DAY 1: GAZIANTEP- HALFETI: 

After meeting our guide at GAZIANTEP Airport, we board our vehicle and enjoy our breakfast prepared with local delicacies (extra). We start to explore Gaziantep. Our first stop is the GAZIANTEP ZEUGMA MOSAIC MUSEUM to see the mosaics found in Zeugma (Belkıs). Then we visit Antep Castle and the panoramic time tunnel of the War of Independence, followed by a visit to the historical Copper Bazaar, Historical Zincirli Bedesten, Historical Tahmis Coffee, Customs Inn, Gaziantep Hammam Museum. After that, we head to Halfeti. We will try to get to know Halfeti, which the Assyrians called Shitamrat. One of Halfeti’s unique features is that it is the only place in the world where the black rose can grow. During our boat tour, we will see the remains of the Roman Castle, where Hz. Isa’s disciple Paulus is believed to have copied the Bible, along with remnants of water cisterns. After crossing the suspension bridge, we continue our journey towards ŞANLIURFA and check into our hotel.

DAY 2: HARRAN-SOGMATAR-GÖBEKLİTEPE-KARAHAN TEPE

After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Harran. Here, we visit the conical-roofed mud houses of Harran, the ancient ruins of the Harran University, which is considered the first Islamic university, and the historical Harran Castle, which dates back to when Harran was the capital of the Umayyads, as well as the Harran walls. After visiting the tomb of the famous sheikh of the region Hayat el-Harran’i, we move on to Sogmatar. It has been scientifically confirmed that Sogmatar, dating back to the Roman period (2nd century A.D.), was a cult center for the Harranians who worshiped moon and planet gods in the Tektek Mountains during the Abgar Kingdom period. At the Sogmatar cult site, there is a cave (Pognon Cave) dedicated to the moon god Sin, a hill with god reliefs and inscriptions carved into the ground (Sacred Hill), six square and round shaped mausoleums (Tomb Monument), the inner castle, and many rock tombs carved into the main rock. Then, we head towards Karahantepe, a newly discovered archaeological site dating back 400 years before Göbeklitepe, where excavations are not yet complete. We will relish the excitement of being among the first visitors of this important discovery and then proceed to our local delicacies and cultural entertainment at the traditional night show. Afterwards, we return to our hotel to rest.

DAY 3: URFA- MUSEUM-GÖBEKLİTEPE:

Together with our waiting guide, we begin exploring Şanlıurfa. First, we visit the HALIL-ÜR RAHMAN MOSQUE – AYN ZELİHA (BALIKLI GÖL) – RIZVANİYE MOSQUE, and the cave where Hz. Ibrahim is believed to have been born, Sipahi Bazaar, Kazzaz Bazaar, Hacı Kamil Inn, Hüseyiniye Bazaar, Naccar Bazaar, Historical Customs Inn, Ulucami and the Culinary Museum. After exploring these sites, we visit the archaeology museum and the mosaic museum. Then, we head to Göbeklitepe, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in human history, dating back to 12,000 years ago, which deeply challenges the verified written history. Göbeklitepe is thought to be the first pilgrimage center. The studies conducted so far reveal significant data on the religious beliefs of hunter-gatherer societies. We will discuss the architecture and socio-economic aspects of Göbeklitepe, as well as how the people of that era could create a sacred space for their unconventional beliefs, shedding light on their religion, religious symbols, technology, and sciences. Finally, we conclude this adventure and history-filled tour and take our guests to the airport for farewell.

We hope to meet again with another GÖNCÜ TOURISM organization