10 Wonderful Things to Do in Sanliurfa
Şanlıurfa, often simply called Urfa, is a city in southeastern Turkey, as fascinating as it is enchanting, boasting an astonishing history that reaches back to the very beginnings of human civilization. Over millennia, countless people have left their mark on this gorgeous city, which serves as a unique blend of ancient history and authentic Turkish culture. If you’re looking to journey back to the outset of faith, dive deeper into a multifaceted past, or simply enjoy charming beauty, Şanlıurfa is sure to mesmerize. This city is considered one of Turkey’s most important historic centers, yet it remains blissfully off the main tourist trail, offering an authentic taste of real Turkish living.
Göbekli Tepe
Without a doubt, Göbekli Tepe is one of the most monumental places to visit in Şanlıurfa and the driving force for many travelers to this region. Located just east of Şanlıurfa, this archaeological site represents one of history’s most remarkable discoveries. Dated to the 10th millennium BCE, it is believed to be the oldest religious site in the world, predating the Pyramids of Giza by three times. The discovery in 1994 revealed ruins of several monolithic buildings featuring T-shaped limestone pillars richly ornamented with mesmerizing imagery of wild animals and human figures. This site, potentially religion’s ground zero, offers a mind-blowing glimpse into the dawn of organized worship when humans were still a hunter-gatherer culture. It’s easily accessible by public bus or taxi, with a shuttle from the Visitors Center to the archaeological site itself.
The Archaeological and Mosaic Museums
To truly grasp Şanlıurfa’s extensive history, a visit to the Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum is essential. This museum offers a riveting journey through the ages, covering the region’s fascinating past from the humble beginnings of sedentism all the way to the Islamic conquest. Highlights include the “Urfa Man,” the oldest life-size statue in the world, dated back to 9000 BC, and a replica of Göbekli Tepe.
Adjacent to the Archaeological Museum is the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, with a combined ticket granting access to both. Unearthed in 2006 during a construction project, this museum houses impressive mosaic art from Roman buildings dating to the 3rd and 4th centuries CE. Among the stunning displays is a depiction of Achilles’ life, a colorful portrait of Ktisis (personification of the foundation of cities), and a unique hunting scene featuring the four Amazon queens: Hippolite, Thermodosa, Melanippe, and Penthesileia—the only known mosaic in the world to show these famed female warriors.
Balıklıgöl and Ayn Zeliha Lake
At the heart of Şanlıurfa lies Balıklıgöl, also known as the “Pool of Abraham,” a sacred site and the city’s greatest attraction. This peaceful area is tied to the tale of Prophet Abraham, who, angered by King Nimrud’s polytheistic beliefs, destroyed idols. Nimrud sentenced him to a gruesome death, casting him from the citadel ramparts into a raging inferno. However, God intervened, turning the fire into water and burning splinters into fish, saving Abraham’s life. Henceforth, Balıklıgöl and its resident fish became sacred, with feeding them believed to bring good fortune.
A short walk away is Ayn Zeliha Lake, also connected to Abraham’s story. Legend states that Zeliha, King Nimrud’s daughter, deeply loved Abraham and plunged herself into a different fire pit when he was cast into the flames. Once more, God defied physics, and a second lake appeared. Both lakes, along with the Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, are situated in Ayn Zeliha Park, a lush oasis perfect for unwinding amidst meandering water channels and shaded pathways.
Abraham’s Birthplace and Mevlid-i Halil Mosque
Şanlıurfa holds profound religious significance as the believed birthplace and hometown of Prophet Abraham, the mystical progenitor of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The story tells that King Nimrud, fearing a prophecy that a child would slay him and destroy his religion, ordered the killing of all newborns. Nuna, Abraham’s pregnant mother, sought refuge in a cave where she gave birth to Abraham in secret. He remained hidden for fifteen years.
Today, this mythical birthplace has become a sacred place of worship. The cave is located in a charming side yard of the majestic Mevlid-i Halil Mosque and is accessible via a little opening. While the cave’s significance is symbolic rather than visual, the magnificent Mevlid-i Halil Mosque itself is a feast for the eyes, richly ornamented with gorgeous tilework and surrounded by shimmering marble courtyards. Women are required to cover their heads to enter the cave and the mosque.
The Citadel for Panoramic Views
Enthroned on a rocky outcrop towering above Urfa’s old town, the impressive Şanlıurfa Citadel offers stunning panoramic views of the sprawling city below, especially at sunset. While much of its history remains unknown, it was most likely built on remnants of a Neolithic settlement and reached its current form under the Abbasid dynasty in 814 CE. Although it was once transformed into an open-air museum, some sources suggest it is currently closed to visitors and in poor shape. Despite this, a hike up to the castle is still worthwhile for the commanding views. The most prominent features remaining within the castle walls are two giant Roman columns from the 3rd century CE, which locals believe are the poles mentioned in the legend of Prophet Abraham.
The Old Town and Mingle with Merchants in the Bazaars
The true charm of Şanlıurfa’s old town lies in its unassuming simplicity, with labyrinthian ways revealing hidden windows, cobbled streets, and honest scenes of everyday life. It’s a place for aimless wandering, discovering delicate minarets, small courtyards offering relief from narrow alleys, and old buildings with stories to tell.
