Şanlıurfa is known as the birthplace of Abraham, commemorated by a mosque in the city. The old town is one of the most evocative and romantic places in Turkey, consisting mostly of traditional cone shaped domed houses surrounded by courtyards. The city has great potential for tourism, yet it is far from being realized.

After a two-hour flight from Istanbul, approaching the southeastern city of Şanlıurfa, there are no streetlights visible from the air, which gives the impression the plane is about to land in the middle of nowhere.

  The Şanlıurfa international airport, established last year, is 35 kilometers from the city center. The connecting road, one-third of which is still under construction, is hard to tolerate but absolutely worth taking, as it brings you to a spectacular old city.

  The city is known as the birthplace of Abraham, commemorated by a mosque in the city. The old town is one of the most evocative and romantic places in Turkey, consisting mostly of traditional cone-shaped, domed houses surrounded by courtyards. 

More: http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=119080

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For those who haven´t been there: Şanlıurfa (Urfa) is a marvellous place, absolutely worth a visit. Gölbası, Abraham´s birthcave, old houses, Harran, an excursion from there to Mount Nemrut, all great. Cheap but good hotels enough, friendly people and safe.