Harran Archaeological Site

Harran Excavation Site is an ancient settlement located in the province of Şanlıurfa. It is such a unique place that it is recognized as one of the oldest cities in the world! For thousands of years, Harran has been home to many civilizations. Therefore, it holds great importance both in terms of science and history.

Traces of human life in Harran extend back to the 6th millennium BCE, which is approximately 8,000 years ago! This land has been inhabited by the Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Umayyads, Abbasids and Ottomans. Each of these civilizations contributed its own culture, beliefs, and architecture to Harran. Particularly during the Abbasid period, Harran became a center of science. The Harran University established here is one of the oldest universities in the Islamic world. Courses in astronomy, medicine, philosophy and mathematics were taught at this university. Harran scholars contributed to the spread of science by translating the works of ancient Greek scientists into Arabic.

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When visiting the Harran Excavation Site today, you can see many ancient structures, including the Harran Castle, the remains of the Grand Mosque, the city walls, gates, madrasas, and most famously, the conical-domed houses of Harran.

The roofs of these houses are conical in shape, meaning they taper upward. This design keeps the interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. Thus, they are both beautiful and ingeniously constructed!

Throughout history, Harran was not merely a city of stone walls but also a center of science and thought. The scholars who lived here studied the sky, calculated the movements of stars, and taught science to people. Students educated at Harran University produced ideas that illuminated the world.

Today, the Harran Excavation Site is protected by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Ongoing archaeological excavations continue to uncover new information about the city’s past. Harran is a captivating open-air museum for both history enthusiasts and travelers alike.