2-Day Gobeklitepe and Harran Tour from Istanbul By Plane

Highlights of 2-Day Gobeklitepe and Harran Tour 
Gobeklitepe, Sanliurfa, Harran

Located near Şanlıurfa, Gobeklitepe is an extraordinary archaeological site dating back over 12,000 years to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period. This ancient sanctuary features massive T-shaped limestone pillars, some reaching 5.5 meters high, decorated with intricate carvings of animals, totems, and mysterious symbols. It is believed to have been used for communal rituals and social gatherings. Gobeklitepe is the world's oldest known temple, predating iconic landmarks like Egypt's pyramids and Britain's Stonehenge. Still under excavation, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers unparalleled insights into early human civilizations and their social structures.

Founded between the 25th and 20th centuries BCE, Harran was a thriving hub of culture and commerce. Harran held religious and political importance because of its devotion to the moon god Sin. According to the Bible, Prophet Abraham lived here, and his father passed away in this ancient city. 
Over centuries, Harran was shaped by various empires, including the Neo-Babylonian, Macedonian, Seleucid, and Roman. The first Islamic University built here is Harran's cornerstone of religious and educational history.