Commerce has been the city’s lifeblood for over 2000 years, and its bustling bazaars and shaded hans (caravanserais) remain definite highlights. These dizzying mazes feel largely unchanged since the days of wayfaring caravans. Whether you’re searching for exotic delicacies, local crafts, or jewelry, you’re bound to find it. The Blacksmith Market and its hidden Barutcu Han are excellent places to stop for tea, or you can visit Gumruk Han, Şanlıurfa’s most impressive inn, home to an atmospheric café where you can try menengiç kahvesi (Turkish coffee with roasted pistachios). Cevahir Han, a restored traditional han on the ancient Silk Road, offers a stunning setting for lunch or dinner with good prices and delicious Turkish vegetarian options.
Take a Day Trip to Harran, the “Beehive Village”
Just a short 40-minute drive from Şanlıurfa lies Harran, a rather peculiar and historically significant village. First settled in the 3rd millennium BCE, Harran has a turbulent history, changing hands numerous times before entering an era of unprecedented prosperity under the Umayyads in the 7th century CE. It was here that the sciences, especially astronomy and alchemy, flourished, and the world’s oldest university opened its gates.
Today, Harran is primarily known for its striking beehive houses. These mud-brick architectural styles, while not original ancient buildings, showcase a traditional way of living that has persisted for thousands of years, offering a naturally cool interior that is fascinating to explore. Visitors can also see remnants of the ancient city wall and the ruins of Harran University, including the striking astronomy tower.
The Roman Necropolis of Kızılkoyun
Just across the street from the Mosaic Museum, the rocky slopes of Tılfındır Hill are perforated by dozens of man-made caves, forming the Roman Necropolis of Kızılkoyun. Constructed between the 2nd and 4th century CE, this site was the final resting place of the city’s patrician class. Each cave tomb typically featured a single chamber protected by stone doors and guardian statues, with alcoves for sarcophaguses and sometimes even floor mosaics.
Funerary cults were an integral part of Roman life, with veneration of the deceased often involving lavish feasts. Although the site suffered significant damage when the caves were used as dwellings and storage during Ottoman times, it was declared a “protected cultural area” in 2012, and houses were removed to preserve it. So far, 103 unique tombs have been excavated, with some artifacts displayed in the Archaeological Museum. There is no entrance fee, and you can enjoy epic views from the hill’s north side.
Try Traditional Mirra Coffee or Sip Çay at Büyük Mağara Café
No visit to Şanlıurfa is complete without indulging in its unique culinary and beverage experiences. Be sure to try Mirra coffee, a traditional beverage native to Şanlıurfa and neighboring regions. Derived from the Arabic word for “bitter” (mur), this coffee uses coarser grounds than Turkish coffee, resulting in a thick, syrupy, very strong, and intensely bitter brew served in tiny amounts in tiny cups. It’s a distinct taste experience you won’t soon forget.
For a memorable tea experience, head to Büyük Mağara Café. Tucked away in a dark hollow right below the castle, this is described as one of the coolest cafés, with an extraordinary interior reminiscent of an antique shop. Its rugged cave walls are adorned with a wild melange of dated electronics, weathered portraits, everyday objects, and dusty weapons. While perhaps not the most scenic due to its cave setting, it offers a unique spot to sip sweet Turkish afternoon tea.
Discover Other Historical Gems and Day Trip Opportunities
While the above highlights are must-sees, Şanlıurfa and its surroundings offer even more. You can visit the Cave of the Prophet Job in the south of the city, believed to be where Job rested after being afflicted with a terrible skin disease and where water gushed forth from a rock, offering him relief. Pilgrims still visit to wash in the well water.
Other notable historical mosques include the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), originally a Jewish synagogue and then a Christian church before its conversion in 1523. The Selahaddin Eyubi Mosque, located southwest of the Grand Mosque, was previously a church before being converted in 1993. The Firfirli Mosque was Şanlıurfa’s Armenian Church from the 11th century until 1956.
For extended day trips, consider Halfeti Sunken City, about 1.5 hours away, where you can take a boat cruise to see a partially submerged ancient town due to the Birecik Dam. You can also explore ancient sites like Sogmatar, known for its wells, rock tombs, stone reliefs, and temples, where Prophet Moses is believed to have fled from the Pharaohs.
FAQs
1. Getting to Şanlıurfa
Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (GNY) offers domestic flights from major Turkish cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara. Frequent buses also connect Şanlıurfa with surrounding cities such as Gaziantep, Mardin, Diyarbakır, and Adana. The bus terminal is approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of the old town.
2. Where to Stay in Şanlıurfa
Most hotels are located in and around the old town, close to major attractions. Options include:
- Grand Babil Otel (£): A budget-friendly option in a historic han with a beautiful courtyard, good location, and basic breakfast.
- Palmyra Boutique Hotel: Described as one of the best in southern Turkey, a carefully restored old palace with large rooms, a lovely courtyard, and a roof terrace near the Great Mosque.
- Sehrazat Konagi Hotel: A clean and comfortable hotel with a large open courtyard and an excellent Turkish breakfast, about a 15-minute walk from Urfa castle.
- Astarte Hotel: Less than half a mile from Balıklıgöl, featuring a traditional outdoor central courtyard, terrace, and garden.
- Tessera Hotel: Highly rated, less than a mile from the city center, known for its excellent Turkish breakfast.
- Hotel Ugar: An ultra-basic but clean hotel popular with old-school travelers, not found on booking sites, offering single rooms with shared bathrooms.
3. Is Şanlıurfa Safe?
Despite its proximity to the Syrian border (about 31 miles or 50 km), Şanlıurfa is considered a very safe place to visit. The conflict in Syria has largely subsided, and there have been no recent problems in the area. The Old Town is well-lit and beautifully restored, and while some areas might be deserted at night, popular spots like Golbasi Park remain safe and are frequented by locals.
