Located in southeastern Turkey, Şanlıurfa is a city with a rich history and cultural significance. Situated 93 miles east of Gaziantep and 1,300 km (808 miles) southeast of Istanbul, it is widely recognized as one of the most fascinating destinations in the region.
The city, commonly referred to as Urfa by locals, is often called the "city of prophets" due to its significant religious importance. According to both the Bible and the Qu'ran, the city is the birthplace and early home of Abraham before his migration to Canaan, now known as Palestine.
Urfa has strong connections to several other prominent biblical figures such as Jethro, Job, Elijah, and Moses. The city's Christian heritage dates back to ancient times, with the earliest churches constructed openly and Christians permitted to worship freely. As a result, the city has a unique and eclectic architectural style, where temples have become synagogues, synagogues have become churches, and churches have become mosques.
Visitors to Urfa will find a wealth of interesting and historic sites to explore. Below are some of the most noteworthy places to visit in the city: