THE mayor of İzmir’s Selçuk district, Zeynel Bakıcı, has announced the ancient city of Ephesus fulfills all requirements to be accepted on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List.

He based his claims according to a preliminary report of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

He said they have been waiting to see the district listed on UNESCO’s permanent list of World Heritage Sites for 20 years.

“The report shows all of our efforts have finally paid off. No obstacle is left ahead of us,” Bakıcı continued, and thanked all the staff who contributed to the project.

A final announcement will be made between June 28 and July 3.

He added the district will soon start a long-term project to introduce the city’s cultural heritage to

the public.