Cultural Wonders of Southeastern Türkiye
Cultural Wonders of Southeastern Türkiye
Southeastern Türkiye is a region teeming with rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and layers of culture that span millennia.
Often overshadowed by larger cities like Istanbul and Ankara, this area offers its own distinct wonders, from ancient archaeological marvels to serene river towns and traditional Turkish craftsmanship.
Over the course of three days, I immersed myself in the past and present of southeastern Türkiye, exploring sites that revealed the ingenuity and beauty of some of the world’s earliest civilizations.
Day One: Gaziantep – A Mosaic of History and Craftsmanship
Our journey began in the vibrant city of Gaziantep, often referred to as the culinary capital of Türkiye. However, its offerings extend far beyond food.
This city is home to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the world’s largest mosaic museum, which opened to the public in 2011. As I stepped into its modern, minimalist building, I was instantly transported back thousands of years to the Roman-Hellenistic period.
The museum houses mosaics and artifacts rescued from the nearby ancient city of Zeugma, a once-thriving trade hub on the banks of the Euphrates River.
Much of Zeugma’s cultural treasure was unearthed in the early 2000s, just before parts of the city were submerged by the construction of the Birecik Dam. The preservation of these mosaics is remarkable—2,000 years of water and mud shielded their vibrant colors and intricate details from the elements. Standing in front of masterpieces like the famed Gypsy Girl Mosaic,
it’s easy to feel a connection to the stories and artistry of the past.
Gaziantep also offers a glimpse into its traditional craftsmanship. At Bakırcılar Çarşısı, or the Coppersmith Bazaar, lively rhythms of hammers and chisels echo through the air as artisans create intricate designs on copper cookware.
The bazaar dazzles with rows of polished copper pots, trays, and household items, each piece a testimony to the city’s enduring skills in metalcraft. Wandering through the narrow alleys of the bazaar feels like stepping into a living museum where age-old techniques continue to thrive.
Sacred Şanlıurfa
Day Two: Stunning Halfeti and Sacred Şanlıurfa
The next day began with a hearty Turkish breakfast before heading south to the quaint town of Halfeti, a peaceful riverside escape about a 1.5-hour drive from Gaziantep. Known as the “hidden gem” of Türkiye, Halfeti is famous for its partially submerged ruins caused by the construction of the Birecik Dam. A leisurely 40-minute boat ride on the Euphrates River revealed hauntingly beautiful scenes: stone walls and minarets peeking out from the water, remnants of the old town of Halfeti.
Halfeti’s tranquility is complemented by its rugged, picturesque backdrop of rocky hills dotted with caves and farmland. It was fascinating to see that even in these historic surroundings, goat herders and small-scale farmers continue to use the caves for daily living and storage—a tradition that has likely persisted for generations.
After lunch on board the boat, we continued to Şanlıurfa, a city with a powerful connection to both ancient history and religious tradition. Our first stop was Balıklıgöl, also known as the Pool of Abraham or the Sacred Fish Pond. Revered in Islamic tradition, this serene reflection pool is tied to the story of the prophet Abraham. According to legend, when Abraham was thrown into the fire by King Nimrod for rejecting idolatry, God transformed the flames into water and the burning logs into fish. Today, the pond is home to schools of sacred carp, which visitors feed as part of the local tradition.
Next came one of the most unforgettable events of the trip: a Turkish Traditional Night. Held in a luxurious banquet hall, the evening surprised me with a fusion of modern comfort and lively cultural celebration. A private room was set for our group of nine, complete with Turkish musicians, dancers, and a master chef skillfully crafting traditional dishes in copper pots reminiscent of those from Gaziantep’s bazaars. At one point, a group of local teachers added to the high spirits by spontaneously joining in the revelry, dancing along to the energetic rhythms. This evening of music, food, and camaraderie perfectly captured the essence of Turkish hospitality.
The World’s Oldest Megalithic Site
Day Three: Göbekli Tepe – The World’s Oldest Megalithic Site
The final day of our journey celebrated one of the region’s most extraordinary treasures—Göbekli Tepe, located just 30 minutes outside Şanlıurfa. This archaeological site has redefined our understanding of early human civilization. Considered the world’s oldest man-made religious structure, Göbekli Tepe dates back to approximately 9,500 BCE, predating Stonehenge by several millennia.
What makes Göbekli Tepe significant is its massive stone pillars, many of which are arranged in circular formations. These pillars, adorned with carvings of wild animals and abstract symbols, are thought to have had ritualistic significance for the early hunter-gatherer societies who built them. Excavations, led by the late German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt, revealed that these people likely came together from far and wide to construct this site—a monumental collaboration long before the advent of farming or the wheel.
Göbekli Tepe left me marveling at the ingenuity and spirituality of our ancestors. A subsequent visit to the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum enhanced the experience further, as life-size recreations brought the ancient world to life. The museum exhibits detail how the Neolithic people transitioned from subsistence hunting to domesticating grains and creating tools to process them. By the time you leave the museum, it becomes clear how revolutionary these early societies were in advancing human civilization.
Reflections on Southeastern Türkiye
As the trip came to a close, I felt a deep appreciation for Türkiye’s southeastern region and its unique mix of ancient wonders and vibrant traditions. Witnessing the cultural and historical layers of cities like Gaziantep, Halfeti, and Şanlıurfa reinforced just how much this corner of the world has to offer.
From the stunning mosaics of Zeugma and the sacred waters of Balıklıgöl to the mystical ruins of Göbekli Tepe, southeastern Türkiye invites visitors to step back in time and marvel at the ingenuity of ancient civilizations, while also enjoying the warmth and hospitality of modern Turkish culture.
