Sanliurfa

Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey 3 tours visit here

Şanlıurfa, often called Urfa, sits on the northern edge of the Mesopotamian plain in Southeastern Anatolia, near the Syrian border. Known in antiquity as Edessa, it is one of Turkey's most religiously significant cities: local tradition identifies it as the birthplace of the prophet Abraham, and the cave linked to him stands beside the sacred pools of Balıklıgöl, whose carp are protected by custom. The old city around the pools is the main focus for visitors, with Ottoman-era mosques, a hilltop castle marked by two standing columns, vaulted han courtyards, and a bazaar quarter of coppersmiths and spice sellers. The Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum and the neighbouring Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum hold finds from the surrounding region, among them some of the earliest known monumental sculpture. Just outside the city lies Göbekli Tepe, the oldest known monumental sanctuary yet excavated and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with related sites such as Karahan Tepe and the beehive-roofed houses of Harran. The old city can be covered in half a day; adding Göbekli Tepe and Harran usually fills one to two days. Summers here are very hot and dry, so spring and autumn are more comfortable.