Known throughout history as Urfa, Edessa, and today as Şanlıurfa, this extraordinary city is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Situated in the fertile plains of Upper Mesopotamia in southeastern Turkey, Şanlıurfa occupies a unique place where history, religion, archaeology, and culture converge. Revered by Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike, it is widely celebrated as the “City of Prophets”, a place deeply connected with the lives of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim), Prophet Job (Ayyub), Prophet Jethro (Shuayb), and traditions associated with Saint George.

With a history spanning more than 12,000 years, the region surrounding Şanlıurfa has witnessed the birth of agriculture, the rise of the world’s earliest civilizations, and the flourishing of countless empires. Ancient temples, sacred pools, medieval castles, bustling bazaars, Ottoman caravanserais, impressive museums, and nearby archaeological wonders such as Göbekli Tepe make Şanlıurfa one of Turkey’s most remarkable cultural destinations.

Visitors come not only to explore its magnificent historical monuments but also to experience its unique atmosphere, rich culinary traditions, vibrant music, and legendary hospitality.

One of the World’s Oldest Cities

Human settlement in the Şanlıurfa region dates back to prehistoric times.

Archaeological evidence reveals occupation during:

• Pre-Pottery Neolithic Period
• Neolithic Age
• Chalcolithic Age
• Bronze Age
• Hittite period
• Assyrian Empire
• Persian Empire
• Hellenistic Kingdoms
• Roman Empire
• Byzantine Empire
• Arab Caliphates
• Seljuk Sultanate
• Crusader Period
• Ottoman Empire
• Republic of Turkey

Known in antiquity as Edessa, the city became one of the most important cultural, commercial, and religious centers of ancient Mesopotamia.

The City of Prophets

Şanlıurfa occupies a special place in the religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

According to Islamic tradition, the city is associated with several prophets, including:

• Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim)
• Prophet Job (Ayyub)
• Prophet Jethro (Shuayb)
• Prophet Elijah (Ilyas)
• Traditions connected with Saint George

Because of these sacred associations, Şanlıurfa is regarded as one of Turkey’s most important pilgrimage destinations.

Its peaceful atmosphere, numerous mosques, shrines, and holy sites attract millions of visitors every year.

Balıklıgöl (The Pool of Sacred Fish)

The spiritual heart of Şanlıurfa is Balıklıgöl, the famous Pool of Sacred Fish.

According to Islamic tradition, King Nimrod ordered Prophet Abraham to be thrown into a massive fire for rejecting idol worship.

At the moment of execution, God miraculously transformed:

• The flames into water.
• The burning logs into sacred carp.

The resulting lake became today’s Balıklıgöl.

The carp living in the pool are considered sacred and are protected. Feeding them has become a cherished tradition for visitors.

Surrounded by centuries-old plane trees, elegant stone walkways, and historic mosques, Balıklıgöl remains one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in southeastern Turkey.

Halil-ur Rahman Mosque

Overlooking Balıklıgöl stands the beautiful Halil-ur Rahman Mosque, one of Şanlıurfa’s most important religious monuments.

Originally dating to the 13th century, the mosque incorporates architectural elements from earlier periods and features:

• Elegant stone construction
• Historic courtyard
• Graceful minaret
• Beautiful arches
• Traditional Ottoman additions

Its tranquil setting beside the sacred pool creates one of Turkey’s most memorable religious landscapes.

Cave of Prophet Abraham

Adjacent to Balıklıgöl is the revered Cave of Prophet Abraham, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Abraham.

The cave has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries.

Visitors may explore:

• The sacred cave
• Prayer areas
• Religious fountains
• Historic courtyards
• Beautiful gardens

Pilgrims from around the world come to offer prayers and reflect upon the profound religious significance of this holy site.

Rızvaniye Mosque

Located opposite Balıklıgöl is the elegant Rızvaniye Mosque, built during the Ottoman period.

The mosque is admired for its:

• Beautiful stone façade
• Peaceful arcades
• Traditional Ottoman architecture
• Excellent views over the sacred pools

Together with Halil-ur Rahman Mosque, it forms one of the city’s most iconic architectural ensembles.

Ayn Zeliha Lake

Next to Balıklıgöl lies the picturesque Ayn Zeliha Lake.

According to local legend, Zeliha, the daughter of King Nimrod, believed in Abraham’s teachings.

After witnessing his miraculous survival, she threw herself into the flames, which also transformed into water, creating this second beautiful lake.

The peaceful gardens surrounding the lake are ideal for walking, photography, and relaxation.

Şanlıurfa Castle

Dominating the city skyline is the impressive Şanlıurfa Castle, built upon one of the limestone hills overlooking the old city.

Although its foundations may date back to antiquity, much of the existing structure reflects medieval fortifications.

The castle is famous for its two enormous stone columns, believed by local tradition to have once supported the giant catapult used against Prophet Abraham.

Visitors who climb to the fortress enjoy spectacular panoramic views across:

• The historic old town
• Balıklıgöl
• The Mesopotamian plain
• Modern Şanlıurfa

Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum

One of Turkey’s finest museums, the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, showcases the extraordinary history of the region.

