Şanlıurfa (Province)

Şanlıurfa is a city in southeastern Türkiye, with a history extending back to around 10,000 BCE. In antiquity, it was known as Edessa, during the Ottoman period it bore the name Urfa, and in 1984 it was granted the honorific title “Şanlı.” Geographically, Şanlıurfa borders Mardin to the east, Gaziantep to the west, Adıyaman and Diyarbakır to the north, and Syria to the south.

As of 2023, Şanlıurfa has a population of 2,213,964 and is one of Türkiye’s youngest cities. 37 percent of its population is aged 0–14. The districts with the highest population density are Eyyübiye, Haliliye and Karaköprü. While population growth continues in the urban center, rural areas are experiencing decline.

Şanlıurfa is a cultural center renowned for its historical sites including Göbekli Tepe, Balıklıgöl and Harran. With its young population and rich historical heritage, it plays a significant role in Türkiye’s economic and cultural development.

Founding History

The history of Şanlıurfa extends back to around 10,000 BCE and it is recognized as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Throughout history, the city has come under the rule of numerous civilizations including the Sumerians, Hittites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Umayyads, Abbasids, Seljuks and Ottomans.

Antiquity and Edessa

In antiquity, the city was known as Edessa. In the 4th century BCE, it was rebuilt by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great’s generals, and came under Hellenistic influence. Later incorporated into the Roman and Byzantine Empires, Edessa became an important religious and commercial center due to its strategic location.

Spread of Islam and the Medieval Period

In the 7th century, with the arrival of Islamic armies, the city became part of the Islamic cultural sphere during the Umayyad and Abbasid periods. Particularly during the Abbasid era, in 814 CE, the walls of the existing citadel were constructed to strengthen the city’s defenses.

Ottoman Period

In 1517, during Sultan Selim I’s campaign in Egypt, Urfa was incorporated into Ottoman territory. During this period, it became an important administrative and military center. Within the Ottoman administrative structure, the city was governed as a province and featured a cosmopolitan population comprising various ethnic and religious groups living together.

War of Independence and the Title “Şanlı”

Following the Armistice of Mudros, Urfa was occupied first by British and later by French forces. In 1920, after a fierce popular resistance, the city was liberated from occupation. In commemoration of this heroism, the Turkish Grand National Assembly granted the city the honorific title “Şanlı” in 1984, and its official name became Şanlıurfa.

Şanlıurfa Today

Today, Şanlıurfa is a major tourist destination due to its rich historical and cultural heritage. Archaeological sites such as Göbekli Tepe shed light on the city’s prehistoric past and attract international attention. Additionally, tourist sites such as Balıklıgöl, Halfeti and Harran draw significant visitor interest. Şanlıurfa’s rich history, which brings together traces of multiple civilizations, preserves its cultural diversity and significance.

Geographical Structure

Located in Türkiye’s Southeastern Anatolia Region, Şanlıurfa borders Mardin to the east, Gaziantep to the west, Adıyaman and Diyarbakır to the north, and Syria to the south.

• Elevation: Average altitude is 518 meters.
• Climate: Characterized by continental and semi-arid conditions. Summers are hot and dry, winters are cool and rainy.
• Rivers: The most important water source is the Euphrates River, which is dammed by the Atatürk Dam.
• Fertile Plains: The Harran, Suruç and Viranşehir plains are of major agricultural importance.

Demographics

Şanlıurfa has a young and rapidly growing population and as of 2023 reached a population of 2,213,964. Male and female populations are nearly equal. With one of Türkiye’s highest fertility rates, 37 percent of the population is aged 0–14, making Urfa one of the youngest cities in the country.

The majority of the population is concentrated in central districts such as Eyyübiye, Haliliye, Karaköprü and Siverek. The city continues to grow at a rate of 2.02 percent annually, but economic factors have also led to outward migration. According to 2014 data, more people have left the city than have arrived, indicating a net population loss.

Şanlıurfa’s urbanization process is ongoing. Its large pool of young and dynamic labor force makes it a city requiring sustained economic and social investment.

Economy

Şanlıurfa’s economy is predominantly based on agriculture, with energy, tourism and animal husbandry also playing significant roles. Thanks to its vast and fertile agricultural land, the province alone hosts a major portion of Türkiye’s irrigable farmland. Major agricultural products include wheat, barley, lentils, corn, sesame, pistachios and peppers. Additionally, the Ceylanpınar Agricultural Enterprise, one of Türkiye’s largest farms, is located within the province’s boundaries.

The manufacturing sector has developed around agriculture, with textiles and food processing holding significant shares in industrial output. Electricity generated at the Atatürk Dam meets a substantial portion of the country’s energy needs, and fishing activities conducted at the dam also contribute to the local economy. Moreover, the Akçakale Border Gate is an important commercial hub for the province’s economy.

Tourism also holds a significant place in Şanlıurfa’s economy. Historical and cultural sites such as Göbekli Tepe, Balıklıgöl and Harran attract both domestic and international tourists. This influx contributes to the growth of the service sector.

Cultural Heritage

Şanlıurfa’s history extends back to around 10,000 BCE. The city is home to Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex. This archaeological site, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is regarded as one of humanity’s earliest centers of religious belief.

Beliefs and Legends

Şanlıurfa is considered an important center in terms of Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

• Balıklıgöl is traditionally believed to be the site where Prophet Ibrahim was thrown into the fire by Nimrod and is regarded as sacred.
• Eyüp Prophet’s Tomb contains a cave where it is believed Prophet Eyüp lived in patience during his illness.
• The site known as where Prophet Moses brought forth water is among the region’s important religious locations.

Historical and Tourist Sites

Göbekli Tepe: Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex, holds immense significance in archaeological research.

Balıklıgöl and Halil-ür Rahman Mosque: The historically and religiously significant Balıklıgöl is renowned for its sacred carp and surrounding historic structures.

Harran: One of the world’s oldest settlements, Harran is famous for its conical dome houses and for hosting the first university in the Islamic world.

Urfa Castle: Located in the city center, the Urfa Castle attracts visitors with its historical legacy and panoramic views.

Halfeti: Known as the “Sunken City,” Halfeti draws attention with its historic structures submerged beneath the waters of the Birecik Dam. Boat tours allow visitors to explore the submerged village of Savaşan Köyü.

Atatürk Dam and GAP Project: The Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), one of Türkiye’s largest irrigation and energy initiatives, has made significant contributions to Şanlıurfa’s agricultural and economic development.

Gastronomy (Şanlıurfa Cuisine): Şanlıurfa cuisine is known for its rich flavors reflecting the region’s cultural diversity.

• Urfa kebab: A type of kebab seasoned with balanced spices and cooked over charcoal.
• Çiğ köfte: A traditional local dish prepared with or without meat.
• Lahmacun: A thin-crusted oven-baked flatbread topped with spiced minced meat.
• Şıllık dessert: A syrup-soaked dessert made with thin layers of dough and walnuts.
• Mırra: A strong, bitter variety of coffee.
• Lebeni çorbası: A light and nutritious yogurt-based soup.