- Potbelly Hill (Gobeklitepe):
Gobeklitepe, one of the the world’s oldest and most impressive archaeological sites. This unique historical site is helping to disprove previously accepted truths about the human history.
The history of Gobeklitepe goes back to thousand of years. It is 5000 years older than the first cities in Mesopotamia, 7000 years older than the Stonehenge in England, 7500 years older than the pyramids in Egypt and 6500 years older than the first temples in Malta. The most significant archaeological exploration in history. The oldest religious center discovered ever. Also, the earliest three dimensional depictions carved into stone are found here.
- Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum:
Haleplibahce Mosaics are the first examples in the world of mosaics depicting Amazon warrior queens. This image, the technical and artistic elements of the mosaics, and the fact that they were crafted using 4 mm2 stones from the river Euphrates, have made them one of the world’s most precious mosaics.
Haleplibahce Mosaics are some of the finest examples of mosaics in the Eastern world. The most fascinating aspect of the Haleplibahce mosaics is the high level product of refinement and taste created from incredibly tiny tesserae or small colored and shaped stones.
- The Sacred Fish Ponds (Balıklıgöl):
Balıklıgöl is the attraction area of Şanlıurfa tourism. There are carp-like fish which are the subject of legends. These fish are respected and invincible by the public. According to rumors Hz. After Abraham was thrown into the fire, a miracle took place, and the roses rose. It is believed that the place where this miracle took place is Balıklıgöl and its surroundings. It reaches the highest number of visitors during religious holidays.
- Dargah (Dergah) Complex:
Within the grand Dergah Complex is the the cave where the Prophet Abraham is said to have been born. Local legend says that the prophet’s mother gave birth to him here in secret because King Nimrod had been warned in a prophesy that a great leader would soon be born and so set out to kill all of Ur’s newborns.
Just to the west, across a central courtyard, is the regal facade of the Mevlid-i Halil Mosque. This is an important pilgrimage site for the faithful, and once a year, just before the hajj to Mecca, pilgrims gather here to seek blessings.
- Covered Market Bazaar:
The city’s bazaar area is one of the most authentic in Turkey, and a visit here is one of the most popular things to do. Amid winding alleyways crammed with stalls, the aromas of spice, leather, and grilled meat from the kebab vendors all mix in the air. You can find just about anything here, from cheap jeans and plastic household goods to handmade leatherwork, antiques, and beautiful metalwork. It’s a great place to get lost for a couple of hours and soak up the atmosphere. A wonderful well-preserved han (caravanserai) within the bazaar has a tea shop in its central courtyard
- Grand Mosque:
It is one of the oldest mosques in the center of Urfa. While it was an old synagogue, It was converted to St. Stephon’s Church. It is also called the “Red Church” because of the high number of red marble columns. It was converted into a mosque after the Islamic conquests.
There is a well inside the mosque. According to a popular belief, the handkerchief that Jesus sent to King Abgar with his Apostle Thomas fell into this well. Therefore, the water of the well in the mosque is said to be healing.
- Harran:
Harran is an ancient city in the Upper Mesopotamia, dating back to the Early Bronze Age in the 3rd millennium BC. Harran was established as a merchant outpost as it was situated along a trade route between the Mediterranean and the plains of Tigris river.
What’s for sure is that many different empires and dynasties occupied Harran. It also served as the capital of the Islamic Empire, becoming famous in the region, and was once an important commercial and agricultural city where cotton, honey, sweets, and tools for measuring were produced.
Its most important feature is that it is one of the first science centers in the world. It is mentioned that the world’s first university was founded here. Harran School has educated famous scholars and scientists in the Islamic World.
- Halfeti:
Halfeti is a little fishing town located in Sanliurfa province of the Southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey. Set on the banks of the Euphrates, Halfeti’s history dates back almost 3000 years.
In 1954, this town became a district of Sanliurfa province. With the completion of the Birecik Dam, much of the region was submerged under the waters.
Anatolia’s new slow city Halfeti also surprises its visitors with a pure beauty that resembles a coastal town. In addition, it is a great experince to see the specific black roses of Halfeti.
