This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Sanliurfa.
Sanliurfa, Turkey -- often called Urfa for short -- is situated in the southeastern Anatolian region, approximately eighty kilometres from the Euphrates River.
Urfa is an ancient city with records dating back to the fourth century BC. It is a a place where historical remnants of its former conquers can still be found, everyone from the Babylonians to the Crusaders successfully conquered Urfa. It's a place where history and tradition comes to life. Urfa is an important city for the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths. Tradition has it that this is the place where Abraham was born and where King Nimrod attempted to kill Abraham by throwing him into fire and burning coal, but God intervened turning the fire into a pool and the coal into fish. Today it is possible to see the Balikligöl (pool of scared fish) in the city's centre.
Urfa also boasts the worlds oldest temple, Göbikli Tepe dating back to the tenth century BC and Sanliufra castle built in the ninth century. Its high walls dominate the city and it's a great place to wander around and to get a feel for this interesting ancient city.
It is also said that the best food in all of turkey is in Urfa. Its history and cultural mixing has created an amalgamation of different cuisines from the various civilisations that have past through the area. The local markets and eateries are by far the best places to enjoy the local treats. Locals take great pride in their Çig Köfte, it is said that Abraham was the first to make this raw meatball creation.
Although Urfa seems a bit remote especially in comparison to the popular glitzy cities in the west, it is accessible. Sanliufra has its own airport and Turkey's excellent bus system runs several services to and from Urfa from other major cities including Antalya.
There are a number of guesthouses and a small amount of hostels in Sanliufra, Turkey. Hostels in Sanliufra, Turkey are modest but centrally located within walking distance of the city's main attractions. Hotels in Sanliurfa tend to be in old buildings and offer basic facilities but you can expect very hospitable staff (people in Urfa are friendly and welcoming to foreigners). Many hostels in Sanliufra, Turkey, offer all the usual amenities like Wi-Fi and laundry services. Some also many offer meals at an additional cost.
Written by local enthusiast for Sanliurfa hostels
Chloe
