Sanliurfa Turkey Travel Guide
Learn these important Turkish phrases:
The Google Translate app, with an offline Turkish language pack, is highly recommended.
Shops (non-food): Generally open Monday-Saturday, 09:00/10:MIDNIGHT to 19:00/20:00. Bazaars: Open longer, often as evening approaches, and sometimes Sunday afternoons. Supermarkets: Generally open daily, 08:00/09:00 to 21:00/22:00. Restaurants: Lunch service from around 12:00, dinner from 19:00, often open until 22:00-23:00.
Banks: Open Monday-Friday, 09:00 to 17:00. Closed weekends and public holidays.
National Sovereignty and Children's Day (Apr 23), Labour and Solidarity Day (May 1), Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (May 19), Democracy and National Unity Day (Jul 15), Victory Day (Aug 30), Republic Day (Oct 29).
Interacting respectfully with local culture enriches travel.
Handshakes are common between people of the same gender. A slight nod of the head is also a polite greeting. Elders deserve high regard; greet them first.
Modest dress recommended, especially for women, when visiting religious sites or traditional areas. Shoulders and knees covered.
Women cover heads with a scarf, shoulders, and knees. Men wear full-length trousers. Remove shoes before entering.
Use your right hand during meals. Do not waste bread. Tipping is not mandatory but welcomed (5-10% in restaurants, rounding up for taxis).
Always ask before photographing individuals, notably women and children.
Travelers with mobility challenges may find Sanliurfa's infrastructure limited.
Older parts of the city have narrow, uneven streets. Historical sites often feature stairs or difficult terrain (Urfa Castle, Göbeklitepe).
Newer buildings, modern hotels, and the Archaeology Museum may offer better ease of access with ramps and elevators.
The Balıklıgöl complex has partially paved walkways around the pools.
Public public buses possess limited accessibility. Taxis might work if foldable wheelchairs are accommodated.
No specific dedicated services for international tourists with visual or hearing impairments are widely available.
Limited dedicated services for those with vision problems.
Limited dedicated services for hearing impairments.
Consult boutique travel agencies or disability organizations.
Additional travel insights for your journey.
Gather information on local customs and attractions.
Include modest dress and comfortable shoes.
A few Turkish words show respect.
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Known for its rich, spicy dishes.
Connected to Abraham's story.
