, M. (2013). Study of the structural evolution of the Babadağ-Honaz and Pamukkale fault zones and the related earthquake risk potential of the Buldan region in SW Anatolia, east of the Mediterranean. Journal of Earth Science 24: 397–409. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-013-0333-2
|
| 18 |
IUCN (1988). Advisory Body Evaluation: Hierapolis-Pamukkale (Turkey). [online] Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/document/153564 (Accessed 25 November 2025)
|
| 19 |
IUCN Consultation. (2017). IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation: Hierapolis-Pamukkale, Turkey
|
| 20 |
IUCN/WCMC Data Sheets April 1988 (updated 4-2005, May 2011).
|
| 21 |
IUGS (2022). The First 100 IUGS Geological Heritage sites. [online] Available at: https://iugs-geoheritage.org/publications-dl/IUGS-FIRST-100… [Accessed on 19 March 2025]
|
| 22 |
Kele et al (2011). Stable isotope geochemical study of Pamukkale travertines: New evidences of low-temperature non-equilibrium calcite-water fractionation. Sedimentary Geology 238 (1–2):191-212.
|
| 23 |
Kılıç-Taşeli, B. 2016. Achievements in the use of Renewable Energy in Turkey's Special Environmental Protection Areas (SEPA): Renewable Energy in SEPAs. Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST), V 3(3).
|
| 24 |
Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change (2024). Ongoing projects. [online] Available at: https://denizli.csb.gov.tr/devam-eden-projeler-i-2072 [Accessed on 19 March 2025]
|
| 25 |
MofEUCC (2024). 2023 Environmental Report of Denizli Province, Denizli Gvernorship, Provincial directorate of MofEUCC,Denizli, 118p. (In Turkish). Available at: https://webdosya.csb.gov.tr/db/ced/icerikler/den-zl-_-cdr20…
|
| 26 |
Neubauer, T.A., Wesselingh, F.P., (2023). The Early Pleistocene freshwater mollusks of the Denizli Basin (Turkey): a new long-lived lake fauna at the crossroads of Pontocaspian and Aegean-Anatolian realms. Zitteliana 97: 53–88 Available at: DOI 10.3897/zitteliana.97.115682
|
| 27 |
Pamukkale SEPA. 2010. The Project on Biodiversity determination of Pamukkale Special Environment Protection Area, Final Report, Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, The General Directorate for Protection of Natural Assets., Ankara, 314p.(In Turkish).
|
| 28 |
Pamukkale SEPA. 2020. Pamukkale Special Environment Area Management Plan 2020-2024. Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Genereal Directorate for Protection of Natural Assets, Ankara, 123p. (in Turkish).
|
| 29 |
Pamukkale SEPA. 2020b. The project report of Pamukkale SEPA carrying capacity determination project. Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, The General Directorate for Protection of Natural Assets, Ankara, 135p. (In Turkish). https://cevresehiriklimkutuphanesi.csb.gov.tr/ShowPDF/b68ba…
|
| 30 |
Pentecost A, Bayari S and Yesertener C.(1997) Phototrophic microorganisms of the Pamukkale travertine, Turkey: Their distributionand influence on travertine deposition, Geomicrobiology Journal, 14:4, 269-283.
|
| 31 |
Somuncu, M. (editor), 2009. Türkiye’nin Dünya Miras Alanları Koruma ve Yönetimde Güncel Durum (in Turkish) (Turkey’s World Heritage Sites - Current Status of Protection and Management), UNESCO Turkey National Commission, Ankara.
|
| 32 |
State Party of Turkey (2006). Periodic Reporting Cycle 1: Hierapolis-Pamukkale (Turkey). [online] Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/document/163400 (Accessed 25 November 2025)
|
| 33 |
State Party of Turkey (2014). Periodic Reporting Cycle 2, Section II: Hierapolis-Pamukkale (Turkey). [online] Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/document/164435 (Accessed 25 November 2025)
|
| 34 |
Topal, S. (2012). The Tectonic Geomorphology of Faults in Denizli Basin, Unpublished PhD Thesis Submitted to Pamukkale University. Pamukkale University Institute of Natural Sciences.
|
| 35 |
Topal, S., Özkul, M. (2018). Determination of Relative Tectonic Activity of the Honaz Fault (SW Turkey) Using Geomorphic Indices. (in Turkish) Pamukkale University Journal of Engineering Sciences. 24 (6): 1200-1208. doi: 10.5505/pajes.2017.18199
|
| 36 |
Yaka, Hesna, (2014). A research on the helminth fauna of starred lizard (agama), stellagama stellio (linnaeus, 1758) (squamata: agamidae), distributed in some localities from Denizli province. Unpublished Master's thesis submitted to Pamukkale University. (in Turkish) Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/11499/49613
|
| 37 |
Zedef V, Matsuda Y, Tanaka Y, Harada H, Oncel MS, Doyen A, Sogut AR, Sensogut C. 2003. Causes of darkening of the Pamukkale travertines, Denizli, Southwest Turkey. Fresenius Environmental Bulletin 12(11):1373-1378.
|
| 38 |
Özgür N and Uzun E, (2022). Hydrogeological Features of Geothermal Waters and Travertine Deposits in Pamukkale, Western Anatolia, Turkey. H. Chenchouni et al. (eds.), New Prospects in Environmental Geosciences and Hydrogeosciences, Proceedings of the 2nd Springer Conference of the Arabian Journal of Geosciences (CAJG-2), Tunisia 2019 Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation, o Springer Nature Switzerland AG, P. 633-635.
|
| 39 |
Özkaymak, Ç., 2015. Tectonic analysis of the Honaz Fault (western Anatolia) using geomorphic indices and the regional implications. Geodinamica Acta, 27:2-3, 110-129.
|
| 40 |
Özkul et al. (2025). Geodiversity and Significant Geosites of the Denizli Province (SW Türkiye). Geological Bulletin of Turkey. 68:181-224. Available at: doi:10.25288/tjb.1559108
|
| 41 |
Özkul, M. (2019). Branded Natural Stone: Denizli Travertine. Blue Planet. 26, 71-78.
|
| 42 |
Şimşek Ş, Günay G, Elhatip G, Ekmekçi M. 2000, Environmental protection of geothermal waters and travertines at Pamukkale, Turkey, Geothermics, 29, 557-572.
|