27Nov

Best places to visit in Urfa

Here is the Urfa travel recommendations, best places to visit in Urfa.

Gobeklitepe

Gobeklitepe is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 21st century and is often referred to as the world’s oldest known temple. Dating back to around 9600 BCE, it predates Stonehenge by over 6,000 years, and its discovery has fundamentally changed our understanding of early human civilization.

Located in Urfa, Gobeklitepe consists of large stone circles and monumental carvings, suggesting that it was a place of ritual or religious significance. What makes Gobeklitepe especially important is that it was built by hunter-gatherers, not settled agricultural societies, challenging the traditional view that complex religious structures and social organization only emerged after the development of farming.

The site has reshaped our understanding of the transition from prehistoric to historic times, showing that religious or spiritual practices may have played a central role in the development of human culture long before the advent of writing, cities, or agriculture. It’s discovery has had profound implications for the study of early human societies and the origins of religion.

Gobeklitepe is one of the most interesting places to see in Turkey, and definitely a must see if you are in Urfa.

Sanliurfa Independence Museum

Located near the old State Hospital, the Sanliurfa Independence Museum is housed in a villa built in 1903. The architectural design blends European and Urfa’s traditional styles, offering a fascinating look at both local and European influences. The villa spans a large area and is divided into two sections for men and women. In the 1940s, the building hosted performances by the Public Theater. After a major restoration by the Sanliurfa Governorship, it was opened as the Independence Museum on April 11, 2009. A section of the villa is now dedicated to the State Turkish Folk Music Choir, and there is also a room that serves as the Müslüm Gürses Music Museum, dedicated to the iconic Turkish singer.

Fırfırlı Mosque

Located on Vali Fuat Bey Street, the Firfirli Mosque was originally built as a church and recorded as the 12 Disciples Church. In the Ottoman era, the church was dubbed the “Frilly Church” due to the windmill-like wings on its roof. Historical records note that the Lamina Cross, an important Christian relic, was brought to Urfa from the Lamina Church in 1092 and displayed in this building. The mosque was officially converted from a church into a mosque in 1956, though it did not receive a proper name and is still widely referred to by locals as “Firfirli Mosque” (Frilly Mosque). Notable features include the half-pillars and intricate engravings on the building’s exterior.

Selahaddin Eyyubi Mosque, Urfa — Urfa, Turkey

Saladin Mosque (Selahaddin Eyyubi Mosque)

Urfa, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, plays an important role for monolithic religions in the Middle East. It houses a lot of historical temples like churches or mosques. One of these monuments is the Saladin Mosque. The Saladin Mosque is located on Vali Fuat Bey Street and is estimated to have been built in the early 19th century, over the ruins of the John the Baptist Church, originally constructed in 457 A.D.. Due to its large size and the period it was built, it was once called a “cathedral.” The building had fallen into disrepair and was used as a power center for some time before being reopened as a mosque for prayer on May 28, 1993. The mosque’s entrance is on the east side, and the main prayer hall occupies the former church’s entrance area. Large windows illuminate the prayer space, and the ledges are decorated with half-pillars and engravings of entwined dragons. The mosque is named after Saladin, who also used the church as a mosque during his time in the region. It underwent significant repairs by the Foundations General Directorate in 2010-2011.

The Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum

The Urfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum is one of Turkey’s most important museums, showcasing the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Şanlıurfa region. Located in Şanlıurfa city, the museum houses an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, ancient mosaics, and sculptures, many of which date back to the Neolithic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

One of the museum’s most significant exhibits is its collection of mosaics, including those from the Haleplibahçe excavation site, which is renowned for its Amazon warrior mosaics—considered among the most precious in the world due to their intricate artistry and historical significance. The museum also displays artifacts from Gobeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple, including stone carvings and statues that offer insights into early human ritual practices.

The museum is divided into several sections, including the Archaeological Hall, which covers the history of the region from prehistoric times to the Ottoman era, and the Mosaic Hall, where visitors can admire some of the finest mosaics uncovered in the area. Opened in 2015, the museum is an essential stop for anyone interested in the history and culture of Urfa and its role in the ancient world.

You will definitely be fascinated by seeing the Balikligol Statue, the oldest man sized statue in the world, and Gobeklitepe statues which are displayed in this museum.

Halil-ür Rahman Lake (Balıklıgöl)

Located to the north of Urfa Castle, Halil-ür Rahman Lake (also known as Balıklıgöl) is a sacred site for believers. According to religious texts, Prophet Ibrahim was thrown into a fire by the tyrant King Nimrod after rejecting his false idols. Miraculously, the flames were transformed into a beautiful garden, and the site became known as the place where “fire is cool and secure.” This legend is revered in the Islamic, Christian, and Jewish faiths, and the lake is home to sacred fish that are not to be harmed, as they are considered blessed.

Harran (The most beautiful historical area in eastern region of Turkey)

Located in the southeastern part of Sanliurfa, Harran is one of the most historically and culturally significant sites in Turkey, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world. Known for its unique beehive-shaped mud-brick houses, which have been used for centuries, Harran is often described as a living example of ancient architectural traditions. These distinctive structures are designed to keep the interiors cool in the hot summer months, reflecting the ingenuity of Harran’s inhabitants.

The site is also renowned for its ancient ruins, including the remnants of the Harran University, which was an important center of learning during the early Islamic period. The Harran Ruins include the remains of several temples, mosques, and city walls, with a history that spans over 5,000 years. It is believed that Abraham (Ibrahim) passed through or even lived in Harran, making it a key site for religious tourism, as it is mentioned in the Bible and the Quran.

Harran offers a unique blend of ancient history, religious significance, and traditional culture, making it an unforgettable destination for those looking to explore Turkey’s deep historical roots. Its proximity to Gobeklitepe and Urfa makes it an ideal addition to any cultural or archaeological tour of the region.