Şanlıurfa

Şanlıurfa is one of the oldest settled centers in human history. The history of the city begins with Göbeklitepe, a turning point of the Neolithic period that has resonated globally. The Euphrates River, the lifeblood of the region, and the fertile lands of the Harran Plain have enabled civilizations to settle and thrive here since thousands of years before the common era.

Holding immense importance for faith tourism and ancient history, the Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham) is known as the site where Prophet Abraham was cast into the fire, forming the spiritual heart of the city. Over the centuries, the city came under the rule of great empires including the Assyrians, Medes, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, and Byzantines; the Sanliurfa Castle stands as concrete evidence of this rich military and architectural past.

As a strategic provincial center during the Ottoman Empire, the city faced occupation after World War I but gained its independence through a historic local resistance. Today, the priceless artifacts recovered from this millennia-old history are preserved and exhibited at the Sanliurfa Archaeological Museum, offering visitors a profound journey through time. For geographic details, you can refer to the Harita section.