Syria: Old City of Damascus
Score: 63
"The bazaar is lively and fully integrated in local life. The magnificent Omayad mosque is well preserved."
"Lively capital, precious Muslim sights and suks (bazaars), quite well-developed system of roads, accommodations—but polluted."
"Requires little restoration because it continues to operate much as it has for many centuries. The traffic is just about the only downside here. The people are extremely hospitable and genuinely friendly."
"Authentic and living city not rendered sterile by over-management. Not dominated by 'tourism' activities."
Turkey: Hierapolis-Pamukkale
Score: 45
"The Hellenic-Roman ancient city has always been impressive, the opportunity to swim in the baths is irresistible, and the association of the city with Philip the Apostle and soothsaying priests and priestesses is intriguing to most visitors. The site would benefit from a general clean-up of the areas disturbed when the hotels were removed, but most of all by implementing the management plan that was prepared some years ago."
"Some of the natural pools have been closed to access after people stomped all over them."
"Extraction of groundwater affected water supplies for the springs. Tourist numbers in the archaeological zone can be high."
"The village at the entrance to the wells is an almost exclusively tourist-centered settlement. If good visitor management, waste management, and conservation monitoring are established, the site has potential."
Turkey: Istanbul historic areas
Score: 66
"Istanbul managed to preserve the quality of its old city, especially in the Sultanahmet area and the grand bazaar. The atmosphere is Turkish and the culture is secure as a crossroads of Asian and European cultures."
"Considerable work has been done to restore Hagia Sofia, including the restoration of Byzantine artwork. Public transit and pedestrian areas are well developed and user- friendly for tourists. The restoration of green spaces between Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque has been completed, making the area more pleasant."
"The contemporary urban development and tangible heritage makes multicultural Istanbul a unique destination."
"Suffers from congestion (which is increasing), traffic and transportation difficulties, and a lack of adequate signage, information, and tourist facilities."
Uzbekistan: Bukhara
Score: 61
"Like other historic cities in the former Soviet Union, the bazaar, mosque, and other core historic areas of Bukhara were completely rebuilt in the 20th century, so what appears to be old and historic is, in fact, not. What are authentic are the houses hidden away on the back streets. Everything is walkable; the locals are friendly; accommodations are varied and excellent; the food good."
"Has key challenges related to sustainable tourism—especially in relation to the natural resources in the area, such as water, local community development, and the balance between the social and cultural integrity of Bukhara versus developmental changes."
Uzbekistan: Samarkand
Score: 59
"Aesthetic appeal is very impressive because of so many masterpieces of Islamic architecture."
"A difficult destination in terms of language, signage, and access to bathrooms. Would gain from clean-up efforts, educational community programs. It is a unique destination, where one can learn and gain from ancient architecture, as well as from science and literature."
"I wonder if the government realizes the huge tourism potential of the place. The name alone draws people once—but not twice."