Şanlıurfa has embraced many civilizations for centuries. However, Şanlıurfa is one of the most special cities in the Southeastern Anatolia Region. It is also known as the city of prophets. Every year, Şanlıurfa is flooded by local and foreign tourists with its historical and natural beauties. One of these places is the Harran Houses with conical domes dating back to the 6th century BC. These structures are also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Would you like to know more about Harran Houses?
Historical District of Şanlıurfa: Harran
If you are visiting Şanlıurfa for the first time, Harran is one of the places you should add to the top of your list. It is located at an average distance of 45 kilometers from the city center. Harran is a district of Şanlıurfa close to the Syrian border. Harran is one of the leading settlements in Northern Mesopotamia. Harran is also considered as one of the first science centers in the world. It is possible to see the ruins of the first Islamic university in the world here. This region was located at the intersection of commercial roads in the past. For this reason, it is estimated that the word meaning of Harran is caravan or travel.
Click to rent a car at Şanlıurfa Gap Airport.
Conical Domed Houses of Harran
Conical domed Harran Houses in Şanlıurfa are literally historical values. These houses are estimated to have been built in the 6th century BC. Domed houses of this style survived in Mesopotamia, Transcaucasia and the Aegean until the 3rd century BC. There are also examples in Italy, Spain, Scotland and Peru. Harran Houses were built of bricks on a square-like foundation, using a corbelling technique. In accordance with the climatic conditions of the region, it keeps cool in summers and warm in winters. Rose oil, straw, terracotta and egg whites were used in the mortar of the Harran Houses. The excess number of cupolas in houses where each cupola represents a different room is considered an indicator of the financial situation of the house owner. Harran Houses, where the rooms are connected to each other, are also known as Domed Houses by the local people.
The domes of the houses are left open. Since there are no windows in the houses, this allows light to enter the interior and it is aimed to let the smoke out more easily. The height of the houses is up to 5 meters. This place is a unique cultural point with its history dating back to the 6th century BC. Harran Houses are used for touristic activities today. It has become a tradition for this place to be photographed in front of the houses by wearing local clothes. The region was declared an archaeological and urban site in 1979. Only one of the Harran Houses can be visited. Harran Culture House welcomes the guests. It is also possible to see the items used by the local people in the building. The house attracts attention with its different architecture. If you are planning a trip to Şanlıurfa, do not forget to add Harran Houses to your travel list.
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