Archaeology, mosaic and ethnography museum where local prehistoric finds are exhibited.
The idea of opening a museum in Şanlıurfa began in 1948, and the first step was taken towards the establishment of the museum as a result of the collection of existing works in a warehouse at Atatürk Primary School. In 1956, a place was allocated for the museum in Şehit Nusret Primary School and the works were stored there. The fact that the space allocated for the museum was not sufficient and the need to exhibit the rich cultural and archaeological assets documenting the thousands of years of history of the region necessitated the construction of a new museum building.
There are 14 main exhibition halls and 33 animation areas in Şanlıurfa Archeology Museum. Additionally, in the archaeopark area, there are chronologically arranged building examples reflecting the architectural characteristics of the period and an excavation training area suitable for experimental archaeological studies.
Museum exhibition halls
Şanlıurfa Archeology Museum has an important place among the world’s museums in terms of Neolithic Period artifacts. Artifacts and sculptures from Göbeklitepe, the oldest temple in the world, are exhibited here.
Important works exhibited in the museum
The world’s oldest known statue made in human size: Balıklıgöl Statue
Balıklıgöl Statue (Urfa Statue) is the oldest well-preserved, natural-sized statue in human history. It was unearthed in the 1990s in a large settlement from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic Period, located just north of Balıklıgöl, under the old Urfa houses, next to large water sources. The existence of the settlement is evident from the terrazzo-type floors and flint tools from that period. Made of limestone, the statue is 180 cm tall and black obsidian pieces are placed in its deep eye sockets.
Except for the lines resembling a V-shaped necklace, the statue appears naked and its hands are folded in front. The lower part of the statue was carved in a ‘U’ shape to be placed in a slot.
Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum Entrance Fees (2023)
The current entrance fee to the archaeological museum is 18 lira.
Museum Card is valid at the Museums and Ruins on the list.
Şanlıurfa Archeology Museum and Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, which were temporarily closed for renovation as a result of the flood following last year's flood, were opened to visitors after the renovation and maintenance works.18 Feb 2024
Şanlıurfa Archeology Museum - Şanlıurfa
Museum exhibition halls
Important works exhibited in the museum.
Eros and Psyche Relief
Nike, Goddess of Victory.
Eye Idols.
Göbeklitepe Totem Pillar.
Snake Head.
Stone Bowl Piece
When it comes to Şanlıurfa dishes, the first thing that comes to mind is Urfa kebab. Urfa kebab, prepared with minced meat, tail fat, onion and salt, is threaded onto skewers and cooked slowly. It is then served with bulgur pilaf and roasted vegetables.
Şanlıurfa Museum is Turkey's largest museum in terms of indoor area and exhibition hall, it is Turkey's largest museum in terms of number of animations and among the world's leading museums, and it has the longest tour route in Turkey with 4.5 km. It contains many firsts.
Approximately 10,000 artifacts are exhibited in Şanlıurfa Archeology Museum. This figure is well above Turkish standards.
Those who visit the museum can see the world's oldest human-sized statue in the New Şanlıurfa Museum, the imitation of Göbeklitepe D Temple, the original of Nevali Çoli Temple, many period revivals, Hz. They will have the opportunity to see İbrahim Animation, approximately 10,000 works and the world's most aesthetic mosaics.
It is a beautiful museum that is extensive and divides the history of the region according to time periods. The museum card is valid, it takes approximately an hour to visit the works. I recommend that you do not leave Urfa without seeing the museum located around Balıklı Lake.
One of the most beautiful and effective museums I've been to. Imitations were made to better understand Göbekli Tepe. It is explained in an orderly and beautiful way from the Paleolithic Age to the Islamic Period. I went in the first week of April. There was a lot of busyness due to the Ramadan holiday. It is a good idea to go early to find a place in the parking lot and to avoid waiting in line inside. For a productive trip, I recommend you spend approximately 2 hours. Don't forget to visit the nearby Halepli Garden Mosaic Museum, and of course, if you come to Şanlıurfa, I definitely recommend you to see Göbeklitepe. You should go early in the morning as it will be crowded. It is approximately 30 minutes away from the city center.
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