Cheap flights to Şanlıurfa

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Southeastern Anatolia

Things to do in Şanlıurfa, the City of Prophets

The list of things to do in Şanlıurfa spans twelve millennia in a single day: megaliths older than farming, Roman mosaics, a Crusader-era past and a living pilgrimage city. Local tradition names Urfa the birthplace of Abraham and also links it to Job, which is why it is called the City of Prophets. It remains lightly touristed, devout and conservative, and visitors often describe a generous hospitality.

From Edessa to Glorious Urfa

Seleucus I Nicator founded the city as Edessa around 303 BC. In 260 AD, the Battle of Edessa ended with the Roman emperor Valerian captured by the Sasanians, and the Ottomans took the city in 1637. Its current name, Şanlıurfa or 'Glorious Urfa', was granted in 1984 and honours its resistance during the War of Independence. The city stands at roughly 480 to 520 m, about 80 km east of the Euphrates, and has nearly 600,000 urban inhabitants.

Göbekli Tepe

The oldest known temple in the world, 15 to 20 km away

Founded in the 10th millennium BC, Göbekli Tepe holds what are described as the oldest known megaliths in the world. The tell rises 15 m and covers about 8 hectares, yet only around a tenth had been excavated by 2021. At least 20 circular enclosures are suspected, of which four have been dug, each 10 to 30 m across, with nearly 200 pillars estimated in total. The central pillars stand over 5 m tall, and an unfinished pillar of about 50 tonnes still lies in the quarry.

Visiting

The site was first noted in 1963, but it was the archaeologist Klaus Schmidt who recognised its importance in October 1994, and excavations began in 1995. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2018. Göbekli Tepe is about 15 to 20 km northeast of the city (sources vary), a 20 to 30 minute drive; guides mention a city bus from the archaeological museum (to be checked). Allow 1.5 to 3 hours: raised walkways lead around the enclosures under a large canopy. Tickets are paid, the Museum Pass is accepted and hours should be checked on muze.gov.tr.

Karahan Tepe

A sister site, Karahan Tepe, lies further east and is dated to around 10,000 to 9500 BC. It combines easily with Harran on a second day.

Old city

Sacred carp, Abraham's cave and a covered bazaar

In the heart of the old city, the Balıklıgöl complex holds two pools, Halil-ur-Rahman and Ayn-i Zeliha, home to protected sacred carp. Islamic tradition says God turned Nimrod's fire into water and the logs into carp; scholars also link the place to the goddess Atargatis. The complex is free to enter, and the neighbouring Halil-ur-Rahman mosque is visited in modest dress, with shoulders and knees covered.

Abraham's cave, citadel and bazaar

The Mevlid-i Halil mosque shelters the cave where Abraham is said to have been born. Around the pools you will also find the citadel, the covered bazaar and Gümrük Han, a 16th-century caravanserai. The bazaar is said to be the second largest in the Middle East after Aleppo's.

Haleplibahçe Museum

The Urfa Man and the Orpheus mosaic

Opened in 2015, the Archaeology and Mosaic Museum of Haleplibahçe is among the largest in Turkey. It houses the Urfa Man, a life-sized human statue from around 9000 BC and the oldest known of its kind, full-scale replicas of Göbekli Tepe pillars, an Orpheus mosaic from 184 AD returned from Dallas in 2015, and mosaics of Amazons. It is ideal before or after Göbekli Tepe.

Before you go

Allow about two hours. Hours and fees change, so check the official Turkish museums website (muze.gov.tr) before setting out. According to guides, the mosaic galleries stand about 100 m from the main building.

Harran

Beehive houses and the oldest mosque in Turkey

About 45 km southeast of Şanlıurfa, Harran is known for its mud-brick beehive houses. The site also keeps the sanctuary of the moon god Sin, a Great Mosque associated with Marwan II and described as the oldest mosque in Turkey, and a university attributed to Caliph Umar II in 717. Harran was the Umayyad capital from 744 to 750, and the Battle of Carrhae was fought here in 53 BC.

Go early

Entry is free, and a tip is appreciated when you visit a beehive house. Go early in the day: the summer heat is extreme, and local children often offer to act as guides.

Urfa on a plate

Isot pepper, liver kebab and pistachio şıllık

Urfa's breakfast is also well regarded, a good reason to start the day in town before heading to the sites. The charcoal grills of the old bazaar are a good place to eat; try the local menengiç coffee too. As a precaution, stick to bottled water.

Getting there

GAP Airport, 35 km northeast of the centre

A Havaş shuttle meets flights; otherwise, a taxi is the simplest option. Gaziantep, about 2 to 2.5 hours away by road, is an alternative entry point to the region.

Getting around

On foot, by dolmuş and by taxi

The old city, with Balıklıgöl, the citadel, the bazaar and the museum, is largely walkable. Dolmuşes (minibuses) and taxis serve the main streets; you pay the driver as you board.

For Göbekli Tepe and Harran

A taxi for half a day or a hire car gives the most freedom, and organised excursions are an option. The sites are very exposed to the sun: bring water, a hat and sunscreen.

When to go

Avoid the summer furnace

Trip planning

How many days, what budget, what formalities

Recommended length

Two days are enough for Göbekli Tepe, the museum, the old city, Karahan Tepe and Harran; allow three if you add Halfeti, Rumkale and Mount Nemrut.

Cost level

Low to moderate (to be checked): meals, dolmuşes and taxis stay affordable; entry to Göbekli Tepe and the museums, accommodation and private excursions are the main expenses. Check prices just before you travel.

Entry rules and common sense

Depending on your nationality, an e-visa or an exemption applies: check the official site evisa.gov.tr and your own authorities (to be checked). Southeastern and eastern regions may carry specific travel advice from some governments, so consult your country's official guidance before you travel. Urfa is a devout, conservative city: dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, especially in mosques.

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