Best things to do in Sanliurfa

Şanlıurfa Essentials

Şanlıurfa is a spiritual and historical center defined by its connection to biblical prophets and ancient civilizations. This selection features the Balıklıgöl complex, where legend says Nimrod cast Abraham into the fire, and the cave believed to be his birthplace. The city’s archaeological significance is showcased at the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, housing Neolithic finds from Göbeklitepe, and the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum. Other highlights include the hilltop citadel with its Roman-era columns and the 16th-century Gümrük Han caravanserai.

Şanlıurfa Essentials — Map

Cobija / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Balıklıgöl

Balıklıgöl, is a pool in the southwest of the city center of Şanlıurfa, Turkey known in Jewish and Islamic legends as the place where…

B

Abraham's Birth Cave

This area is believed to be a birthplace of the biblical figure and a prophet Abraham.

C

Şanlıurfa Arkeoloji Müzesi

One of Turkey's largest museums, housing an extensive collection of Neolithic artifacts. It features the 'Urfa Man,' the world's oldest known life-sized human statue, and significant finds from the nearby Göbeklitepe archaeological site.

D

HALEPLİ BAHÇE MOZAİK MÜZESİ

This museum displays Roman-era floor mosaics discovered in situ. The collection includes detailed depictions of Amazon queens and mythological hunting scenes dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries.

E

Edessa

Ancient ruins and rock-cut tombs representing the historical city of Edessa, showing architectural influences from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

F

Şanlıurfa Kalesi

An ancient citadel situated on Damlacık Hill. Its most prominent features are two massive Corinthian columns from the 3rd century AD, traditionally associated with the 'Throne of Nimrod.'

G

Gümrük Han

A 16th-century Ottoman caravanserai featuring a central courtyard shaded by plane trees. It remains a social hub where visitors can experience traditional mırra coffee and local bazaar culture.

H

Ulu Mosque

The 12th-century Grand Mosque of Urfa is a congregational mosque in Urfa, Turkey.

I

Eyüp Peygamber Cami

This mosque complex is built around the cave where the Prophet Job (Eyüp) is believed to have suffered and recovered from his illness. It includes a well with water considered to have medicinal properties.

J

New Dergah Mosque

An Ottoman-style mosque located within the Dergah complex. It stands adjacent to the cave believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham and serves as a major site for pilgrims.

Other Lists

Archaeological Sites & Castles History & Archaeology Historic Mosques of Şanlıurfa