The Southeastern Anatolia Region is almost like an open-air museum with its historical lands and unique ancient cities. Ancient ruins dating back thousands of years serve as a time machine for travellers who want to explore the past and explore the deep traces of human history.
So, where to visit in Southern Turkey? Let's explore some of the most important ancient cities in the region👇
Zeugma is a Roman city located in the Nizip district of Gaziantep and is particularly famous for its mosaics. The craftsmanship and design of the mosaics are recognised worldwide. This ancient city lived its golden age during the Roman period and accumulated a great cultural wealth. World-famous works such as the “Gypsy Mosaic” and the “Poseidon Mosaic” in the Zeugma Mosaic Museum fascinate visitors.
Entrance Fee: 280 TL
Highlights: Gypsy Mosaic, Statue of Mars.
Karkamis is one of the most important cities of the Hittite and Assyrian empires. The reliefs in this ancient city depict scenes with figures such as the Goddess Kubaba and her soldiers. The artefacts excavated from here are exhibited both in the Gaziantep Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.
Entrance Fee: Free of charge
Source: Kültür Portalı
Cayonu is an important Neolithic settlement in a village near the Ergani district of Diyarbakir. This ancient city contains the first traces of agriculture and animal domestication in human history. Excavations at Cayonu revealed that wheat was used in agriculture and the dog was domesticated for the first time in this region. There are also the first mud-brick houses with stone foundations and traces of various handicrafts.
Entrance Fee: 70 TL (Visiting the Diyarbakir Museum is recommended).
Old Halfeti, which was flooded with the construction of the Birecik Dam, has the title of “Calm City” and attracts travelers seeking peace with its natural beauties. It is possible to see the sunken city, Rumkale and abandoned neighborhoods with boat tours. Rumkale is an important place in terms of Christian history and also attracts attention with its impressive view.
Entrance Fee: Free
Highlights: Euphrates River view, Great Mosque, Karagul greenhouse.
Mount Nemrut is located close to Kayadibi Village in the Kahta district of Adiyaman and rises to 2206 meters. In 1987, this mountain was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is famous for its gigantic statues from the Commagene Kingdom. Mount Nemrut is also known as the “Mountain of the Gods” because there are statues of King Antiochos and gods such as Zeus, Heracles and Apollo. One of the best spots to watch the sunrise and sunset, this region offers a unique experience for those interested in both history and natural beauty.
Entrance Fee: 240 TL
Visiting Hours: From sunrise to sunset in the summer season; 08:00 am to sunset in the winter season.
Harran is historically known as an important scientific centre of Mesopotamia. With its history dating back to 7000 BC, Harran attracts attention with its conical domed houses and university. The Old Harran Castle, the Great Mosque and the ruins of Shuayb City are also important places to visit.
Entrance Fee: Free
Visiting Hours: Summer 08:00-19:00; Winter 08:00-17:00.
The ancient city of Dara is located in the Nusaybin district of Mardin and is one of the most important settlements of Mesopotamia. It is famous for its ancient buildings, water dams and large cisterns. The tombs and monuments unearthed during excavations in this region reveal the lifestyle of those who lived here in ancient times.
Entrance Fee: Free
Visiting Hours: Summer 08:30-18:00; Winter 08:00-17:00.
Sanliurfa, known as “Edessa” in ancient times, is one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia and is at the heart of faith tourism. This city, which is considered sacred for Islam, Christianity and Judaism, is famous for Balikligol, where it is rumoured that the Prophet Abraham was born and was thrown into the fire by Nemrut. Edessa also holds an important place in history as one of the first Christian kingdoms.
With its mosaics, ancient waterways, ruins and mystical atmosphere, Edessa is an impressive stop not only for history buffs but also for travellers looking for a spiritual journey. Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum and Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum are full of artefacts that shed light on the past of this ancient city.
Entrance Fee: Balıklıgöl and its surroundings are free, museums average 200 TL
Visiting Hours: Usually between 08:00 - 17:00
Gobeklitepe is recognised as the oldest known temple site in the world and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018. This ancient site contains the first temples and stone structures of the Neolithic period. The mystery of Gobeklitepe and the traces of religious rituals in antiquity are a great fascination for visitors.
Entrance Fee: 450 TL
Visiting Hours: Summer 10:00-19:00; Winter 08:00-17:00.