Şanlıurfa, known as 'The City of Prophets', is one of Turkey's most spiritually and historically significant destinations. Situated in southeastern Anatolia near the Syrian border, it is revered as the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham and is home to Göbekli Tepe, the world's oldest known temple complex dating to 12,000 years ago. The city blends ancient cave shrines, sacred carp pools, a labyrinthine bazaar, Ottoman-era mosques, and a living tradition of storytelling gatherings called Sıra Geceleri. Its spice-laden cuisine—featuring liver kebab, cig köfte, and beyran soup—is one of Turkey's most distinctive.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Şanlıurfa.
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1
Construction of Göbekli Tepe, world's oldest known temple complex
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2
Neolithic farming settlement established in the region
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3
City known as Ur-Khasdim; associated with Abraham
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4
Seleucid king renames city Edessa after Macedonian capital
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5
Kingdom of Osroene becomes Roman client state
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6
Earliest recorded Christian state established in Edessa
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7
Arab armies under Umar conquer city; begins Islamic era
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8
Crusader Baldwin of Boulogne establishes County of Edessa
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9
Zengi of Mosul retakes Edessa; triggers Second Crusade
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10
Ottoman Sultan Selim I incorporates city into empire
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11
French occupation followed by successful resistance; 'Şanlı' (glorious) earned
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12
City officially renamed Şanlıurfa by Turkish Republic
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13
Göbekli Tepe excavations begin under Klaus Schmidt; rewrites human history
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14
Göbekli Tepe listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site
Historical sites
Places where Şanlıurfa's past comes alive.
Göbekli Tepe
Admission: 300 TRY (~$9 USD); free with Museum Pass Turkey
Harran Ancient City
Admission: 100 TRY (~$3 USD)
Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum
Admission: 200 TRY (~$6 USD)
Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum
Admission: Included in Archaeology Museum ticket
Şanlıurfa Castle
Admission: 30 TRY (~$0.90 USD)