Sanliurfa

Introduction

You will find Şanlıurfa in southeastern Turkey, where it serves as the capital of its namesake province. Historically known as Edessa during both Hellenistic and Christian times, the city sits on a plain located east of the Euphrates.

Your experience of the local climate will vary by season, ranging from extremely hot, dry summers to cool, moist winters.

Before you go

When navigating the region, note that while official maps and highway signs display the name Şanlıurfa, you will often see it abbreviated as Ş.Urfa on local signage like buses or restaurant signs. Despite these formal designations, locals almost exclusively refer to the city as Urfa.

Prepare for a semi-arid and subcontinental climate characterized by intense heat during the summer months. While spring and fall offer mild to warm conditions, the summer season brings extreme dry heat with cloudless skies. During the winter, you can expect chilly temperatures with regular frosts and occasional rain or snow. If you are traveling in the spring, be aware of the Kırkikindi storm season, which brings showers and thunderstorms that may occasionally cause travel delays.

While the city is generally safe, exercise caution when exploring certain areas at night. You should avoid hanging around the stairs leading to the citadel gate after dark due to reports of substance abuse in that specific vicinity.

Getting there

You can reach the city via coach from major regional hubs such as Gaziantep to the west and Mardin to the east. Upon arriving at the coach station, you can take a local bus toward "belediye" or walk along Ataturk Blvd to reach the Bazaar.

Alternatively, you can fly into the city from Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir. Since the airport is located outside of town, you can arrange for a transfer through your accommodation or use the Havas bus service to reach your destination.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using a network of minibus lines. However, because the sights are concentrated within the compact old town, you will find that most areas are easily walkable.

Where to stay

Depending on your preferred style of travel, you can choose from a variety of accommodations ranging from rustic rural experiences to modern comforts. For those seeking an authentic cultural experience, stay in a village home where you can experience Kurdish hospitality, learn traditional bread-making, and sleep under the stars. If you prefer a more historic atmosphere, several options are housed within 19th-century mansions or older buildings that offer a sense of history.

For those seeking specific types of accommodation, your options include:

• A guesthouse near the Holy Pond that offers a spartan experience reminiscent of ancient Silk Road caravanserai traditions.
• Historic mansion accommodations featuring air-conditioning and modern amenities like Wi-Fi.
• Mid-range hotels providing practical services such as laundry facilities and multilingual staff to help organize regional tours.
• Modern, high-end hotels offering comfortable rooms with adjustable bedding in a contemporary setting.

Food & drink

Savor the local flavors by trying çiğ köfte, or raw kebabs, which are considered one of the most delicious dishes in the region. During the winter months, these are prepared with raw mince meat, while summer versions feature fried egg. You can also find various types of pistachio desserts in every bakery throughout the city center. For a traditional breakfast, visit Köprübasi Caddesi.

Because the city is known as a place of pilgrimage, alcoholic beverages are difficult to find unless you travel to the area just across the Karakoyun River, where small, humble bars serve local beer and play Kurdish and Turkish music. Alternatively, you can enjoy freshly squeezed juice, shakes, or choose between Turkish tea and sweeter, mint-infused Arabian tea. For a unique local experience, try "murra," a very strong coffee served in a tiny cup, or opt for the more palatable Menengiç coffee, which features a sweet, nutty flavor from wild pistachio beans.

What to see and do

You can explore the city's rich history by visiting the Archaeology and Mosaic Museum, which houses artifacts from the Paleolithic to the Ottoman period and features real-size reconstructions of Göbekli Tepe. Nearby, you can view extensive tombs at the Necropolis or visit the Cave of Abraham, an important Islamic site featuring a park with water features and mosques. The Halil-ur-Rahman Mosque contains a pool where you can join locals to feed holy fish; legend says that feeding one of the rare white fish will grant your wishes. If you seek a higher vantage point, the Şanlıurfa Castle sits on a rocky promontory offering spectacular views over the old city.

For those interested in ancient history, you can take a bus to Göbekli Tepe, a site that predates farming and is considered one of the oldest temples found in the world. You can also experience the local culture by wandering through the atmospheric bazaar or exploring the old town. During the heat of the day, you can relax in the park near the mosques with a cold drink or enjoy a narghile at the lake. For those seeking adventure, you can begin your journey on Abraham's Path, an international trekking route that follows sacred sites across the Middle East.

Three days in Sanliurfa

Day one, you can explore the historic essence of Urfa as it reflects its deep roots along the Silk Road. You might wander through the local bazaar to experience the traditional atmosphere and sights that define this ancient region.

Day two, your journey takes you toward the cultural connections with neighboring areas like Gaziantep or Mardin. You can immerse yourself in the heritage of the city while navigating the streets that have stood for centuries.

Day three, you can enjoy a slower pace as you savor the local surroundings. Whether you are exploring the older districts or moving toward more modern areas, you can experience the unique character of this historic destination.