From ancient wonders to nighttime traditions: Experiencing Sanliurfa’s rich culture

In Sanliurfa, both local and international tourists explore historical sites like Gobeklitepe and Balikligol during the day and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant music culture at traditional ‘sira gecesi’ (night-long gatherings) programs in the evenings.

Different experience during day, night

During the day, visitors delve into the city’s rich history, visiting landmarks such as Balikligol, believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Abraham, and Gobeklitepe, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “zero point of history.”

These sites, along with the Neolithic settlement of Karahantepe and the historic Harran district with its iconic cone-domed houses, offer a journey into the depths of ancient civilizations.

Traditional ‘Sira Gecesi’ evenings

Sanliurfa’s nightlife is enriched by the traditional ‘sira gecesi’ events held in historic guesthouses and certain hotels, where visitors unwind to local music, dance the ‘halay’ (traditional dance), and indulge in local delicacies like ‘cig kofte’ (spicy meatballs) and desserts.

Testimonials from tour organizers, visitors

Aynur Ordu, owner of a travel agency organizing cultural tours from Istanbul to Sanliurfa, highlighted the city’s appeal to visitors. “In Sanliurfa, the experience is completely different between day and night,” said Ordu.

“During the day, we explore Gobeklitepe and Balikligol with our guests, and have a delightful journey together. We’ve had a day filled with delicious food and exploration. Now, we want to experience Sanliurfa’s evening as well. We’re currently enjoying the ‘sira gecesi,’ which significantly contributes to the region’s tourism. Come and experience this joy yourself.”

Recommendations from tourists

Abdulkadir Tugcu from Antalya, visiting Gobeklitepe with his family, praised Sanliurfa despite the scorching weather. “We’re currently journeying through the oldest parts of history at Gobeklitepe,” Tugcu said.

“At night, we immerse ourselves in Şanlıurfa’s ancient culture through its deep musical traditions. Experiencing this ambiance both day and night in these lands is truly delightful. We highly recommend it to everyone.”

Ekrem Findik from Edirne expressed his satisfaction with the tour, describing it as enjoyable and entertaining.

How to reach Sanliurfa?

By Road

Traveling to Sanliurfa by road is convenient, with various routes available:

• From Gaziantep: Take the Adana-Sanliurfa Highway/O-52/E90 for approximately 152 kilometers (94.4 miles), taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes depending on traffic.
• From Adiyaman: Use the Sanliurfa-Adiyaman Road/D875 for about 112 kilometers, with an average travel time of 1 hour 30 minutes.
• From Mardin: Travel via the D400 route for approximately 200 kilometers, requiring around 2 hours 40 minutes.
• From Diyarbakir: Follow the Sanliurfa-Diyarbakir Road/D360/E99 and E99 for roughly 179 kilometers, taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Travelers can also use navigation apps for real-time updates on routes.

By Air

Sanliurfa GAP Airport offers flights from major cities across Türkiye:

• Located approximately 36 kilometers from the city center, the airport provides convenient access via shuttle buses, car rentals or taxis.
• Shuttle buses take about 45 minutes to reach the city center.
• Although requiring a transfer to the city center, air travel offers a quicker alternative to road travel.

Consider your preferred travel method based on convenience, travel time and budget. Planning your journey ahead ensures a seamless travel experience to Sanliurfa.