Harran Atlas - Abraham Path

Harran Atlas
topographical maps &
route descriptions
a work in progress - v1.0
Disclaimer
This map may not be up to date with recent changes on the ground. By
making this map available, the Abraham Path Initiative does not assume
any liability for use of the information provided or for its accuracy. All
hiking and other outdoor activities have potential hazards involving risk
of injury or death. The wilderness in and of itself can be a dangerous place
and there are areas in the Middle East that can suddenly become subject
to security instability.
By using this map for any use, you recognize this, assume all risks of property
damage, personal injury and death, and agree to hold the Abraham Path
Initiative, its Board Directors, its staff, its partners, its contributors and
authors harmless from any liability and loss. You accept the terms and
conditions set forth in this Disclaimer on the Abraham Path Initiative
website by downloading, streaming or using any map or other information
or materials provided on the Abraham Path Initiative website.
Find out more at www.abrahampath.org.
3
Amenities
Accommodations: Hotel, hostel, guesthouse, homestay, or free “trail angel” room
Implies: Water, Bathrooms with showers, Shade, shelter
Bedouin tent accommodations: Guesthouse with sleeping arrangements in Bedouin-style tents, not buildings
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter
Campsite: An area officially designated for camping, a commercial campsite, or a well-established, often-used wild
campsite. In some natural areas, camping is only permitted in designated sites in order to protect the environment
Implies: No services unless otherwise noted
Free unless otherwise noted
Recommended campsite: An area suitable for wild camping, but not typically used for it
Implies: No services unless otherwise noted
Drinking water: A reliable source of potable water
When appearing next to a spring, well, stream or other natural water source, the water still should be purified before
drinking. The symbol will only appear next to natural water sources that have water year-round
Restaurant: Any establishment selling prepared meals
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter (possibly only for customers)
Grocery store: A store selling substantial foods and essentials (rather than simply snacks)
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter (possibly only for customers)
Bus stop: A station or stop where public transit can be taken. May be a central bus station or a roadside stop
*
Bathrooms: Western-style toilets and sinks unless otherwise noted. Does not imply showers; does imply shelter
Picnic area: An area with picnic tables and other park amenities. May be a good camp spot, if noted
Implies: Shade
Gas station: A gas (petrol) station and its accompanying facilities
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter, and a snack shop
Shade: A reliably shady spot to rest in. Only appears in stages where shade is otherwise nonexistent; sometimes
refers to the point at which a stage begins to have regular shade after having lacked it (see stage notes for details)
All Amenities: A large town or city generally has everything a hiker needs for resupply, and many shopping,
accommodation, and restaurant options; this is used to save space rather than showing all icons
Implies: Accommodations, Restaurants, Grocery Stores, Public Transportation, Bathrooms, Shade, Water, shelter
Natural Features
Spring: A natural water source emerging from the ground, or a pool. May have water only in season. Often
only visible as an area of heavy plant growth. Does not imply drinking water unless otherwise noted
Well or cistern: A man-made water source dug in the ground. May not have water; also appears to serve as a
landmark. Does not imply drinking water unless otherwise noted
Lookout: A natural or man-made viewpoint with a view in the specified direction
360-degree lookout: A lookout point in all directions; usually the summit of a hill, or a watchtower
Cave: A cave of any size; may be anything from a small nook in a cliff wall to a large cavern system
Implies: Shade and shelter (caves marked on maps are always large enough for people to fit into)
Waterfall: A wet or dry waterfall; dry ones run only seasonally or after rain. Does not imply drinking water
Trail Features and Warnings
Scrambling: A section of trail where rock scrambling (using hands) is required. Note that these are all non-technical;
no sections on the Abraham Path require the use of ropes or other climbing equipment
Ladders: A section of trail where the climbing of ladders, staples or ropes is necessary. Again, it is never necessary
to bring any special equipment on the Abraham Path; all ladders, ropes, and handholds are already installed
!
!
!
Exposed trail: A section of trail that is narrow and exposed to a long drop on one or both sides; path may be
slippery or unstable as well. Use extreme caution when crossing.
While none of these sections are inherently dangerous, people with extreme fear of heights may find these
sections impossible to pass and may wish to plan not to hike these stages
General warning: When this symbol is present, a note beside it or in the walking notes will explain why caution or
extra attention is required on that trail section
Flash flood risk area: An area, normally in a narrow or deep wadi or canyon, where dangerous flash floods (large
walls of water moving extremely quickly) can occur.
