Ancient city of Sogmatar in Turkey lures visitors

By Rauf Maltas

SANLIURFA, Turkey (AA) - The ancient city of Sogmatar in the southeastern province of Sanliurfa in Turkey, dubbed the “City of Prophets,” attracts local and international tourists because of its historical wells, rock tombs, and reliefs.

Located in Eyyubiye district, 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the city center, it is believed to be the place where Moses lived when he escaped from Pharaoh.

A mound in the middle of the village dates to the Chalcolithic period and is described as sacred, indicating that Sogmatar was founded before the Christian era.

The remains of the wall and bastion on the hill reveal that the mound was used as a castle for many years.

Muslum Coban, the head of the Regional Tourist Guides Chamber in Sanliurfa, told Anadolu Agency that the ancient city is one of the most important historical sites in the region.

“Sogmatar is one of the most interesting and mysterious historical places in our province,” said Coban.

“There are separate temples in Sogmatar, which are considered to be built for both stars and planets,” he said. “There are reliefs and sculptures believed to have been made especially for the sun and the moon god.”

Coban said the city also hosts the well of Moses and is of great importance to Jews.

Mehmet Kamil Turkmen, the chairman of the Tourism Committee of Sanliurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the city was an important center of polytheistic religions.

Turkmen noted that excavations in the region have shed light on history. “A 5,000-year-old toy was found in this area a few years ago.”

He said foreign visitors especially have a great interest in Sogmatar “because there are inscriptions here in Syriac on the sacred hills to worship the gods.”

“We need to protect them. We have a lot of work to do in Sogmatar and we have very serious potential,” he added.