Journey Through Southeastern anatolia region (Turkey) : 25 Fascinating archaeological sites to Discover
Unveil the top 25 must-visit archaeological sites in Southeastern anatolia region (Turkey) with our curated list. Immerse yourself in 25 best archaeological sites or discover hidden treasures with 25 must-visit archaeological sites. Don’t miss 25 top-rated archaeological sites to experience Southeastern anatolia region (Turkey) ‘s best.
Information about Southeastern anatolia region (Turkey)
Geographically, Southeast Anatolia is the smallest region in Turkey, representing only 9.7% of the country’s total area with an area of 75,000 square kilometers. It is located on the borders with Syria and Iraq in southeastern Turkey. This region is full of archaeological sites and ancient cities that ooze history, along with a variety of different people, languages and cultures.
A list of the best Archaeological sites in Southeastern anatolia region
Looking for the best archaeological sites spots in Southeastern anatolia region (Turkey) ? Our curated list features the most exceptional destinations, meticulously selected by our team, and based on the experiences of fellow travelers. Start planning your next adventure with us.
1- Gobekli Tepe
Gobekli Tepe – Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site on a high hill in the southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey, about 12 km northeast of the city of Sanliurfa. The height of the hill is about 760 meters above sea level. This site presents huge round, oval and rectangular stone structures erected by hunters in the period Pre-Neolithic between 9600 and 8200 BC, these monuments are mostly associated with funerary rituals, and distinctive T-shaped columns are carved with images of wild animals, providing insight into the way of life and beliefs of the people who lived in Mesopotamia Upper about 11,500 years ago.
Place address: Örencik, 63290 Haliliye/Şanlıurfa, Turkey
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2- Sıttı Radviyye-Hatuniye Madrasa
Sıttı Radviyye-Hatuniye Madrasa – The Al-Khanoutiyyah School is considered one of the pioneering models of schools with iwans in terms of school architecture. It was built between (1176-1184 AD). The madrasa has a different interior design. This structure, which covers a rectangular area, has two iwans and a courtyard with a gallery and two floors. It has undergone great changes over time, and its original condition has deteriorated greatly and the structure of the courtyard has been lost. The decoration of the mihrab in the main iwan indicates the rich stonework of the Artuqid period.
Place address: Savurkapı, Şahinler Sk. No:1, 47100 Mardin Merkez/Mardin, Turkey
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3- Diyarbakır Walls
Diyarbakır Walls – The Diyarbakır Citadel and Walls that have guarded the city for thousands of years – as if they guard a sacred relic by enclosing the city magnificently – and the 8,000-year-old Hevsel Gardens have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The walls of Diyarbakir are 6 kilometers long, and are the second largest city walls in the world after the Great Wall of China. It is located 100 meters above the valley of the Tigris River. Diyarbakır still carries the atmosphere of the Middle Ages with its walls encircling the city which are almost intact and impressive, reaching 10-12 meters high and 3-5 meters thick.
Place address: Cami Nebi, Gazi Cd. No:1, 21300 Sur/Diyarbakır, Turkey
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4- Old Mardin
Old Mardin – The narrow historical streets of the city of Mardin take you on a journey through the ancient history of the city, where the historical stone buildings tell stories and witnesses that the city has gone through. During your tour of the city, you will see antique cafes and restaurants, shops selling antiques, gifts, and hand-made souvenirs. You will also meet the good people of the city, who will overwhelm you with their kindness and hospitality.
Place address: Teker, Cumhuriyet Cd., 47100 Artuklu/Mardin, Turkey
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5- Gazipasa Primary school
Gazipasa Primary school – The construction of the building, which is used as Gazipasa Elementary School in the center of Mardin, began in 1892 AD by one of the most famous architects of the country. It is a building consisting of 4 floors, the first floor was built for the purpose of the cellar and backgammon, and it is currently used as a house, while the second floor includes the large hall in which performances are held, and the upper floors include many rooms that are used as classrooms, and the interior spaces of the rooms are decorated in a manner Perfect with carved stones and the decoration of each room is different from the others.
