Sanliurfa history

Sanliurfa, known in ancient times as Edessa, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history rooted in deep antiquity. Located in southeastern Turkey, this city has witnessed the birth of civilizations and the rise and fall of great empires, remaining a vital cultural and commercial centre for millennia.

Although settlements in this region existed as early as the Neolithic era, as evidenced by the nearby temple complex of Göbekli Tepe, the modern city was founded in 304 BC by Seleucus I Nicator, a general of Alexander the Great. It was named Edessa after the ancient capital of Macedonia. Assyrian sources from the 7th century BC mention the name Adma, suggesting an even more ancient history for the settlement. Subsequently, the city became the capital of the Hellenistic Kingdom of Osroene.

The prosperity of Edessa was driven by several factors:

• Geographical Location: The city was situated in the fertile region of Northern Mesopotamia, at the intersection of critical trade routes linking Persia and Mesopotamia with the Mediterranean.
• Trade: Edessa was a major commercial hub with bustling trade in cotton, leather, jewellery, and other goods. In the antique period, the city even held the right to mint its own coins.
• Political and Cultural Role: As the capital of Osroene, the city became a significant centre of early Christianity and Syriac culture. After becoming part of the Roman and later Byzantine Empires, its strategic and religious importance only increased.

Edessa was known as one of the spiritual and intellectual centres of the East. The city boasted over 300 monasteries, and the famous theologian Ephrem the Syrian lived and worked here. The Edessan dialect of the Aramaic language became one of the most important literary languages of the Christian world. The city's cultural life represented a unique synthesis of Greco-Roman, Syriac, and Persian traditions. Its economy relied on the agriculture of the fertile plains and income from international trade passing through its markets.

Key Milestones in the History of Sanliurfa

The history of Sanliurfa, the ancient Edessa, spans millennia. Situated at the crossroads of civilizations, this city has witnessed the rise and fall of great empires, playing a significant role in the region's cultural, religious, and political life. Below is a brief timeline of its rich history.

• Around 9500 BC — The monumental temple complex of Göbekli Tepe, considered one of the oldest cult structures in the world, emerges in the vicinity of the modern city.
• 304 BC — Seleucus I Nicator, a general of Alexander the Great, founds a new city on the site of an ancient settlement and names it Edessa.
• 132 BC — Edessa becomes the capital of the independent Kingdom of Osroene, which lasted for nearly four centuries.
• 214 AD — Roman Emperor Caracalla abolishes the Kingdom of Osroene, and Edessa is incorporated into the Roman Empire, becoming its vital eastern colony.
• 3rd-4th Centuries AD — The city transforms into one of the largest centres of early Christianity and Syriac literature; the famous theologian Ephrem the Syrian lives and works here.
• 638 — Edessa is conquered by the Arab armies of the Rashidun Caliphate, marking the beginning of the Islamic period in the city's history.
• 1098 — During the First Crusade, crusaders led by Baldwin of Boulogne capture the city and establish the first Crusader state in the East — the County of Edessa.
• 1144 — Imad ad-Din Zengi, the Atabeg of Mosul and Aleppo, retakes Edessa from the crusaders, which becomes the catalyst for the Second Crusade.
• 1244 — The city suffers a devastating Mongol invasion, leading to its temporary decline.
• 1516 — Urfa (the city's new name) becomes part of the Ottoman Empire during the reign of Sultan Selim I.
• 1920 — Local resistance forces liberate the city from French occupation, writing one of the heroic pages in the Turkish War of Independence.
• 1984 — In recognition of the valour displayed by its residents during the struggle for liberation, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey officially grants the city the honorific title "Şanlı" (Glorious), and it receives its modern name — Sanliurfa.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The development of the city of Sanliurfa has always been inextricably linked to its role as a spiritual centre and a strategic node at the crossroads of trade routes. Below are the key milestones that defined the modern economic and architectural appearance of this unique place, of which Turkey is rightly proud.

• Hellenistic Foundation and Planning (4th Century BC)
  Transformation of the ancient settlement into the polis of Edessa by general Seleucus I.
  Significance: Introduction of regular urban planning, strengthening of defensive walls, and the city's establishment as the administrative capital of the region, linking Greek culture with Eastern traditions.
• Intellectual Flourishing (4th–5th Centuries AD)
  Activity of the famous School of Edessa and the development of Syriac script.
  Significance: The city became a crucial cultural and scientific hub of the Middle East, where antique works were translated and theology developed, laying the foundation for its centuries-old status as the "City of Scholars".
• Formation of the Sacred Landscape (12th–13th Centuries)
  Active construction in the area of the sacred pools (Balıklıgöl) during the Ayyubid and Zengid eras.
  Significance: Creation of a unique architectural and park ensemble with mosques and madrasas, which formed the urban core of the city and cemented its status as a major pilgrimage centre.
• Ottoman Commercial Rise (16th Century)
  Construction of monumental commercial buildings, including the Customs Inn (Gümrük Hanı).
  Significance: Integration into the global network of Ottoman trade. The city became a key hub for the export of fabrics and spices, ensuring economic stability and the growth of the merchant class.
• Implementation of the GAP Project (Late 20th Century)
  Inclusion of the region in the massive Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) and the construction of the giant Atatürk Dam.
  Significance: Radical economic transformation. Irrigation of arid lands turned the province into the country's agricultural leader (especially in cotton production), triggering rapid population growth and modern urbanization.
• Museum and Tourism Revolution (21st Century)
  Opening of Göbekli Tepe to mass tourism and the construction of the country's largest archaeological museum complex.
  Significance: Reorientation of the city's economy towards international cultural tourism, revitalization of the historic centre, and creation of new urban infrastructure to welcome guests from all over the world.

