Located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, Şanlıurfa is one of the most prominent cities in Turkey. Situated near other tourist hotspots like Mardin and Gaziantep, Urfa, also known as the "City of Prophets," earned the title "Şanlı" (Glorious) during the War of Independence in recognition of its heroic contributions. The city’s rich cultural and historical significance is evident in every street and corner. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll encounter inns, bazaars, and architectural gems that transport you to another era.
The history of Şanlıurfa dates back to ancient times, with evidence of settlement as early as the Neolithic Period, around 9500 BCE. This was confirmed by a discovery made in 1997 by Dr. Bahattin Çelik, which revealed that the history of Urfa's city center stretches back to the Neolithic period. Urfa has been home to several significant civilizations throughout history, including the Akkadian, Sumerian, Babylonian, Hittite, Assyrian, Persian, Macedonian, Roman, and Byzantine empires. In 1094, it became part of the Seljuk Empire, later passing through the hands of various Turkish states, including the Ayyubids, Mamluks, and Timurids, and eventually joining the Ottoman Empire in 1516. After enduring occupation by the British and French in 1919, it was liberated on April 11, 1920. Following the establishment of the Republic, Urfa became a province in 1924.
Şanlıurfa is also the heart of the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), a major development initiative aimed at boosting the region’s economy, and it holds a central position in the region’s ongoing growth and transformation. As one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia, Urfa has always held strategic importance due to its proximity to water sources and its position at the crossroads of trade routes. The city’s ancient name was Edessa, and while some believe the name Urfa derives from names like Vurhai, Orhai, or Ruhua, none of these have been definitively proven. In recognition of the city's heroic spirit during the War of Independence, Urfa was officially renamed Şanlıurfa in 1984.
The city is home to a rich cultural heritage, with sites such as Harran, the location of the first Islamic university, which is considered for inclusion in the World Cultural Heritage list. Şanlıurfa is known as the "Museum City" due to its historical buildings, including houses, streets, bazaars, inns, hammams, fountains, bridges, mosques, and the castle. It is often referred to as the "City of Prophets," as it is believed to be the birthplace or residence of several prophets, including Abraham, Job, Elijah, and Jacob. The imprints of the many civilizations that have ruled here over the centuries can be seen today in the city's ancient architecture and in museums like the Museum of Archaeology, the State Fine Arts Gallery, and other cultural institutions.
For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Şanlıurfa Hotels page.
For castle, courtyard or river views, review your selected room description rather than general property photos. Start with the Filters section on this Şanlıurfa hotels page. Confirm whether the view is from your room or a shared terrace and how the terrace is used.
Compare central locations for city sightseeing and accommodation in Halfeti for more time there. Halfeti and central Şanlıurfa are separate locations. Compare the exact address with your daily route and consider splitting your stay.
Plan Balıklıgöl alongside other historic-centre stops and check transport from your property’s exact address. Do not interpret proximity to the centre as a fixed walking time. Consider walking routes, rest stops and evening returns together.
Plan transport to Göbeklitepe separately from city walks. Check the route and return journey from your hotel’s exact address. Verify current visiting hours through official sources; for tours or transfers, confirm pickup points and total costs in advance.
Consider room size, floor level, windows and bathroom layout alongside architectural character. Ask about stairs, lift access, ventilation and sound insulation. Room layouts may vary, so rely on current photos of your selected room.
Check room capacity, separate beds, cots and charges based on each child’s age. Start with child and adult policies in the Filters section. Ask about stairs, courtyards, balconies and meal times for your selected room.
Choose around your itinerary and room privacy. Explore facilities in the Filters section and confirm whether a private balcony or terrace belongs to your selected room. Check identification requirements and any property-specific marriage certificate requirement before booking.
Ask about the room’s position relative to roads, courtyards, restaurants and event areas. Explain your preferences before booking and check for music or functions on your dates. A historic mansion or courtyard room alone does not guarantee quiet.
Breakfast depends on the property and rate plan. Check inclusions, serving times and charges for children. Explain early excursion departures and dietary needs in advance, and ask about the current breakfast offering.
Ask whether the property hosts a sıra gecesi music evening, on which dates and whether advance booking is needed. Confirm food, drinks and event fees separately. Staying at the property does not mean admission is included; check finishing times and your return plans.
Explore child and adult policy options in the Filters section. Do not assume every property applies the same age rule. Confirm the minimum age, shared-area rules and whether the policy applies on your dates directly with the property.
Explore the Pet Policy category in the Filters section. Accepted animals, size limits, extra charges and shared-area rules vary by property. Obtain written confirmation for your selected room before booking.
Verify room-specific features such as a hot tub in your selected room description rather than the general property introduction. Ask about use conditions, extra fees and availability on your dates. Start with a relevant filter if offered.
Confirm air conditioning, heating and ventilation in your selected room. Ask about windows, daylight and equipment use. A stone building does not guarantee the same room temperature in every season; check weather separately for your daily sightseeing plans.
Choose a location with easy access to transport stops, dining and sightseeing starting points. Plan city transport separately from Göbeklitepe and Halfeti trips. Confirm current services, evening returns and the final connection to your hotel.
Share your arrival time and confirm the property’s exact address when asking about transfers. Clarify cost, advance booking, child seats and late arrivals. Check current routes for other transport options separately; one journey time does not apply to every property.
Start with the parking option in the Filters section. Confirm whether parking belongs to the property, its capacity and cost, and whether a space can be reserved. In the historic centre, clarify vehicle access, luggage drop-off and the route from parking to the property.
Check transport to your daily destinations, a desk and internet in your room. For longer stays, ask about cleaning frequency, laundry and extra fees. If meeting space is needed, confirm capacity, equipment and booking arrangements separately.
Rates vary with dates, location, room type, guest numbers, meals and cancellation terms. Compare the same dates and inclusions. Start looking early if you need a particular room or flexible cancellation, and confirm the total price and extra charges when booking.
Confirm step-free entry, lifts, door widths and bathroom arrangements according to your needs. Go beyond a general accessibility statement and request current photos of your selected room and the route from the drop-off point to the entrance. Clarify stairs and courtyard surfaces.