Place address: Şar Mahallesi, 1. Cadde, Şar, kışla sok No 4, 47100 Artuklu/Mardin, Turkey
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6- Mevlidi Halil Complex
Mevlidi Halil Complex – The complex of the birth of Khalil al-Rahman is located near the Fish Lake in the city of Sanliurfa. It includes a large mosque and a cave believed to be the place where the Prophet Abraham was born. The building of the mosque went through five main phases. First, a temple was built in the area during the Seleucid era, and it was mentioned that there was a synagogue in The same area during the Jewish period, and in the early periods of Christianity, specifically in the year 150 AD, a church called the Church of the Christians was built in the same area, and Hagia Sophia Urfa was built in this area during the Byzantine period, and finally Muhammad Salih Pasha built a mosque in the same area In 1523 during the Ottoman period.
Place address: Göl, Balıklı Göl Cd. No:51, 63210 Şanlıurfa Merkez/Eyyübiye/Şanlıurfa, Turkey
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7- Nysa Ancient City
Nysa Ancient City – The ancient city of Nissa is one of the oldest historical cities whose ruins still exist to this day, which belong to many tribes that inhabited and settled this area of the city of Aydin, and left many distinctive features and facilities in it, such as columns, theaters and corners, and perhaps one of the most distinguishing features of this historical city It is the huge bridge that was established in it, with a length of approximately 100 meters, as the first bridge in the region, and it was built of stone and distinguished by classical Roman architecture.
Place address: Eskihisar, 09470 Sultanhisar/Aydın, Turkey
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8- Kasımiye Madrasah
Kasımiye Madrasah – Even if there are no inscriptions indicating the date of construction, it is known that the construction of the Al-Qasimia Madrasa began in the Artuqi era and was continued by Sultan Qasim during the Aq Qoyunlus period between 1487 AD and 1502 AD. The school is the largest building in Mardin, consisting of two floors and an open yard in which cut stone and bricks are used together. The school, which has survived to this day, was used for several purposes. Symbols of astronomy and medical sciences were spotted on the walls of the school. There is a large swimming pool in the arched school yard. This swimming pool was designed in an architectural style in order to describe human life from birth to death.
Place address: Cumhuriyet, 1711. Sk., 47100 Artuklu/Mardin, Turkey
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9- Sumatar
Sumatar – Sumatar is one of the oldest settlements in the world, and takes visitors on a historical journey with its ancient buildings and horse carriage that are up to 5,000 years old. Elaborate Assyrian, a cave whose entrance leads to a number of statues carved from the rock walls and Assyrian inscriptions are still visible.
Place address: Yağmurlu, 63000 Eyyübiye/Şanlıurfa, Turkey
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10- Zinciriye Medresesi
Zinciriye Medresesi – The old Zengirli Madrasa (Theological College) was founded in 1385 AD, and as one of the best preserved buildings in Mardin, it should be on your list of attractions to visit in Mardin. The school is characterized by a special and different architectural design consisting of a domed mosque, a mausoleum, two inner courtyards and a portico. Perhaps the most characteristic of the building is the decorated and intricate entrance, which is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture. And for those not interested in stonework, don’t miss the opportunity to climb the stairs to the rooftop, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.
Place address: Şar, Zinciriye Medresesi, 47100 Artuklu/Mardin, Turkey
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11- Mountain Gate
Mountain Gate – The heart of Diyarbakir’s city walls was built by Constantine II in the middle of the fourth century. This tower formed part of the north wall until some local leaders pulled it down to increase airflow into the city. The mountain gate is part of the Great Wall of Diyarbakir, and it represents a distinctive landmark in the city, so do not miss passing through it and taking souvenir photos near it.
Place address: Caminebi Mahallesi, Gazi Cd. No:2, 21300 Sur/Diyarbakır, Turkey
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12- Urfa Gate
Urfa Gate – The Urfa Gate to the west of the castle was built by the ruler of Artuklu Mehmet in 1183-1184 according to the inscription. The door has three entrances, and it is said that the entrance on the northern side is connected to the city, and the southern entrance is connected to the ancient Assyrian Church of the Virgin Mary, and the northern entrance dates back to the fifth century. When you are in this ancient city, do not miss seeing this gate and taking memorial photos near it.
