Şanlıurfa

Three Turkish provinces, also known as the "Golden Triangle" of Upper Mesopotamia, may become the new favorite destination of Chinese tourists, according to hoteliers and tour operators.

The southeastern provinces of Diyarbakır, Şanlıurfa and Mardin are home to well-known historical and ancient sites, including the famous Göbeklitepe.

Around 1 million tourists are expected to visit the southern province of Şanlıurfa, where Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe, two of the oldest traces of civilization, are located, by the end of the year.

The remains of a 12th-century madrasah have been unearthed in the Harran ruins, which is one of the oldest settlements in the world and on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

A replica of an obelisk from a famous site in Turkey over 10,000 years old will be exhibited on the grounds of the United Nations headquarters in New York.

The first hot air balloons of the season soared into the sky on July 12 at the famed ancient site of Göbeklitepe in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa, heralding the festive season.

The rides in Göbeklitepe, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in June 2018, resumed after a long break due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As Turkey's rich legacy of civilizations attracts amateur and professional treasure hunters, historical sites and areas believed to contain "treasures" from past civilizations were raided illegally, especially during the pandemic despite the security measures.

Turkey introduced a promotional program on June 27 for the "Mesopotamia" brand, which was created to promote the tourism potential of the southeastern Anatolia region to the world.

Speaking at the event, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said Turkey has the richest and most unique homeland in the world with its history, culture and geographical structure.

Turkey introduced a promotional program on June 27 for the "Mesopotamia" brand, which was created to promote the tourism potential of the southeastern Anatolia region to the world.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said Turkey has the richest and most unique homeland in the world with its history, culture and geographical structure.

At least 110 ancient gold coins were seized and a suspect was arrested in an anti-smuggling operation in southeastern Turkey, a security source said on March 1.

Home to 12,000-year-old Göbeklitepe and Balıklıgöl, two of the recognized centers of faith tourism, Turkey's southeastern province of Şanlıurfa is waiting to welcome tourist once again in the coming spring season with steps for the gradual normalization to begin soon.