The
Southeastern Anatolian Region, with its very
rich history and cultural heritage as shown in
its magnificent historical sites, is well
worth visiting. Its history begins around
7,000 B.C. in the New Stone Age. Between 2,000
B.C. and 1,500 B.C. came the Hurris who were
to be followed by the Hittites sometime around
1,200 B.C.
In the sacred land which encircles the Firat
(Euphrates) and the Dicle (Tigris) rivers, the
Grandfather of Religion, Ibrahim (Abraham) the
Prophet lived. Ibrahim was born in Ur, now
called Sanli Urfa, and later moved south from
the city of Ur to Harran. In Harran, which was
an important Mesopotamian historic and
cultural center, the ruins of one of the
largest and oldest Islamic universities can be
seen among the archaeological remains.
Restoration is now complete on the 18th
century mansion, Kucuk Haci Mustafa
Hacikamiloglu Konagi. It has just reopened and
now serves as an art gallery.
When you travel from the south to the north
over the Mesopotamian plains, the first high
mountain to be seen is the picturesque Mount
Nemrut, with the Mausoleum of the Commagene
King Antiochos at its 2,150 meter peak.
The most important areas of the region are
Diyarbakir, whose city walls are a superb
example of medieval military architecture;
mardin.htm, with its unique architecture; and
Gazi Antep, a large trade and industrial
center which contains the remains of late
Hittite cities.
The Ataturk Dam Lake is planned as the
region's holiday and water sports center.
There are many beaches along the shore of the
lake which can provide you with an
unforgettable holiday experience under the
mesopotamian sun.
The
Southeastern Anatolian Region, with its very
rich history and cultural heritage as shown in
its magnificent historical sites, is well
worth visiting. Its history begins around
7,000 B.C. in the New Stone Age. Between 2,000
B.C. and 1,500 B.C. came the Hurris who were
to be followed by the Hittites sometime around
1,200 B.C.
