ŞANLIURFA
AREA: 18.584 km²
POPULATION: 1.001.455 (1990)
TRAFFIC CODE: 63
The history of Sanlıurfa can be traced back
around 9000 years and the atmosphere is one
of living history, where traditional life,
culture and even clothing is more akin to
the Middle East with Turkish, Kurdish and
Arabic all being spoken. Sanliurfa (often
referred to as Urfa) is also a place of
pilgrimage for many religions, containing
what is thought to be the birthplace of the
prophet Abraham. According to Jewish and
Muslim scriptures, he was summonsed by god
whilst living there.
The traditional and religious conservatism,
combined with the ancient historical
monuments, has also given it the name City
of the Prophets and has made Urfa a unique
place to visit. Away from the city, the
ancient village and genuine living museum
Harran with its famous bee-hive type houses,
has been continuously inhabited for more
than 6000 years.
DISTRICTS: Şanlıurfa (center), Akçakale,
Birecik, Bozova, Ceylanpınar, Halfeti,
Harran, Hilvan, Siandrek, Suruç, Viranşehir.
SITES OF INTEREST: Gölpınar forest
recreation area, Harran, Sumatar, Urfa
Castles, Urfa Grand Mosque, Halilü'r-Rahman
and Ayn-ı Zilha Lakes, Halilü'r-Rahman
Sultan Hazan Padişah (Tokdemir), Beylerbeyi,
Kadıoğlu, and Rızvaniye mosques, Akcami (Nimetullah
Mosque), Mevlevi Lodge Inn, Gümrük Inn
(caravansary), Kırkmağralar caves ,
Şanlıurfa Museum.
For more information
click here (REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY
OF CULTURE AND TOURISM)
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