Şanlıurfa Culinary and Cultural Experience Route

Şanlıurfa City Museum

Immerse yourself in a vibrant journey through time at the Şanlıurfa City Museum in Şanlıurfa, Türkiye. This stunning museum serves as a cultural chronicle, intricately narrating the city’s spellbinding heritage as portrayed through carefully curated artifacts and captivating exhibitions. From Neolithic ages to the grandeur of the Roman Empire, from the city’s founding civilizations to those thriving in modern times, the exhibits here captivate the spirit like no other. As you move through its halls, you’ll be swept up in tales of civilizations that shaped not just Şanlıurfa and Türkiye, but the world. But the museum doesn’t stop at the historic realm; it promises more. The vibrant local culture of Şanlıurfa is beautifully unveiled with exhibits dedicated to artisan crafts, musical instruments, and meticulously woven fabrics traditional to the region. The architecture of the museum itself, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity, adds another layer to your enriching experience. Illuminating both the heart and mind, a visit to Şanlıurfa City Museum promises to connect you with Türkiye’s rich heritage and captivating culture. It stands as a testament to the city’s past, a beacon nurturing its present, and a visionary guide toward its future. It’s not just a museum visit; it’s a journey that embraces human civilization’s shared experience and the unique narratives from people across Türkiye. Reignite your curiosity, foster your understanding, and craft unforgettable memories at Şanlıurfa City Museum, one of Türkiye’s most valuable tourism assets. Don’t just read about history—live it!

Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum

The Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Türkiye is a significant structure, characterized by its impressive size of 6,000 square meters. The museum showcases mosaics that have been uncovered in the Haleplibahçe area, presenting them in an in-situ exhibition. These mosaics are a key feature of the museum and provide insight into the historical and cultural significance of the region. The museum serves as a platform for visitors to appreciate and learn about these ancient artworks in their original context.

Balıklı Lake

One of the most interesting places in Şanlıurfa is, without any doubt, the Halil ur-Rahman Lake, also known as Balıklıgöl. Within the Balıklıgöl complex, there are the Halil-ur Rahman and the Ayn Zeliha lakes, canals connecting these two lakes, historical mosques and madrasas. Balıklıgöl is Şanlıurfa’s coolest, greenest and biggest wetland in the region. It also has a mystical and spiritual atmosphere. The fish in the Halil-ur Rahman Lake are considered sacred, respected by the people and cannot be eaten. According to narrations, Prophet Ibrahim’s mother had to hide in a cave near the lake to give birth to him, because the cruel ruler Nimrod slaughtered baby boys by sword. Afterwards, Prophet Ibrahim was fed and raised sometimes by his mother and sometimes by gazelles. When Prophet Ibrahim started to teach the monotheistic belief, he entered into a tough struggle with the Nimrod and the pagans. And when he destroyed the idols in the temple, Nimrod wanted to burn him on a large pile of wood as an exemplary punishment. The moment Prophet Ibrahim was set on fire, the fire turned into a clear pool. The burning wood turned into fish. This is why we call this lake Balıklıgöl today, and why the fish are considered sacred. Upon this, Zeliha, the daughter of Nimrod also believed in the God of Prophet Ibrahim. Thus, Nimrod also threw his daughter to the fire. For this reason, the small pond right next to Balıklıgöl is popularly known as Ayn-ı Zeliha. The Şanlıurfa Castle rises with all its majesty right to the south of the Balıklıgöl complex. It is an extraordinary experience to climb the steep stairs up to the top of the castle and overlook Şanlıurfa from a bird’s eye view. Do not leave Balıklıgöl without feeding the fish, sitting and resting on the grass, drinking tea, coffee and Mırra (bitter coffee) in the tea gardens next to the Ayn-ı Zeliha Lake, and taking a photo by the Balıklıgöl in local clothes, and seeing the cave where Abraham is believed to be born in.