Place address: Melikahmet, Melik Ahmet Cd. No:100, 21300 Sur/Diyarbakır, Turkey
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13- Rumkale
Rumkale – Remkal is located on a hill covered with high rocks where the Euphrates River meets the Merzimin stream. It was a strong castle 50 km west of Sanliurfa. Today it includes ruins from the ancient period to the late Roman era, and it has a medieval character. Among the buildings that It can be seen today the Church of St. Nerses, the Monastery of Parshavma, and many traces of buildings, water tanks, wells, and trenches, and it is considered an ideal destination for lovers of antiquities, history, and nature, as it has many distinctive attractions.
Place address: Kasaba, Kasaba Köyü Yolu, 27970 Yavuzeli/Gaziantep, Turkey
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14- Perrin Ancient City
Perrin Ancient City – The ancient city of Berrin is about 5 kilometers from the city of Adiyaman, and it is the city in which stone tombs and memorial tombs belonging to the Kingdom of Commagene were found. During the reign of the Commagene kings, it is a witness to the golden age under the Roman Empire when it was an important stopover for travelers and merchants. The most interesting features among the ruins of this ancient city are the rock tombs connected to each other through passages that decorated the tombs with relief carvings.
Place address: 02000 Merkez/Adıyaman Merkez/Adıyaman, Turkey
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15- Gumruk Hani
Gumruk Hani – The historical Customs Khan was built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent in Sanliurfa, and attracts the attention of many local and foreign visitors with its unique architecture and historical and cultural structure. It is said to have been built in 1563, thus dating back to 5 centuries ago. It has two floors and is built of Urfa stone, through which the waters of the fish lake pass through its yard. It was one of the places where commercial activities were carried out during the Ottoman period. It also appears as one of the most beautiful architectural and archaeological examples in the city. Tailors work in the upper floor rooms, while it is filled with shops and cafes. In the basement.
Place address: Pınarbaşı, 1211. Sk. 2 K, 63210 Şanlıurfa Merkez/Şanlıurfa, Turkey
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16- Historical Gumruk Khani
Historical Gumruk Khani – The historical Khan Gomrok was used as a house for travelers and traveling caravans. It was built in 1878 by Haji Omar Effendi, and it is divided into two main parts; Where the upper rooms were used to spend the nights as a safe housing center protected from pirates, and the lower parts were used as barns for animals and a large kitchen, and there was a large fountain in the middle of the courtyard for ablution. It is one of the leading historical monuments of the city where traditional Turkish handicrafts are displayed.
Place address: Karagöz mah. Gümrük cad. No:5 Yaşayan Müze Tarihi Gümrük Hanı İçi, Karagöz, 27000 Şahinbey/Gaziantep, Turkey
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17- Mardin Castle
Mardin Castle – Mardin Castle is a large castle and fortress located on top of a small mountain in the Turkish city of Mardin. It is a historical building dating back hundreds of years and is distinguished by its distinctive architectural design in the style of oriental architecture. It includes many circular domes and is topped by a tall minaret of the neighboring mosque. Today, the castle is an ideal place for tourist visits accompanied by family or friends to get acquainted with the site and take beautiful pictures, especially in the evening when the lights are lit, so the castle looks completely lit as if it were from a fairy tale.
Place address: Şar, Mardin Castle, Çağatay Cd. No:25, 47100 Mardin Merkez/Mardin, Turkey
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18- Midyat Guesthouse
Midyat Guesthouse – The Midyat Guest House is a three-storey house, which was purchased by the governor of the Midyat region. It was distinguished by a distinctive design to receive visitors and tourists exclusively to the city. The ground floor consists of reception rooms and spacious halls, and on the second floor there are three rooms with a large balcony, and on the third floor there is a large terrace and two rooms, and when you stand on this terrace you can see the entire city due to the height of the hill on which the building was built, as it overlooks one of the The most beautiful views of the city.
Place address: Akçakaya, Cumhuriyet Cd. No:31, 47510 Midyat/Mardin, Turkey
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19- Karakus Tumulus
Karakus Tumulus – Karakosh Corpse is a funerary monument for Queen Isaiah and the Commagene princesses, built between 20 and 30 BC near the modern village of Çukurtaş in Qahta district of Adiyaman Province. Karakosh means “black bird”, after the column surmounted by an eagle. In the place, where the corpse is surrounded by groups of three columns, each 9 meters high, and above the columns are inscriptions and statues of a bull, a lion, and an eagle, and each inscription indicates the presence of a royal tomb that includes three women.
