TOUR-2 (Optional)
(2 October, 2026, the
whole day)
ŞANLIURFA
Şanlıurfa,
located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, is an ancient city considered one
of the oldest settlements in human history. Situated 180 km from Diyarbakır,
Şanlıurfa has a population of around 800,000 and is rapidly developing thanks
to agricultural irrigation investments.
The
city's history dates back to the Neolithic Age. Göbekli Tepe (10,000 BC),
considered the oldest known temple complex in the world, reveals the region's
unique place in human history. In addition, Balıklıgöl and the surrounding
historical sites increase the city's importance in terms of both archaeological
and religious tourism. Throughout history, the city has been home to
Mesopotamian, Roman, and Ottoman civilizations; this multi-layered past is
reflected in its architecture, traditions, and daily life.
Şanlıurfa
is a sacred center of faith for Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Balıklıgöl,
considered by Islamic tradition to be the birthplace of Prophet Abraham and the
place where he was thrown into the fire, attracts both domestic and foreign
visitors throughout the year. For this reason, the city is also known as the
"City of Prophets." Economically, Şanlıurfa is one of Turkiye's most
important agricultural centers. Thanks to irrigation investments made within
the scope of the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), significant development
has been achieved in the production of cotton, wheat, corn, and lentils. The
Atatürk Dam is one of the mainstays of the region's agriculture, both in terms
of energy production and irrigation. Thanks to modern irrigation systems,
productivity has increased, and Şanlıurfa has risen to a strategic position in
Turkiye's agricultural production.