ECOEI Series on Common Cultural Heritage is an educational video series exploring major historical and cultural sites within the countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). The series examines how interconnected societies shaped one another across millennia — from the Neolithic age to early modern empires.
Developed in collaboration with the Ankara University Digital Education Center, each episode presents a UNESCO World Heritage Site or a landmark of regional importance, demonstrating how the ECO region has long functioned as a zone of connectivity between continents.
The Eurasian landmass has historically been one of the most dynamic zones of cultural transmission in human history.
Long before modern political boundaries, trade routes, diplomatic exchanges, religious movements, and technological innovations moved across the regions, creating layered civilizations whose influence extended far beyond their immediate geography.
This series seeks to:
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Highlight the shared historical foundations of the ECO region
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Present interconnected narratives rather than isolated national histories
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Promote awareness of common cultural heritage
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Engage younger audiences with accessible, research-based storytelling
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Support regional dialogue through heritage literacy
Featured Episodes
Göbekli Tepe
The World’s First Temple?
A revolutionary Neolithic site that challenges conventional narratives about the origins of civilization and organized belief systems.
Çatalhöyük
The First Urban Experiment
One of the earliest known settlements in human history, redefining what a “city” meant 9,000 years ago.
Troy
An Anatolian Legacy in Eurasian History
A Bronze Age city that controlled access between Asia and Europe and stands at the intersection of myth and archaeology.
Selimiye Mosque
The Masterpiece of Mimar Sinan
A pinnacle of Ottoman architectural achievement and geometric harmony, symbolizing scientific precision and spiritual expression.
The Wooden Mosques of Anatolia
A Hidden Architectural Tradition
Sacred timber structures reflecting regional craftsmanship and structural ingenuity.
Arg-e Bam
The Largest Adobe City on Earth
A monumental desert citadel along the Silk Road, embodying resilience and continuity.
Naqsh-e Jahan Square
The Square That Shaped an Empire
A Safavid urban masterpiece integrating governance, commerce, faith, and public life.
Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System
Ancient Engineering Excellence
A 2,000-year-old water management system demonstrating advanced technological knowledge in arid landscapes.