The architectural appearance of Sanliurfa is a living chronicle of millennia, where the traditions of Mesopotamia, antiquity, and the Islamic world harmoniously intertwine. Unlike the cities of Western Europe, you will not find Gothic or Renaissance styles here; development followed its own Eastern path, creating a unique and distinctive urban environment.

Antique and Byzantine Heritage

Traces of the Roman era in Sanliurfa are preserved in fragments, but they laid the foundation for future development. The most notable are two Corinthian columns atop the hill where the Urfa Castle is located. During the late antique period, when the city was a centre of early Christianity, numerous churches and monasteries were built here. The architecture of many of them later formed the basis for Islamic structures. For example, the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) was erected on the site of the former Church of St. Stephen, and its minaret was originally a 6th-century bell tower.

Islamic Architecture: From Seljuks to Ottomans

The core of Sanliurfa's historic centre consists of buildings formed during the reigns of various Islamic dynasties. It is these buildings that give the city its unique character.

• Mosques and Madrasas: Around the Balıklıgöl complex, which is sacred to Muslims, iconic religious buildings are concentrated, such as the Halil-ur-Rahman Mosque (1211) and the Rizvaniye Mosque. They are characterized by intricate stone carving, elegant minarets, and spacious courtyards with arcades.
• Commercial Structures: As a vital node on trade routes, the city is rich in caravanserais (khans). The historic Customs Inn (Gümrük Hanı) is a classic example of 16th-century Ottoman commercial architecture, which remains a lively centre for trade and leisure today.
• Traditional Residential Houses: A unique feature of the old city is the stone houses with internal courtyards (*hayat*). Built from local light-yellow limestone, these houses with thick walls and facades closed off from the street are perfectly adapted to the hot climate. Narrow, shaded streets and covered passages (*kabaltı*) between houses create a refreshing coolness and form the labyrinths of the old quarters.

Modern Urban Planning

Starting from the 20th century, Sanliurfa has experienced active growth. New residential districts with high-rise buildings, modern hotels, and large public complexes, such as the Archaeology Museum opened in 2015, have appeared. This modern development contrasts sharply with the historic core, where authorities strive to preserve the traditional appearance and unique atmosphere of the ancient city, attracting travellers from all over the world.

Prominent Figures Associated with Sanliurfa

Throughout its millennial history, Sanliurfa (ancient Edessa) has been the homeland and centre of activity for many iconic figures — from prophets and saints to poets and modern artists. These individuals have left a deep mark on world history and culture.

• Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim)
  Role: A prophet revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
  Significance: According to Islamic tradition, Sanliurfa is the birthplace of Prophet Ibrahim. The city's main shrines, including the cave of his birth and the sacred lake Balıklıgöl, are directly linked to his life and the miracle of his salvation from the fire set by King Nimrod. This makes the city one of the most important centres of pilgrimage.
• Ephrem the Syrian
  Role: Christian theologian, poet, and Doctor of the Church of the 4th century.
  Significance: After 363, Ephrem the Syrian settled in Edessa, where he founded the famous theological school. He is the author of numerous theological works, hymns, and prayers that enriched Christian worship and had a tremendous influence on the development of Syriac literature. He is considered one of the most distinguished Syriac Fathers of the Church.
• James, son of Alphaeus
  Role: One of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.
  Significance: According to hagiography, after Pentecost, the Apostle James, son of Alphaeus, preached in various lands, including Edessa, where he contributed to the spread of Christianity at its dawn.
• Baldwin I of Jerusalem
  Role: Leader of the First Crusade, first Count of Edessa, and first King of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
  Significance: In 1098, he founded the first Crusader state in the East — the County of Edessa, making the city its capital. His rule initiated a period of over half a century of Frankish dominion in the region, which significantly influenced the city's political and cultural life.
• Yusuf Nabi
  Role: Ottoman poet and writer.
  Significance: Yusuf Nabi, born in Urfa in 1642, is one of the most prominent poets of Divan literature of the 17th century. In his works, among which is the famous didactic poem "Hayriye", he reflected on the social and moral problems of his time, leaving a vivid mark on Turkish classical poetry.
• İbrahim Tatlıses
  Role: Singer, composer, actor, and producer.
  Significance: Born in Sanliurfa in 1952, İbrahim Tatlıses became one of the most popular and influential performers in the history of Turkish music, earning the nickname "The Emperor". His work in the Arabesque genre, combining Turkish, Kurdish, and Arabic motifs, is known far beyond the borders of Turkey.