Arrival & Exploration of Sanliurfa – The Cradle of Civilization

🌍 Morning: Arrival & Gobekli Tepe – The World’s Oldest Temple
Welcome to Sanliurfa, a city known as the cradle of civilizations, where history and faith converge. Your journey begins with a flight from Istanbul to Sanliurfa, followed by an exploration of one of the most groundbreaking archaeological discoveries in the world:

🏺 Gobekli Tepe – The First Place of Worship
Dating back 12,000 years, Gobekli Tepe is the oldest known temple on Earth, built long before Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
🔎 Explore:
Gigantic T-shaped stone pillars, intricately carved with mysterious animal figures and human-like forms.
Archaeological insights that prove organized religion existed before agriculture, reshaping our understanding of early civilization.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, where ancient rituals once took place, long before written history began.

🏛️ Midday: Sanliurfa Archaeology & Mosaic Museum
After your exploration of Gobekli Tepe, return to Sanliurfa and visit Turkey’s largest museum complex, the Sanliurfa Archaeology & Mosaic Museum.
📜 Discover:
Artifacts spanning millennia—from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Life-size replicas of Gobekli Tepe’s monolithic pillars, offering deeper insight into their construction and significance.
A vast collection of ancient tools, sculptures, and textiles, revealing the daily lives of early civilizations.
This museum provides a fascinating context for understanding the rich cultural heritage of the region.

🐟 Afternoon: Abraham’s Pool & Birthplace
Next, visit one of Sanlirfa’s holiest sites, Balıklıgol (Abraham’s Pool)—a place revered by Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike.
🌊 Legend of Abraham’s Pool
According to tradition, King Nimrod ordered Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) to be burned alive. However, God miraculously transformed the fire into water and the burning logs into sacred fish. Today, the pool is filled with holy fish, which visitors feed as part of religious tradition.
🕋 The Cave of Abraham
Nearby, explore the cave believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Abraham. This ancient site, now preserved behind glass, has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries, offering a glimpse into the early life of one of history’s most influential figures.

🏨 Evening: Overnight Stay in Sanliurfa
After a day filled with archaeological wonders and sacred history, check in to your hotel in Sanliurfa, where you can relax and reflect on the extraordinary sites you’ve explored.

Ancient Harran, Halfeti & Rumkale – A Journey Through Time

🌅 Morning: Ancient City of Harran – A Gateway to the Past
Your day begins with a visit to Harran, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. A major center along the Silk Road, Harran has been home to prophets, scholars, and merchants for thousands of years. It is also believed to be the home of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim).

🔎 Explore:
🏠 Beehive Houses – These 3,000-year-old mud-brick homes, built without wood, showcase a remarkable ancient architectural style that keeps interiors cool in summer and warm in winter.
🏰 Harran Castle – Climb the ruins of this ancient fortress for panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
🛡 Ancient City Walls – Walk along Harran’s ancient fortifications, which once defended the city from invading empires, including the Romans, Arabs, and Crusaders.

🏞️ Midday: Halfeti – The Sunken Beauty of the Euphrates
Next, journey to Halfeti, a town with a rich past and a tranquil present. Due to the construction of the Birecik Dam, part of the old town now lies submerged beneath the Euphrates River, creating an otherworldly landscape.

🚶 Discover:
🏚️ The Submerged Village of Old Halfeti, where history meets nature.
🕌 The Half-Sunken Minaret, a hauntingly beautiful relic of a mosque that now rises eerily from the water.
🍽️ Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch along the Euphrates River, soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

🚤 Afternoon: Rumkale & Boat Cruise on the Euphrates
After lunch, embark on a boat tour to Rumkale, an ancient fortress perched high above the Euphrates, offering stunning views and a deep historical legacy.

🏰 Rumkale (Hromla Castle)
Once a strategic stronghold, Rumkale was also a hiding place for handwritten copies of the New Testament during early Christian times.
A perfect blend of natural beauty and history, the fortress overlooks the crystal-clear waters of the Euphrates.

🏛 Assyrian & Roman Influence
The fortress served as a vital defensive position for the Assyrians, Romans, and Byzantines, playing a key role in the region’s power struggles.

⛪ 12th-Century Church of Saint Nerse
Explore the remnants of this Armenian church, dedicated to Saint Nerse, a testament to the religious diversity that once flourished in this area.

✈️ Evening: Return to Istanbul
Following your Rumkale adventure, you will be transferred to Şanlıurfa Airport for your return flight to Istanbul.

🌍 End of Tour – A Journey Through Ancient Wonders
Your extraordinary journey through ancient cities, archaeological marvels, and breathtaking landscapes comes to an end.

📌 Looking to continue your adventure?
If you’d like to explore more of Turkey’s hidden gems, let us help you plan a customized travel experience to extend your journey!
📅 Book now and discover Turkey’s timeless history!