Place address: Karşıyaka, 4025. Sk. No:17, 02400 Bağözü/Kâhta/Adıyaman, Turkey
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20- Gazi Kosku
Gazi Kosku – Ghazi Palace or Atatürk Palace is located in Diyarbakir; It is a historical palace dating back to the fifteenth century and consisting of two floors. It was used by the commander of the Sixteenth Corps, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, during the First World War. Ataturk, who came to Diyarbakir on March 14, 1916, stayed in this mansion until March 27, 1917. It was bought by the Diyarbakir Municipality in 1937 and presented to Ataturk.
Place address: Köşkler Mahallesi Eski Mardin Yolu, Şehitlik, Merkez Gazi Köşkü Tesisleri, Üzeri, 21010 Yenişehir/Diyarbakır, Turkey
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21- Amida Hoyuk
Amida Hoyuk – Diyarbakir is home to countless ancient wonders and ruins from throughout history. Excavations are currently underway to reveal the historic Roman street in Amida Hoyuk, a hill known as the heart of Diyarbakir Province while also being the historical Roman name for the city, along with Amed which was called in the Assyrian and modern Kurdish times. Amida Hoyuk was home to many civilizations such as Assyrians, Persians, Great Armenia, Romans, Sassanids, Byzantines, Umayyads, Abbasids, Safavids, Ayyubids, Marwanids, Ottomans and many other ancient civilizations.
Place address: Cevat Paşa, 21300 Sur/Diyarbakır, Turkey
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22- Karahan Tepe
Karahan Tepe – Karahantepe is an archaeological site discovered in 1997 by the Turkish archaeologist Bahattin Celik in the Tektek Mountains region, dating back to the period between 9500-9000 BC, covering an area of 325,000 square meters, and consisting of a number of stone T columns and inscriptions prominent, and there is also a group of polished rock statues of wild animals such as goats, deer and rabbits.
Place address: Kargalı, 63290 Haliliye/Şanlıurfa, Turkey
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23- Ptt-Mardin Branch
Ptt-Mardin Branch – The PT Mardin branch was built in 1890 AD by the Armenian architect Luli, and it is one of the most beautiful examples of civil architecture in Mardin, and draws attention thanks to its rich and exquisite stonework, and is also distinguished by its vast areas that were specially designed to suit the purpose of its construction to be An important branch of the multi-branch PTT in Turkey.
Place address: Yenişehir, 47200 Mardin Merkez/Mardin, Turkey
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24- Sakcagoz
Sakcagoz – Sakchagozu, also known as Koba Hill, is an archaeological site in southeastern Anatolia, located about three kilometers northwest of the modern village of Sakchagozu on Jabal al-Nur in Gaziantep Province. The site contains pottery from the Neolithic period, the Halaf civilization, the Ubaid period, and the late era Chalcolithic and New Hittite materials, as the site appears to have been occupied from the second half of the seventh millennium BC to the first millennium BC, enriching the area with interesting antiquities and remains.
Place address: Sakcagoz, Sakçagözü, 27845 Nurdağı/Gaziantep, Turkey
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25- Mardin Great Mosque
Mardin Great Mosque – The Mardin Grand Mosque is considered one of the architectural examples of the Artuqid era, as the mosque was distinguished by its segmented dome and minaret. According to records, it was built with two minarets, and the inscriptions on the square base of the only minaret in the mosque indicate that the date of construction is 1176 AD. Today, the mosque is distinguished for being one of the most important religious shrines in the city, as tourists from all over the world come to it to perform prayers and to see the most important monuments of Islamic architecture in Turkey.
Place address: Ulucami, 47100 Artuklu/Mardin, Turkey
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Conclusion
Exploring Southeastern anatolia region (Turkey) is a journey that will take you through diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and captivating histories. Our guide has given you a taste of the must-see destinations and hidden treasures that await, but there’s always more to discover. Take the time to connect with the locals, try the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the traditions and customs that make Southeastern anatolia region (Turkey) so special. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or enlightenment, Southeastern anatolia region (Turkey) has something to offer everyone. As you journey through this remarkable region, we invite you to let go of your worries and embrace the present moment. Take time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you, and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of Southeastern anatolia region (Turkey) . We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Until then, happy exploring!