Day Trip to Gobeklitepe – Explore the Zero Point of Humanity

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

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 hAdmission included

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 hAdmission included

Cancellation

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Reviews

Ratings come from 7 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Istanbul

• Its from-price is 278% above the median of the 346 day trips we list in Istanbul.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 96 of 346.

About Istanbul

Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus, with Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, busy bazaars and ferries crossing between continents.

The historic peninsula holds the greatest landmarks. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome face each other in Sultanahmet, the Basilica Cistern lies beneath the streets, and Topkapı Palace spreads across the hill above the Golden Horn. A short walk away, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar have traded for centuries, and Süleymaniye Mosque, built by the great Ottoman architect Sinan, crowns one of the city's seven hills.

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

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