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What to See & Do in Şanlıurfa

Last Updated on May 7, 2019

Here’s a map of the main locations in Şanlıurfa.

Balıklıgöl (Fish Pool)

The city’s main attraction, and a wonderful oasis of cool shade with the sound of flowing water.

Abraham’s Birth Cave

Local legend has it that the Patriarch Abraham (İbrahim Peygamber) was born in this cave near the Balıklıgöl.

Fortress (Kale, Hisar)

Climb up to this dramatic promontory towering above the Balıklıgöl in 10 minutes and enjoy the best panorama of Urfa.

Covered Market Bazaars

Like old-time Turkey, with artisans still plying their trades, everything and anything for sale, right near the balıklıgöl.

Haleplibahçe Museum Complex

Şanlıurfa’s vast new ultra-modern museum complex covers 200,000 square meters (50 acres) and boasts 1500 square meters (1794 square yards) of breathtaking Roman mosaics, dioramas portraying the lives of men and women at the dawn of human culture, a replica of the world’s first temple complex of Göbeklitepe, and other priceless artifacts from the incredibly long and deep past of this Mesopotamian region.

Eyyüp Peygamber Makamı

Worthy for Muslim pilgrims, of less interest to others.

Excursion to Göbekli Tepe

The world’s oldest known temples are only 17 km (10.6 miles) northeast of Şanlıurfa. A visit to this region is not complete without a visit to Göbekli TepeMore…

Excursion to Harran

Not as exciting as it once was, but a good goal for an excursion into the southeastern Turkish countryside. More…

—by Tom Brosnahan


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Southeastern Turkey

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