Special Excursion Itinerary

Southeastern Turkey is characterized by an arid plateau, average elevation 600 meters, whose natural boundaries drawn by eastern Taurus mountains and famous historic rivers, Euphrates and Tigris. Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) coexist in harmony and the history goes as far back as the times of Prophet Abraham who lived for a time in historic Harran before he moved to the land of Canaan.

Turkey Southeast fascinates everyone. Culturally it is more eastern and mystical in character than most people would expect. Southeastern tour incorporates city tours in Diyarbakir, Hasankeyf, Mardin, Urfa and Halfeti. From Urfa (Sanliurfa) you can take daily tour to Nemrut Mountain ( Mt Nemrut). If you have time you can visit antique city Zeugma as well as newly discovered settlement Gobeklitepe. Also if interested excursion are arranged to major dam sites on the river Euphrates namely, Ataturk Dam and Karakaya Dam. See the map for the locations of the above mentioned places, map of location

Due to its low elevation and the proximity to the Syrian plane summers have dry but high temperatures so the best times to visit are spring to autumn, March, April and May to October and November.

The easiest way to get to the area is to take a flight either from Istanbul or Ankara. Turkish Airlines have daily flights from Istanbul and Ankara.

The early civilizations developed on the flat lands of Mesopotamia owe their glory to Euphrates and Tigris. Over the centuries they provided much valuable water as well as the rich alluvial soil need for the development of ancient Mesopotamian culture..

A myth is being told in the upper Mesopotamia: two young lovers, the rivers Euphrates and Tigris , turned to crystal waters and destined to take diverse courses and never again unite before they pay for their sin.

They are born in the upper highlands of eastern Anatolia . Euphrates is temperamental and wild as it flows though the deep cut valleys of the highlands with the hope of meeting Tigris . When he is just about to meet her around Elazig the subdued Tigris moves away and takes a long and troublesome course in the eastwardly direction. They found no chance to unite within Turkey as they have to endure for their sin. After their long troublesome journey they meet around Basra rejoiced and happy they flow into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean

Birecik, Bald ibis sanctuary

Birecik is one of the last refuges and breeding grounds of the hermit ibis or bald ibis. It is a species so close to extinction, in 1973 only 25 breeding pairs remained. The hermit ibis, had become a creature of legend. It was rediscovered near Birecik in 1839 by the British traveler W. F. Ainthworth. The Turks have long regarded it as almost a sacred bird, since its migration route roughly follows the pilgrim road to Mecca. Of 500 pairs counted in the 1950s. Unfortunately, they were largely killed by agricultural insecticides. Since 1989 there have been no breeding pairs in the wild. None of the birds bred in captivity have yet been successfully released.

During the days of nationalistic struggle against the invading armies a paramilitary officer witnesses an interesting dialogue.

Enemy forces approaching Sanliurfa then called Urfa and the town people in the cafes enjoying heavy Turkish coffee and water pipe (nargile) smoke. The officer warns them against the enemy he notices that no one moves they seem to have been completely occupied in their chats and games. Then someone shouts they are coming and are already in your isot fields (Urfa peper). This was enough to shake them all they all jumps up and grab their rifles to fight.