VISIT SOUTH EAST OF TURKEY, PLACES TO SEE AND THINGS TO DO

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Southeastern Turkey is a land where the echoes of ancient civilizations still resonate amid dramatic landscapes and bustling modern towns. This region, often regarded as one of the world’s earliest centers of human settlement, offers a wealth of history, culture, and culinary delights. From the mysterious prehistoric temples of Göbekli Tepe to the surreal stone heads on Mount Nemrut, and the ancient walls of Diyarbakır to the gastronomic riches of Gaziantep, Southeastern Turkey is a captivating destination for curious travelers.

Sanlıurfa

Şanlıurfa, also known as Urfa, is steeped in myth and history. According to tradition, it is the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. Its old town is a charming maze of narrow alleys filled with bazaars, mosques, and traditional coffeehouses where locals gather over thick, sweet tea.

At the core of Şanlıurfa lies its vibrant Old Bazaar, a maze of narrow streets buzzing with life, colors, and smells. Here, locals and visitors mingle among stalls selling spices, handwoven carpets, traditional textiles, copperware, and regional delicacies. The market is perfect for tasting local street food like çiğ köfte, kaburga dolması, and freshly baked pide.

The atmosphere is authentic, with tea houses where people gather for thick black tea and lively conversation, offering a glimpse into the city’s social fabric.

Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the Şanlıurfa Castle is a historic fortress whose origins date back thousands of years, with layers of Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic influence. The castle walls offer panoramic views of the city and the sprawling plains beyond.

The castle area is a peaceful place to stroll and absorb the city’s history while watching the sunset paint the sky over the ancient landscape.

One of Şanlıurfa’s most iconic landmarks is Balıklıgöl, also known as the Pool of Sacred Fish. According to Islamic tradition, this is the place where the prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire by King Nimrod, but God transformed the flames into water and the burning logs into fish.

Today, the tranquil pond is home to thousands of carp revered as sacred, swimming freely and protected by locals and visitors alike. The site is surrounded by historic mosques and gardens, making it a serene spot of reflection and spirituality.

The Urfa Mosaic Museum holds one of Turkey’s richest collections of Roman and early Byzantine mosaics. Located in a former Ottoman mosque building, the museum displays exquisite mosaic floors and artifacts recovered from nearby ancient cities.

The detailed mosaics depict mythological scenes, animals, and daily life, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic traditions of the region’s past civilizations. In addition to mosaics, the Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum houses artifacts from nearby prehistoric sites like Göbekli Tepe and other ancient settlements in the region. Visitors can explore a diverse collection including statues, pottery, tools, and inscriptions that reveal the deep historical layers of this cradle of civilization.

The highlight nearby is Göbekli Tepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back more than 11,000 years—making it the oldest known temple complex in the world. Massive carved stone pillars arranged in circles challenge previous ideas about the rise of civilization. Visitors can walk among the ancient megaliths and imagine the rituals of the people who built them millennia before the pyramids.

Food lovers should not miss trying çiğ köfte, a raw bulgur dish blended with spices and herbs, traditionally made without meat in modern versions, and kaburga dolması—lamb ribs stuffed with rice and nuts, slowly cooked to tender perfection.

Mardin

Perched dramatically on a limestone hill, Mardin’s skyline is a breathtaking panorama of stone houses, minarets, and ancient churches. The city’s architecture reflects a harmonious blend of Arab, Kurdish, Assyrian, and Armenian cultures, with finely carved stone facades and winding streets that transport visitors back centuries.

The Zinciriye Medrese, an impressive Islamic theological school dating to the 14th century, showcases beautiful stonework and offers panoramic views of the Mesopotamian plains below. Mardin’s bazaars brim with handcrafted textiles, silver jewelry, and aromatic spices.

Just a short drive away lies the ancient city of Dara, a massive Roman-era fortress and settlement carved into the cliffs, featuring an impressive network of tunnels, cisterns, and ruins that reveal the strategic military importance of the region. Exploring Dara offers a fascinating glimpse into the Roman and Byzantine past amid dramatic scenery.

In Mardin, traditional dishes like kaburga dolması (stuffed lamb ribs) are a local specialty, and the bitter, strong coffee known as mırra is served in small cups, perfect for slow conversations.

Diyarbakır

Surrounded by some of the longest and best-preserved city walls in the world, Diyarbakır impresses with its monumental black basalt fortifications stretching over five kilometers. The walls date back to Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods and are dotted with watchtowers and ancient gates such as Dağkapı and Mardin Gate.

Inside the walls, the city bustles with vibrant markets, where locals trade everything from spices to textiles. The Great Mosque of Diyarbakır stands as a testament to the city's rich Islamic history.

Just outside Diyarbakır is the ancient fortress of Zerzevan, a Roman military base and sanctuary featuring underground temples and tunnels. This archaeological site reveals the blend of Roman pagan and early Christian cultures, making it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts.

Food here is hearty and flavorful: try mumbar, sausage stuffed with rice and spices, and sac kavurma, a pan-fried lamb dish mixed with vegetables. Diyarbakır’s rich culinary heritage reflects the ethnic mosaic of the region.

Mount Nemrut

Mount Nemrut’s summit is home to one of Turkey’s most iconic archaeological sites. Built by King Antiochus I of Commagene in the 1st century BCE, the site features colossal stone heads of gods, eagles, and lions scattered around massive terraces. The statues, some nearly 10 meters tall, gaze over the landscape from atop the 2,150-meter peak.

Visitors often arrive before dawn to witness the unforgettable sunrise, when the first light casts dramatic shadows over the ancient statues and the surrounding mountain ranges. Nearby, the royal tomb sanctuary reveals insight into the syncretic religious beliefs of the Commagene kingdom.

Hasankeyf

Hasankeyf, a settlement with over 12,000 years of history, sits along the Tigris River with cave dwellings, old bridges, mosques, and fortresses carved into cliffs. Its historical importance spans Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.

Though much of Hasankeyf was submerged by the Ilısu Dam reservoir, the town remains a poignant symbol of cultural heritage. Visitors explore relocated monuments and new viewpoints, appreciating the dramatic river gorge scenery.

Gaziantep

Gaziantep is renowned as Turkey’s gastronomic heartland, especially famous for its baklava, pistachios, and bold, spicy cuisine. The city’s historic bazaar is a sensory feast, alive with the aroma of roasted nuts, fresh spices, and freshly baked bread.

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum houses some of the finest Roman mosaics in the world, including the famous “Gypsy Girl” mosaic, captivating visitors with its detailed artistry.

A short distance from Gaziantep is Yesemek, an ancient open-air stone quarry and sculpture workshop dating back to the Hittite era. Yesemek’s partially carved statues and architectural fragments provide a rare look into ancient Anatolian craftsmanship.

Local dishes are a highlight: try Antep fıstıklı baklava, the sweet pastry layered with pistachios; kebap varieties unique to the region; and Ali Nazik, smoky mashed eggplant topped with spiced minced meat.