Time travel: Historical Sites of Urfa
Göbeklitepe
Göbeklitepe, in Şanlıurfa, is among the most prominent sites in the region – it is also a global phenomenon. After extensive excavations, research and studies, it is believed that the twelve-thousand year-old site may mark the starting point of human history. To visit the excavations – and see the world’s oldest known temple – you can fly to Şanlıurfa Gap Airport. Göbeklitepe is near Örencik Village, about 18 kilometers from the Urfa city center and approximately 50 kilometers from the airport.
Click here to discover more about Göbeklitepe!
Şanlıurfa Castle
On a hill overlooking the city, Şanlıurfa Castle is believed to have been originally constructed sometime in the 2nd or 3rdh century BC, with further construction taking place between the 6th and 11th centuries by various caliphates. While most of the structure is in ruins, it is worth a walk up the hill to see these ancient walls – as well as the magnificent view of Şanlıurfa.
Halfeti
In addition to its three thousand years of history, Halfeti is notable for its “black” roses (karagül) and its sunken city. Set on the banks of the Euphrates River, the town is divided into two areas, New and Old Halfeti. The Old Town, set on the side of a high hill, overlooks the Euphrates. Part of the older area of town was flooded; visitors can take boat tours to view the submerged structures, which include a mosque with a minaret piercing the water’s surface. Halfeti was added to the Slow City network by the Cittaslow International Coordinating Committee in 2013.
Halfeti is approximately 138 kilometers from Şanlıurfa Gap Airport. You can take an airport shuttle to the city center and, from there, a bus or minibus to Halfeti. Car rentals and taxis are also available.
Rizvaniye Mosque
The Rizvaniye Mosque, on the northern edge of the Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham), was built in 1736 by Rıdvan Ahmet Pasha, the Ottoman governor of Raqqa. The Mosque is parallel to the mihrab and has three domes, as well as an interesting entrance. Featuring plant motifs and geometric patterns, the door was built without nails, using inlay methods. The Mosque also has a green courtyard opening to the Balıklıgöl.
Rizvaniye Mosque is accessible via taxi or public transportation from the Şanlıurfa city center.
Eyyüp Prophet Makami
Urfa is a popular destination for faith tourism; the cave where Eyyüp Prophet Makami allegedly secluded himself with his wife is one of those sites. Eyyüp, (Job) was renowned for his patience, enduring numerous trials without losing his faith or patience. In his final trial, he contracted leprosy and hid in the cave. It is said that his disease was cured through healing waters in a well outside the cave. A mosque on the site is dedicated to Eyyüp Prophet Makami.
Halil-Ur Rahman Mosque
Southwest of Halil-Ür and in the city center is the Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham) and the Halil-Ur Rahman Mosque. The complex features a madrasah and a cemetery. Allegedly, the Prophet Abraham was thrown into a fire by Nimrod, and the fire was transformed into a pool. The fish that live in the pool are considered sacred. The complex is reachable by taxi or minibus; it is also a short walk from the city center.
Mevlid-i Halil Mosque
Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, also near the Balıklıgöl, is believed to be the birthplace of Abraham. The structure went through a number of phases, becoming a mosque during the Ottoman period. The Mosque is about a 10-minute drive from the city center and accessible via taxi or public transportation.
Culinary celebration: Urfa’s famous dishes
Stuffed meatballs and çiğ köfte
Şanlıurfa is known for its beloved stuffed meatballs and raw meatballs. Urfa-style stuffed meatballs are prepared by mixing minced meat, walnuts, spices and bulgur wheat. The meatballs are stuffed with internal mortar, and boiled in water or fried in hot oil.
While raw meatballs come from the southeastern Anatolia region, the Urfa version of the dish is equally tasty. Raw minced meat is combined with bulgur wheat, isot, spices, tomato paste, onion and parsley. The meatballs are said to be ready when they’re sticky enough to fasten to the ceiling. A vegetarian version of çiğ köfte leaves out the meat but is quite delicious.
Urfa kebab
A symbol of Şanlıurfa for some, the Urfa kebab is also a cultural heritage in the Anatolian geography. Less spicy than the Adana kebab, the Urfa kebab consist of ground meat blended with spices. The kebab is grilled and served with flatbread, roasted peppers, and raw onions sprinkled with sumac. Sample this specialty in its birthplace – Şanlıurfa!
Tray Kebab
The Şanlıurfa-style tray kebab features thick eggplant slices cooked with meat in an attractive geometric arrangement. The dish is served with tomatoes, peppers and flatbread.
Urfa’s natural beauties
Balıklıgöl
In the city’s southwest quadrant, Balıklıgöl is a picturesque rectangular pool. Along with the surrounding structures, it is one of the city’s most visited sites: the lake is believed to have been the fire into which Abraham was thrown. Fire was transformed into water and Abraham was saved. The fish in Balıklıgöl are considered sacred by local people. Near Balıklıgöl is the Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum, which is well worth a visit.
Şanlıurfa culture and handicrafts
Şanlıurfa Customs House
The Customs Han was built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent and features many of its original details. Set near Balıklıgöl, the two-story building is made of Urfa cut stone. Referred to as the ‘Yetmiş Hanı’ in Evliya Çelebi’s travel writings, the Customs Han was one of the most important commercial centers in the Ottoman Empire. On the side that faces the Balıklıgöl is an attractive garden with a tea house.
Çulhacılık
Şanlıurfa’s handicraft tradition has been passed from generation to generation. In Çulhacılık, weaving was a mainstay of the area’s commercial activity from ancient times; according to Evliya Çelebi, the Çulhacılık cotton cloth was renowned for its strength and durability.
Copper-smithing
Chalcolithic-era vessels, arrows and spears made of copper have been found during archaeological excavations in Şanlıurfa villages. While the art of copper-smithing has undergone various changes since antiquity, the practice continues in the famous Coppersmiths’ Bazaar in Urfa. In the Bakırcılar Çarşısı, visitors can buy a wide range of items, including household appliances, copper ornaments and souvenirs from here.
