Şanlıurfa
Şanlıurfa, one of the earliest settlements in human history, has been an important centre and ruled by many civilizations. Apart from being an important stopover on trade routes, Şanlıurfa is also a pilgrimage town and spiritual centre. It is often referred to as ‘the City of Prophets’, as the Prophets Job and Abraham left their marks there. The city also boasts mosques and dervish complexes, adding to the city’s mystical atmosphere.
Göbeklitepe
Archaeologically categorised as a site of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A Period (c. 9600–7300 BC), Göbeklitepe is a series of mainly circular and oval-shaped structures set on the top of a hill. The site presents monumental round-oval and rectangular megalithic structures erected by hunters. According to archaeological research, these structures were predominantly used for ritual or religious purposes. Discovery of this site turned our understanding of Neolithic culture, and we now know that they had religions and beliefs back then. Images of wild animals, abstract pictograms decorate the pillars, providing insight into the lifestyle and beliefs of people living in Upper Mesopotamia 11,500 years ago.
While boasting the ruins of many important pagan sites, Şanlıurfa was also the first region to be ruled by a Christian kingdom. As the city fell in different civilizations and cultures over time, religious structures were reconstructed in place of one another. A good example is the Grand Mosque constructed in place of a 5th century church, known as the Red Church.
Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham)
According to legend, the Pool of Abraham sprang up to save the Prophet Abraham who had been sentenced to burn by King Nimrod. This lake and the complex around it make up the heart of the city, attracting many tourists and locals alike. The complex includes the Halil-ür Rahman Mosque, Rızvaniye Madrasah, Rızvaniye Mosque, Mevlid-I Halil Mosque, and the cave where Abraham was born.
Harran
Located a short distance from Şanlıurfa and identified with its beehive-like houses, Harran has been inhabited continuously since around 6,000 BC. The city was a centre of learning and philosophy around 2,000 BC and contributed to the development of astrology. The district’s attractions include the Harran Fortress and city walls, the Grand Mosque, the Harran Tumulus, the Harran School, and the Temple of Sin.
If you’d like to discover Şanlıurfa’s craftsmanship, make sure to visit the old bazaars such as Eski Kuyumcu Bazaar, Kınacı Bazaar, Hüseyniye Bazaar. Copperwork, felt making, and kazazlık (silk embroidery) are the most common handicrafts in Şanlıurfa. Across the city, there are many traditional old houses and mansions open for visitors.
Halfeti
Set on the banks of the Euphrates River, Halfeti has unusual geography and unique culture. The city was partly submerged under the waters of the Birecik Dam. Halfeti is best known for its black roses, which only grow in this particular part of the world, traditional houses and its Mediterranean climate ideal for growing fruits. You can attend one of the festivals held to explore the city in depth. These include the Suruç Pomegranate Festival, the Şanlıurfa Mosaic Competition, and the Halfeti Fruit Meals Festival.