7 places to visit in the Eyyübiye district of Şanlıurfa: Balıklıgöl (Halil-ür Rahman Lake), Göbekli Tepe and Urfa Castle. Plan your trip to Eyyübiye with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Eyyübiye is a district of Şanlıurfa province. It covers an area of 1,626 km² and, with a population of 379,852, is the second most populous district in Şanlıurfa.
The district was created when the central district of Şanlıurfa was split into three, under Law No. 6360 passed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly on 12 November 2012. The district takes its name from the Islamic prophet Eyyub (Job). The place where the Prophet Eyyub is believed to have suffered during his illness has been turned into a tomb.
The district was established on 12 November 2012 under Law No. 6360, which split the central district of Şanlıurfa into three. It takes its name from the Prophet Eyyub (Job). Balıklıgöl is believed to be linked to the legend of Abraham (Hz. İbrahim). The bedesten is thought to have been built in 1566, around the same time as the Gümrük Hanı. It is one of the rare covered bazaars in Anatolia that has kept its authentic character. The date used in the Armenian construction inscription at the City Museum is AD 1122-1123.
In 2012, Şanlıurfa gained metropolitan municipality status, and the whole province came within metropolitan boundaries; the central district was divided into Eyyübiye, Haliliye and Karaköprü. The Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum opened to visitors on 24 May 2015. Covering 6,000 m², with a diameter of 82 metres, it is the largest building in Türkiye that can be walked through without columns.
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A sacred lake believed to have formed where Abraham (Hz. İbrahim) landed when he was thrown into the fire, one of the most important visiting points in the Islamic world. The carp swimming in the lake are considered sacred.
View on mapDating to around 9600 BC, Göbekli Tepe is the oldest known temple complex in the world. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018. Its T-shaped standing stones and reliefs have rewritten human history.
View on mapThe castle on the hill above the city was built in the 2nd century BC during the Kingdom of Edessa. Two Corinthian columns, the symbol of Urfa, stand on the castle hill.
View on mapThe mosques around Balıklıgöl were built over the cave where Abraham (Hz. İbrahim) was born. They are a stop for visitors from across the Islamic world.
View on mapAn area known for the Halilürrahman Lake associated with Abraham (Hz. İbrahim), its complex and the religious buildings around it.
View on mapA covered market also known as Kazaz Pazarı, today set aside for the sale of local clothing and accessories.
View on mapA museum in a building constructed during the Crusader County of Edessa, with halls that bring Şanlıurfa's culture to life.
View on mapWhile you are in Eyyübiye, you can also see the highlights of Şanlıurfa province. These places are in other districts.
Made by threading minced lamb onto skewers by hand and grilling it over charcoal. The version without chilli is known as Urfa kebab, and the spicy version as Adana kebab.
Raw meatball made by kneading fine bulgur, isot pepper and spices, the signature dish of Şanlıurfa. It is wrapped in a lettuce leaf and served with lemon.
A cold soup made with yoghurt, bulgur and mint, an essential dish on Urfa's hot summer days.
Şanlıurfa is a holy city where prophets such as Abraham (Hz. İbrahim), Job (Hz. Eyyüp) and Shuaib (Hz. Şuayb) are believed to have lived. This religious heritage forms the foundation of the city's cultural identity.
The discovery of Göbekli Tepe has made Şanlıurfa one of the most important centres in human history. This 12,000-year-old temple complex has changed what is known about the beginnings of civilisation.
Eyyübiye is the historic and cultural centre of Şanlıurfa. Tourism, trade and the service sector are the main economic activities. Religious tourism is an important source of income.
Eyyübiye is the central district of Şanlıurfa. It is 35 km from GAP Airport. The intercity bus terminal is within the district boundaries.
The 7 highlights of Eyyübiye are Balıklıgöl (Halil-ür Rahman Lake), Göbekli Tepe, Urfa Castle, Dergâh Mosque and Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, Balıklıgöl, Şanlıurfa Bedesten (Kazaz Pazarı) and Urfa City Museum.
Urfa Kebabı, Çiğ Köfte and Lebeni are the standout flavours on Eyyübiye's tables.
Eyyübiye is known for İsot (Urfa Pepper) and as the City of Prophets. Isot, Şanlıurfa's protected geographical indication product, is made by sun-drying red peppers and processing them using the sweating method. It is known for its dark purple-black colour and mildly sweet heat.
Eyyübiye is the central district of Şanlıurfa. It is 35 km from GAP Airport. The intercity bus terminal is within the district boundaries.
Suggested visit length: 2-3 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn (March-May, September-November).