Day Trip to Gobeklitepe – Explore the Zero Point of Humanity

Destacados

Incluye

Itinerario

1. Located near Şanlıurfa, Turkey, Göbeklitepe dates back 12,000 years (9600 BCE), making it the oldest known temple—older than Stonehenge and the pyramids. Discovered in 1994 by archaeologist Klaus Schmidt, the site consists of massive T-shaped limestone pillars, some 6 meters high and weighing 20 tons. These pillars are carved with animal figures, revealing early religious beliefs. Göbeklitepe challenges history, suggesting rituals led to settlements, not agriculture. It is believed to be the first pilgrimage center, marking the origins of organized religion. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018, it is called the "zero point of history." The site is 15 km from Şanlıurfa and features a museum and visitor center. Göbeklitepe remains a groundbreaking discovery, reshaping our understanding of ancient civilizations.

   2 hEntrada incluida

2. Ayn Zeliha Lake is a historic site in Şanlıurfa, Turkey, located near Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish). According to legend, Zeliha, the foster daughter of King Nimrod, jumped into the flames in sorrow after her father ordered Prophet Abraham to be burned. Miraculously, the fire turned into water, forming Ayn Zeliha Lake. Today, it is a peaceful spot surrounded by gardens and tea houses, attracting visitors who admire its sacred fish, which must not be caught or eaten. The lake remains an important cultural and religious landmark in Şanlıurfa.

   30 min

3. Balıklıgöl, or the Pool of Sacred Fish, is a historic and religious site in Şanlıurfa, Turkey. According to legend, King Nimrod ordered Prophet Abraham to be burned, but the fire miraculously turned into water, and the burning logs became sacred carp fish. Today, Balıklıgöl is a popular pilgrimage site. The fish are considered holy and must not be caught or eaten. Surrounded by mosques, gardens, and historical sites, it is a peaceful and spiritual place for visitors.

   30 min

4. The House of Prophet Abraham in Harran, Turkey, is believed to be where Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) lived before migrating to Canaan. Harran is one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia and is mentioned in the Bible and Islamic traditions as Abraham’s early home. Today, visitors can see historical ruins and traditional beehive houses, reflecting the ancient architecture of the region. The site remains an important religious and cultural landmark for pilgrims and history enthusiasts.

   30 min

5. The Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum is one of Turkey’s largest and most important museums, showcasing artifacts from Göbeklitepe, Harran, and ancient Mesopotamian civilizations. The museum houses 12,000-year-old relics, including statues, tools, and religious artifacts, providing insights into early human history. The Mosaic Section features beautifully preserved Roman-era mosaics, including those from the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Hall. This museum is a must-visit for those interested in ancient history, archaeology, and early civilizations.

   2 hEntrada incluida

Cancelación

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Opiniones

Las valoraciones proceden de 7 opiniones recogidas por nuestro socio de reservas. Son palabras de los viajeros, en el orden en que se escribieron — nunca reordenadas para favorecer la experiencia.

Antes de ir

How it compares in Estambul

• Its from-price is 278% above the median of the 346 excursiones de un día we list in Estambul.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 96 of 346.

About Estambul

Estambul se extiende entre Europa y Asia a ambos lados del Bósforo, con monumentos bizantinos y otomanos, bazares animados y ferris entre continentes.

La península histórica reúne los mayores monumentos. Santa Sofía, la Mezquita Azul y el Hipódromo se miran en Sultanahmet, la Cisterna Basílica yace bajo las calles y el palacio de Topkapı se extiende por la colina sobre el Cuerno de Oro. A poca distancia, el Gran Bazar y el Bazar de las Especias comercian desde hace siglos, y la mezquita de Solimán, obra del gran arquitecto otomano Sinan, corona una de las siete colinas de la ciudad.

Top-ranked sights in Estambul: Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), Bosphorus, Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu).

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