Its outstanding collections include artifacts from:

• Göbekli Tepe
• Karahantepe
• Neolithic villages
• Chalcolithic settlements
• Bronze Age civilizations
• Roman Empire
• Byzantine period
• Islamic periods

Highlights include:

• Monumental stone statues
• Ancient tools
• Pottery
• Jewelry
• Sculptures
• Mosaics
• Religious artifacts

The museum provides essential background for exploring the region’s archaeological treasures.

Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum

The nearby Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum houses one of Turkey’s finest collections of Roman mosaics.

Its most famous exhibits depict:

• Amazon warrior women
• Hunting scenes
• Mythological figures
• Floral decorations
• Roman daily life

These beautifully preserved mosaics rank among the finest surviving examples of Roman art in Anatolia.

Göbekli Tepe – The World’s Oldest Temple

Only 15 kilometers northeast of Şanlıurfa lies Göbekli Tepe, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in human history.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Göbekli Tepe dates to approximately 9600 BC, making it over 11,500 years old.

Constructed thousands of years before:

• Stonehenge
• The Egyptian pyramids
• Writing
• Metal tools
• Pottery

The monumental circular stone temples feature massive T-shaped limestone pillars decorated with remarkable carvings of:

• Lions
• Foxes
• Snakes
• Birds
• Wild boars
• Human figures

Göbekli Tepe has fundamentally changed our understanding of the origins of civilization and organized religion.

Harran

Approximately 45 kilometers south of Şanlıurfa lies the legendary ancient city of Harran.

One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements, Harran is famous for:

• Unique beehive-shaped mud-brick houses
• Ancient university
• City walls
• Great Mosque ruins
• Historic castle
• Archaeological remains

Harran also appears in biblical traditions connected with Prophet Abraham.

Firfirli Mosque

The historic Firfirli Mosque, originally constructed as the Church of the Twelve Apostles, beautifully reflects the city’s multicultural heritage.

Its architecture combines Byzantine and Islamic elements, illustrating centuries of religious and cultural continuity.

Historic Caravanserais (Hans)

Şanlıurfa’s traditional inns once welcomed merchants traveling along the great caravan routes of Mesopotamia.

Among the finest examples are:

Gümrük Hanı

Built during the Ottoman period, this magnificent caravanserai now houses traditional cafés and artisan shops surrounding a peaceful courtyard.

Barutçu Hanı

Another beautifully preserved historic inn where visitors can experience the atmosphere of the ancient Silk Road.

Walking through these historic buildings evokes the spirit of the legendary tales of One Thousand and One Nights.

Traditional Bazaar

The historic bazaar remains one of the city’s liveliest attractions.

Visitors can browse shops selling:

• Copperware
• Handmade jewelry
• Carpets
• Kilims
• Traditional clothing
• Spices
• Herbal teas
• Leather goods
• Musical instruments
• Local sweets

Friendly merchants and traditional craftsmen preserve centuries-old trading traditions.

Şanlıurfa Cuisine

Şanlıurfa is considered one of Turkey’s greatest culinary capitals.

Regional specialties include:

• Urfa Kebab
• Çiğ Köfte
• Lahmacun
• Liver kebab
• Stuffed vegetables
• Borani
• Lentil dishes
• Isot pepper specialties
• Katmer desserts
• Şıllık dessert

The city’s famous Urfa isot pepper gives many dishes their distinctive smoky flavor.

Traditional Sıra Gecesi evenings combine local music, poetry, storytelling, and authentic cuisine, providing one of Turkey’s most memorable cultural experiences.

Economy

Şanlıurfa’s economy combines agriculture, tourism, and industry.

Major agricultural products include:

• Cotton
• Wheat
• Lentils
• Pistachios
• Sesame
• Grapes
• Olives
• Livestock

The GAP (Southeastern Anatolia Project) has significantly expanded irrigation, making the surrounding plains among Turkey’s most productive agricultural regions.

Getting to Şanlıurfa

By Air

Şanlıurfa GAP Airport offers regular domestic flights connecting the city with Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, and other major Turkish destinations.

By Road

Modern highways connect Şanlıurfa with:

• Gaziantep
• Adıyaman
• Diyarbakır
• Mardin
• Harran
• Kilis

Frequent intercity buses operate throughout southeastern Turkey.

By Rail

While passenger rail services are limited, nearby regional connections continue to improve transportation within southeastern Anatolia.

Best Time to Visit

The most comfortable seasons to visit Şanlıurfa are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November).

These months offer ideal temperatures for exploring archaeological sites, museums, and historic neighborhoods.

Summers are typically hot and dry, while winters are generally mild with occasional rainfall.

Why Visit Şanlıurfa?

Şanlıurfa is one of Turkey’s most extraordinary destinations—a city where the earliest chapters of human civilization meet profound religious traditions. From the sacred waters of Balıklıgöl and the legendary Cave of Prophet Abraham to the world-changing archaeological discoveries of Göbekli Tepe and the timeless beauty of Harran, every corner of the region tells a remarkable story spanning more than twelve millennia.

Whether exploring magnificent museums, wandering through atmospheric bazaars and Ottoman caravanserais, admiring ancient mosques and medieval fortifications, or enjoying the unforgettable flavors of authentic Şanlıurfa cuisine, visitors experience a unique blend of history, spirituality, and living culture. A journey to Şanlıurfa is not simply a visit to a city—it is an exploration of the very origins of civilization itself.