Şanlıurfa, Turkey
Region: Şanlıurfa is located in the province of Şanlıurfa
Geographic Coordinates: 37.158300, 38.791700
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 40.0°C (50°F to 104°F)
Climate: Hot and dry summers, mild and rainy winters.
Population: 1985753
Language: Turkish
Şanlıurfa, Also known as Urfa, Is a city located in southeastern Turkey. It is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The city is home to many historical and religious sites, Making it a popular destination for tourists. One of the most famous attractions in Şanlıurfa is the Pool of Sacred Fish, Which according to legend was where Abraham was thrown into fire by King Nimrod.
Today, Visitors can see hundreds of carp swimming in the pool and feed them with special food sold by vendors nearby. Another significant site is Balıklıgöl Mosque, Built around the same pool. The city also has several museums that showcase its history and culture. The Şanlıurfa Museum houses artifacts from various periods including Ottoman Empire era ceramics and Hellenistic period statues. Visitors can learn about traditional crafts like weaving at the Atatürk Ethnography Museum or explore local flora at Birecik Zoo’s botanical garden. Şanlıurfa’s cuisine is renowned throughout Turkey for its unique flavors and ingredients.
Dishes like çiğ köfte (raw meatballs), Lahmacun (Turkish pizza), Kebab varieties such as Adana kebabı are some must-try dishes when visiting Urfa. Another interesting aspect of Şanlıurfa’s culture is its music scene; Sıra Gecesi events are held regularly throughout the city where musicians play traditional Turkish instruments while guests enjoy tea or coffee together. In addition to its cultural heritage, Şanlıurfa offers natural beauty with parks like Göbeklitepe National Park which contains an archaeological site believed to be 12 thousand years old!
Other must-visit parks include Harran Plain National Park with views over ancient ruins dating back more than 4 thousand years old! Overall, Şanlıurfa is a fascinating city that offers visitors an opportunity to explore Turkey’s rich history and culture. With its ancient sites, Museums, Unique cuisine and natural beauty, It is a destination that should not be missed.
- Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site featuring ancient structures that date back to 10,000 BC.
- Balıklıgöl is a sacred pool believed to have healing properties and is associated with the prophet Abraham.
- Şanlıurfa Castle is a historic castle that overlooks the city.
- Harran Ruins are ancient ruins of a city that dates back to the Assyrian period.
- Rizvaniye Mosque is a grand mosque with Ottoman architecture and intricate tilework.
- Urfa Bazaar is a bustling market selling local goods and handicrafts.
- Atatürk Dam is one of Turkey’s largest dams, providing hydroelectric power and irrigation for the region.
- Halil-ur Rahman Mosque (Cave of Abraham) is a mosque built around the cave where Abraham was said to have been born.
- Sanliurfa Museum showcases artifacts from the region’s rich history in archaeology museum form.
- Gümrükhan Caravanserai has been restored as an important stop on trade routes between East and West in caravanserai form.
- Göbekli Tepe is an ancient archaeological site located in Şanlıurfa, Turkey that dates back to 10,000 BC. It is believed to be one of the oldest known temples in the world.
- According to religious tradition, the prophet Abraham was born in Urfa (now Şanlıurfa) and lived there for a time before leaving with his family.
- Balıklıgöl is a sacred pool located in Şanlıurfa that is said to have been created by God as a gift to Prophet Abraham.
- Harran University, founded in 1988, is one of Turkey’s oldest universities and it’s located in Şanlıurfa.
- The Halil-ür Rahman Mosque is a historic mosque near Balıklıgöl that dates back to the Ottoman era.
- Osman Baydemir served as mayor of Şanlıurfa from 2004-2014 and later went on to serve as a member of parliament.
- Ali İhsan Koca, the current Minister of Health for Turkey was born and raised in Şanlıurfa.
- The Hacı Ömer Sabancı Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Hacı Ömer Sabancı who was a prominent businessman born in Şanlıurfa.
- The Eyyübiye Mosque Complex consists of a mosque, madrasa, library, and tomb dating back to the Seljuk period (11th-12th centuries).
- The Mehmet Akif İnan Cultural Center was named after Mehmet Akif İnan who was an influential Turkish poet born in Urfa (now Şanlıurfa).
- Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site that is considered to be the world’s oldest temple and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Harran is an ancient city that dates back to the Assyrian period and is famous for its unique beehive-shaped houses.
- The Şanlıurfa Museum showcases artifacts from the region’s history, including prehistoric tools, Roman sculptures, and Islamic art.
- Balıklıgöl is a sacred pool located in the center of Şanlıurfa where legend has it that Abraham was thrown into fire by King Nimrod but emerged unscathed thanks to divine intervention.
- Urfa Castle is a medieval fortress built on a hill overlooking Şanlıurfa with stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape.
