Situated in southeastern Turkey, Şanlıurfa is a city rich in history and cultural heritage. Located approximately 93 miles east of Gaziantep and about 1,300 km (808 miles) southeast of Istanbul, it is considered one of the most captivating destinations in the region.
Locally known as Urfa, the city is often referred to as the "city of prophets" because of its profound religious significance. Both the Bible and the Qu'ran identify Urfa as the birthplace and early residence of Abraham before his journey to Canaan, present-day Palestine.
Urfa is also linked to several other notable biblical personalities such as Jethro, Job, Elijah, and Moses. Its Christian legacy stretches back to ancient times, when the first churches were built openly and Christians could worship freely. This history has shaped a distinct and diverse architectural landscape, where temples have been transformed into synagogues, synagogues into churches, and churches into mosques.
Travelers to Urfa will discover numerous fascinating and historic landmarks to visit. Here are some of the most remarkable sites within the city: