Historic core
Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, the Milion and the Blue Mosque introduce the layered World Heritage landscape.
World Heritage Volunteers · Istanbul · 23 August–2 September 2026
Routes of Coexistence.
CIE participation
Following the routes that shaped historic Istanbul.
CIE is participating in Routes of Coexistence: Via Egnatia, Water and Multicultural Heritage of Historic Istanbul, part of the World Heritage Volunteers 2026 programme. From 23 August to 2 September, participants will investigate the city as a connected cultural landscape shaped by movement, water, trade, belief and everyday life.
The programme combines field exploration with intercultural dialogue, heritage documentation, environmental awareness and creative digital production. Its central reference is the Outstanding Universal Value of the Historic Areas of Istanbul, considered alongside the communities, infrastructures and routes that continue to give the city meaning.
Participants will work across archaeological and architectural heritage, urban landscapes, living traditions and community memory. The purpose is not only to visit World Heritage places, but to develop a practical sense of custodianship: how heritage can be observed, documented, interpreted and shared responsibly.
Field programme
Four routes through the city
Each route connects monuments and infrastructure to the larger histories of movement, exchange and coexistence.
Water systems
The Valens Aqueduct and connected districts reveal how water infrastructure supported the city across changing periods.
Ports and communities
Coastal routes, historic harbours, places of worship and neighbourhoods open discussion of trade and multicultural urban life.
Walls and landscapes
The land walls, Yedikule, Samatya and Belgrad Forest connect defence, biodiversity, water, sustainability and urban change.
Learning and production
From field observation to shared stories.
Photography, video, interviews, mapping and story development will help participants translate field experience into accessible heritage narratives. A dedicated session at Nişantaşı University will examine digital heritage and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
- Understand place. Read Istanbul’s World Heritage values through routes, infrastructures, neighbourhoods and living traditions.
- Document responsibly. Develop practical skills in visual recording, interviewing, mapping and digital storytelling.
- Work across perspectives. Learn through international collaboration and dialogue with local contexts.
- Share public outcomes. Present creative digital work and reflect on future stewardship.
Programme arc
Ten days of exchange
The programme moves from orientation and field study to documentation, digital production and collective presentation.
23–24 Aug
Arrival and World Heritage orientation
Welcome, intercultural exchange and an introduction to the Historic Areas of Istanbul.
25–29 Aug
Routes, water and urban memory
Field visits across water systems, ports, neighbourhoods, walls and forest landscapes, followed by documentation work.
31 Aug
Digital heritage and AI
A workshop on digital interpretation, ethical practice and creative production at Nişantaşı University.
1–2 Sep
Presentation and closing
Participant presentations, evaluation, certificates and departure.
Practical note
International participation.
The programme provides accommodation, meals and local transportation for international participants. Participants are expected to arrange their own travel insurance. Programme details may be refined by the organisers before the event.