- Rizvaniye Mosque is an Ottoman-era mosque with intricate tile work and a peaceful courtyard garden that adds to its beauty.
- Birecik Wildlife Sanctuary provides visitors with an opportunity to see endangered species like bald eagles and Euphrates softshell turtles up close in their natural habitat.
- Atatürk Dam Lake, which happens to be Turkey’s largest lake created by Atatürk Dam on Euphrates River offers scenic boat tours, fishing opportunities as well as water sports activities such as jet skiing or windsurfing.
- Karaköprü Grand Mosque Complex – One of Turkey’s largest mosques featuring Ottoman architecture with 52-meter-high minarets.
- Halil-ur Rahman Mosque – Another historic mosque located near Balıklıgöl which was said to have been built over Prophet Abraham’s birthplace.
- Şanlıurfaspor: Founded in 1969, Şanlıurfaspor is the most popular football club in the city. The team has played in various leagues throughout its history, including the Turkish Super League.
- Harran Üniversitesi SK: Established in 2009, Harran Üniversitesi SK is a relatively new football club based in Şanlıurfa. The team currently plays in the Turkish Regional Amateur League.
- Akçakale Belediyespor: Another football club from Şanlıurfa, Akçakale Belediyespor was founded in 1987 and has participated in various regional and national leagues.
- Suruç Gençlikspor: Founded in 2006, Suruç Gençlikspor is a local football team that has competed primarily at the amateur level.
- Haliliye Belediyespor: Established in 2012, Haliliye Belediyespor is a newer addition to the sports scene of Şanlıurfa and competes mainly at the amateur level.
In addition to these teams, there are also several basketball and volleyball clubs based out of Şanlıurfa that compete at different levels of competition within Turkey’s national leagues.
- The Şanlıurfa International Culture and Art Festival is an annual event that takes place in September. It features a variety of activities such as music, dance, theater performances, art exhibitions, and culinary events.
- The Urfa Food Festival celebrates the unique cuisine of Şanlıurfa and is held in October. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes like kebabs, lahmacun (Turkish pizza), baklava (sweet pastry), and more at food stalls set up for the occasion.
- The Harran Culture Festival highlights the rich cultural heritage of Harran, an ancient city near Şanlıurfa. This festival takes place in July and includes traditional music performances, folk dances, handicraft exhibitions, and other cultural activities.
- Mevlid-i Halil Celebration is a religious event that commemorates the birth of Prophet Abraham at the Cave of Abraham in Şanlıurfa province every year on the 6th day of Muharram according to the Islamic calendar.
- Karakoyun Cultural Festival takes place in May or June each year in Karaköyün village near Şanlıurfa city center to celebrate local traditions with folk dancing shows and other cultural activities.
- The Urfa Camel Wrestling Festival is held annually between December to March across various locations around Şanlıurfa province including Suruç district’s Akçakale town where male camels compete against each other for dominance while adorned with colorful decorations such as tassels on their heads or necks.
- Şanlıurfa kebabı (Urfa Kebab) – a spicy grilled meat dish made with lamb or beef.
- Ciğerli şiş (Liver skewers) – grilled liver skewers marinated in spices and served with onions and tomatoes.
- Lahmacun – a thin flatbread topped with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and herbs.
- Mevlubi – an eggplant-based dish made with rice, meat, and spices.
- Tirit – a soup made with shredded bread soaked in lamb broth and served with yogurt.
Some popular restaurants serving these dishes include:
- Ciğerci Yusuf Usta – known for their delicious liver skewers
- Urfa Sıra Gecesi Restaurant – serves traditional Urfa cuisine including kebabs and lahmacun
- Gümrük Han Restoran & Kahvaltı Evi- known for their breakfast platters featuring local cheeses, olives, honeycomb etc
- Mevlana Kebap Salonu- famous for its mevlubi
- Beyran Evi- serves traditional beyran soup made of lamb stock mixed with garlic yoghurt sauce
- Göbeklitepe Archaeological Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest known temple in the world.
- Balıklıgöl is a sacred pool believed to be the spot where Abraham was thrown into a fire by King Nimrod.
- Harran Ruins are ancient ruins of houses, mosques, and other structures that are well-preserved in an ancient city.
- Atatürk Dam Lake is a large artificial lake that offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.
- Şanlıurfa City Park is a public park with walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas that covers a large area.
- Karaköprü Recreation Area is popular for outdoor sports like hiking, camping, football and volleyball.
- Birecik Nature Reserve is home to rare bird species such as bald ibis and red-fronted serin.
- Urfa Castle offers panoramic views of Şanlıurfa city from an ancient fortress.
- Mevlid-i Halil Mosque Complex has beautiful architecture and gardens making it one of Turkey’s largest mosque complexes.
- Sırrın Bridge Park has been converted into a park with picnic areas and walking trails from its historic bridge over Euphrates River.
