Şanlıurfa, in the great Upper Mesopotamian plain, proudly exhibits the legacy of all the civilisations that have prospered in this region. Some of the oldest signs of civilisation, dating to 7000 B.C., were found near Sanlıurfa. This is where Abraham was born in a cave, and this is where there’s the sacred pool of carps named after him. This is also a good base to visit Harran, known more now for its unusual beehive dwellings than as the place where Abraham actually spent several years of his life.

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.