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.
