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Harran Architecture and Culture Route

Harran Archaeological Site

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Harran and Şanlıurfa were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2000. The Legendary Harran Plain... The lands where it is believed to be the first place where Adam and Eve set foot, where the plow was first used, and the ox harnessed to the plough for the first time... The hometown of the sacred temple of the mysterious lunar goddess Sin and the city where Abraham, the ancestor of monotheistic religions according to the Torah, lived for many years... Even touching the soil here is actually a return to your essence... Harran, home to findings belonging back to the year 7,000 BCE with a written history of almost 4,300 years, is located at the crossroads of the main trade routes connecting Mesopotamia to Asia Minor and the Mediterranean to Persian lands. Harran, which means “the land where the roads meet”, has a rich cultural accumulation due to this characteristic. One of the three great schools of philosophy in the world is “Harran School”. Many world-famous scholars in the fields of religion, astronomy, medicine, mathematics and philosophy have been trained at Harran University, which has been known since the ancient times. Harran is also very important in terms of the history of Islamic philosophy. Thābit ibn Qurra, one of the greatest mathematicians and physicians of his age, Al-Battani (called as Albategnius or Albatanius by Europeans), who correctly calculated the distance from the Earth to the Moon at that time, Jabir ibn Hayyan who, unlike Greek philosophers, argued that the smallest divisible part of substances can be broken down by a great energy and destroy a city such as Baghdat, therefore accepted as the explorer of atoms, are among the world-famous Islamic scholars trained in schools in Harran. Works and translations of the scholars who grew up in Harran made significant contributions to the formation of European civilization. The science of algebra spread from Harran to the world. However, the first thing that comes to mind when we say Harran today is its iconic, conic-shaped houses. These houses were built 150-200 years ago with bricks collected from the ruins in Harran. Houses with rose oil, straw, terracotta and egg whites used in their mortar, which have the ability to keep cool in summer and warm in winters thanks to their architectural structure and materials, gradually narrow from the bottom to the top. The Vernacular Domed Beehive houses of Harran were registered as archaeological and urban site in 1979. After this date, the use of materials in the ancient site was prohibited and therefore the construction of new conic-shaped houses ended. Feel the coolness inside these houses on a hot day, wear local clothes and touch the history of the city during your visit in Harran.

Harran Domed Houses

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Step back in time and let the unrivalled charm of the Harran Domed Houses in Şanlıurfa, Türkiye, captivate your senses. Discover a perfect amalgamation of ancient building techniques and exceptional architectural aesthetics that dates back over 3,000 years and is still vibrantly alive amidst Şanlıurfa's sun-blazed landscapes. Constructed entirely of mud bricks, these adobe houses are a testament to a unique, efficient and eco-friendly architectural style used by Harran's residents to keep cool under the scorching sun. Their impressive, dome-shaped roofs intriguingly clustered together, likened to giant beehives, create a mesmerizing, otherworldly panorama that will leave you breathlessly inspired. Inside, you will encounter a cool haven, providing a mesmerizing contrast to the hot, semi-desert conditions outside. Their admirable design allows ample light to seep in, while maintaining a pleasantly cool interior, thereby reflecting the ingenious and sustainable ways of ancient civilizations. The breathtaking Harran Domed Houses in Şanlıurfa, Türkiye, are not only a destination but a journey into the heart of a long-gone era. As you traverse the charming narrow alleys and immerse yourself into the traditional way of life, you'll be magically transported to a fascinating world, where history intertwines with the present in the most beguiling way. Uncover the captivating allure of Harran, a place where time seems to stand still, and experience an unforgettable journey into Türkiye’s rich and magnificent past. Harran and its extraordinary domed houses await your visit — an adventure that promises to pique your curiosity and satisfy your thirst for historical exploration. Don’t miss this unique opportunity!

Sıra Nights

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Experience the rhythmic heartbeat of Şanlıurfa, Türkiye, as it comes alive during the enchanting 'Sıra Nights'. An age-old traditional event, Sıra Nights perfectly encapsulate the city's vibrant cultural heritage and welcoming spirit. As the sun sets, locals and visitors alike gather in traditional Şanlıurfa homes, immersing themselves in a night marked by soul-stirring music, captivating storytelling, and mouth-watering local delicacies. Witness as every generation joyfully partakes in this cherished event - elderly locals hum time-honoured songs, the youth strumming on temburs, and children eagerly absorbing the mesmerising atmosphere. Each Sıra Night is uniquely different, with the enchanting rhythm of the music and the pulsating energy of the crowd varying from night to night. Savour sumptuous regional treats, letting their exotic flavors transport you through the stories and history of beautiful Şanlıurfa. The Sıra Nights is not just a social gathering but a vivid tapestry of folkloric performances, camaraderie, and a peek into the unfettered joy of Şanlıurfa's night life. As part of your journey, discover Türkiye's other remarkable touristic treasures like the ethereal Cappadocia fairy chimneys, the awe-inspiring ruins of ancient Ephesus, or the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale. Let Sıra Nights in Şanlıurfa open your hearts and eyes to a Türkiye you've never experienced before. Intriguing, inviting, and imbued with an irresistible charm, Şanlıurfa and its captivating 'Sıra Nights' are waiting for you. Türkiye is more than just a destination; it is the story waiting to unfold.