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Şanlıurfa

Sanliurfa, Sanliurfa, Turkey

Journey to the Cradle of Civilization: Şanlıurfa, Turkey Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history, culture, and spirituality that is Şanlıurfa. Nestled in southeastern Turkey, this ancient c…

#Historical sites#Religious landmarks#Cultural heritage#Middle Eastern cuisine#Traditional markets

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Şanlıurfa.

Top Hotels in Şanlıurfa

Top Flights to Şanlıurfa

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Şanlıurfa.

Tours

Visit to Göbekli Tepe

Explore the ancient archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe, believed to be one of the oldest temples in the world.

Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum Tour

Discover the rich history of Şanlıurfa through its impressive collection of mosaics and archaeological artifacts.

Balıklıgöl Visit

Visit the sacred pool of Abraham, known as Balıklıgöl, surrounded by beautiful gardens and historical sites.

Harran Beehive Houses Exploration

Explore the unique beehive houses in the village of Harran, featuring distinct Mudbrick architecture.

Shopping

Şanlıurfa Market Shopping Experience

Experience traditional Turkish shopping at the vibrant and bustling markets of Şanlıurfa.

Outdoor

Mount Karaca Nature Hike

Enjoy a scenic hike on Mount Karaca, suitable for all levels of hikers.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Şanlıurfa.

Currency

₺ | TRY | Turkish Lira

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Şanlıurfa, Şanlıurfa, Turkey is 2.1 million.

Languages

Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic

Average weather

Şanlıurfa

Jan

10°2°

Feb

13°4°

Mar

17°7°

Apr

22°11°

May

28°15°

Jun

34°20°

Jul

38°24°

Aug

38°23°

Sep

34°19°

Oct

27°14°

Nov

18°8°

Dec

12°4°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Şanlıurfa.

What people love

Şanlıurfa, located in southeastern Turkey, is a city rich in history and culture. Here are some pros of traveling to Şanlıurfa:

Historical Sites: Şanlıurfa is known for its numerous historical sites, including the Göbekli Tepe archaeological site, which is considered one of the oldest known temples in the world. Other historical sites in the city include the Balıklıgöl complex, the Harran University, and the Rızvaniye Mosque.
Cultural Heritage: Şanlıurfa is a city with a rich cultural heritage, influenced by various civilizations throughout history. Visitors can explore traditional Turkish cuisine, music, and handicrafts in the local markets and workshops.
Religious Sites: Şanlıurfa is considered a holy city in various religions, including Christianity and Islam. The city is home to important religious sites such as the Cave of Abraham, where Prophet Abraham is believed to have been born, and the Mevlid-i Halil Mosque.
Authentic Experience: Traveling to Şanlıurfa offers visitors the opportunity to experience authentic Turkish culture away from the typical tourist destinations. The city's streets, bazaars, and neighborhoods provide a glimpse into traditional Turkish life.
Hospitality: Şanlıurfa is known for its warm and welcoming hospitality, with locals often going out of their way to make visitors feel at home. This creates a friendly and inviting atmosphere for travelers exploring the city.

Overall, traveling to Şanlıurfa can be a rewarding experience for those interested in history, culture, and authentic Turkish traditions.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Şanlıurfa, Turkey may include:

Safety Concerns: Like any destination, Şanlıurfa may have safety concerns such as petty theft, scams, or political unrest. Travelers should stay informed about the current situation and take necessary precautions.
Language Barrier: English may not be widely spoken in Şanlıurfa, so communication may be challenging for travelers who do not speak Turkish. Having a translation app or learning basic Turkish phrases can be helpful.
Cultural Differences: Şanlıurfa is a conservative city with strong religious and cultural traditions. Travelers should be respectful of local customs, dress modestly, and adhere to local norms to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts.
Extreme Weather: Şanlıurfa has a hot and arid climate, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) during the summer months. Travelers should be prepared for the heat and stay hydrated.
Limited Tourist Infrastructure: Compared to more popular tourist destinations in Turkey, Şanlıurfa may have limited tourist infrastructure, including fewer accommodation options, restaurants, and transportation services. Travelers should plan ahead and be flexible.

Please note that these are general considerations and may not apply to every traveler. It's always a good idea to research further and consult official travel advisories before planning a trip to Şanlıurfa.

Şanlıurfa, often referred to as the "City of Prophets," is located in southeastern Turkey. Its rich history dates back thousands of years and encompasses various civilizations and cultures.

Ancient History

Early Settlements: Şanlıurfa, known in antiquity as Edessa, is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation since at least 9000 BC.
Göbekli Tepe: Situated near Şanlıurfa, Göbekli Tepe is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Dating back to around 9600 BC, it is considered the oldest known temple complex, predating Stonehenge by several millennia.
Harran: Another important ancient site near Şanlıurfa, Harran was a major Mesopotamian city known for its temple dedicated to the moon god Sin. It is also mentioned in the Bible as the home of Abraham before he moved to Canaan.

Classical and Roman Periods

Edessa: Under the name Edessa, Şanlıurfa became a prominent city within the Seleucid Empire and later under Roman control. It was a center of early Christianity, with numerous churches and Christian schools.
Abgar V: The city's King Abgar V is known for the legendary correspondence with Jesus Christ, which is part of early Christian tradition. According to tradition, Abgar converted to Christianity, making Edessa one of the first Christian states.

Medieval Period

Islamic Conquests: In the 7th century, Edessa was conquered by Muslim Arabs and became part of the Umayyad and later Abbasid Caliphates.
Crusades and Zengids: During the Crusades, Edessa was captured by the Crusaders and became the County of Edessa, one of the first Crusader states. It was recaptured by the Muslim leader Zengi in 1144, marking a significant victory for Muslim forces.

Ottoman Period

Incorporation into the Ottoman Empire: Şanlıurfa became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century under Sultan Selim I. It remained under Ottoman control until the empire's dissolution after World War I.

Modern Era

Turkish Republic: After World War I and the Turkish War of Independence, Şanlıurfa became part of the Republic of Turkey. It was originally known as Urfa, but in 1984, it was officially renamed Şanlıurfa, meaning "Glorious Urfa," in recognition of the city's role in resisting French occupation during the Turkish War of Independence.

Important Landmarks

Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish): A significant religious site believed to be the location where Abraham was thrown into the fire by Nimrod, according to Islamic tradition. The fire turned into water, and the wood turned into fish.
Grand Mosque of Urfa: Built on the site of a former Christian church, this mosque is a key religious site in the city.
Harran: Known for its beehive-shaped houses and ancient ruins, Harran is a historical site of great significance near Şanlıurfa.

Cultural Significance

Şanlıurfa is renowned for its multicultural heritage, having been a melting pot of various cultures, religions, and ethnicities over the centuries. It remains a vibrant city with a deep historical legacy and is a major site for tourism and pilgrimage.

The city's history is a testament to its resilience and enduring importance as a crossroads of civilizations.