It does not have to be raining for a flash flood to occur; rain upstream of a desert canyon can cause flash
flooding in the canyon. Always check local weather forecasts before hiking in flash flood risk areas
Cultural Features
Ruins or archaeological site: Ruins of any age or size. Free admission (or non-maintained site) unless
otherwise noted
Church/Mosque or religious site: This may be either a significant site for one or more religions (tomb of a
famous figure; traditional site of a story or event; etc.) or simply one serving as a landmark
Point of interest: Generic symbol for relevant locations not covered by another symbol; see notes beside the
point for more information
Trail Indicators
Abraham Path route: Shows the route followed by the Abraham Path on a given stage
Other Abraham Path route: Shows Abraham Path routes other than the one that is the focus of a stage
map; includes previous and next stages, detours, spurs, etc.
City Walk routes: Shows City Walk routes, special spurs/alternates of the Abraham Path
Begin/End Stage: Mark the beginning and ending of a stage on stage maps
1.4
Waypoints and Distance Indicators: Waypoints mark turn-by-turn directions and navigational
landmarks along a trail stage. There may be a distance markers, indicating cumulative distance from the
beginning of the stage. Even if no distance is attached, each waypoint has a corresponding entry in the
stage’s data book which does list its distance as well as a description of the location and directions
Other Geography
Roads: Beige are larger highways, up to expressways; white are smaller roads as well as city streets.
Labelled with road number if applicable
Roads marked this way are virtually always asphalt, but in some places with very few paved roads, a wide,
smooth, easily driveable dirt road may also be marked as a white road (e.g. Harran region)
Dirt road or 4x4 track: A wide, unpaved surface generally large enough to accommodate a jeep or 4x4
vehicle. Should be assumed not to be accessible by normal car unless otherwise noted. The distinction
between these and paths (below) is a gradual one, and some trails are on the borderline between both, or
change from one to the other over a distance
Footpath: A narrow, unpaved walking surface generally too small or too rough to be driven by a 4x4
vehicle. May be wide enough for two people to walk abreast, or a narrow, faint goat path. May be very
clear and easy to follow, or faint and more intermittent.
Wadi Name
Wadi or ditch: A “wadi” is an intermittent streambed which flows with water only in the wet season or
after rain. Many of them form very large canyons, and “wadi” can refer either to the broader canyon or to
the streambed in the bottom of it
Stream/River: Waterways that flow year-round, rather than seasonally. A stream is usually small enough to
cross easily by foot, while a river is larger. Canals appear the same as streams or rivers
900
Contour Lines: Show the topography of a landscape; a line is drawn every 10m of elevation, and a thicker line
every 100m with a label showing its height. Lines closer together mean a steeper slope; further apart mean a
gradual one
Summit: A peak or local high point
Built-up area: A town, residential, commercial or industrial area
Forest: A densely wooded area
Border: Country boundaries
5
Abraham Path
Harran Region (Turkey)
The Abraham Path is a long-distance cultural walking route following the footsteps and memory of Abraham
across the Middle East. The Abraham Path celebrates the Abrahamic values of hospitality and kindness to
strangers, provides eco-nomic benefits to local communities along the route. For more practical planning information, including downloadable companion GPS tracks and waypoints, visit www.abrahampath.org.
This map series is part of an effort by local partners and the Abraham Path Initiative to produce the first allpath online guidebook, covering over 400 km of walking trail and Abrahamic memory and heritage across
the Middle East. We invite you to take part in this project by walking the path, visiting communities along the
way, and by providing comments and suggestions for improvement. These routes are still in development, and
map feedback is especially helpful for name corrections (towns, wadis, landmarks), areas which are difficult to
navigate, and updates on current path conditions ([email protected]).
Map data © OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SA
Databook & Diagrams © Abraham Path Initiative
Disclaimer
This map may not be up to date with recent changes on the ground. By making this map available, the Abraham Path Initiative does
not assume any liability for use of the information provided or for its accuracy. All hiking and other outdoor activities have potential
hazards involving risk of injury or death. The wilderness in and of itself can be a dangerous place and there are areas in the Middle
East that can suddenly become subject to security instability.
By using this map for any use, you recognize this, assume all risks of property damage, personal injury and death, and agree to
hold the Abraham Path Initiative, its Board Directors, its staff, its partners, its contributors and authors harmless from any liability
and loss. You accept the terms and conditions set forth in this Disclaimer on the Abraham Path Initiative website by downloading,
streaming or using any map or other information or materials provided on the Abraham Path Initiative website.
Find out more at www.abrahampath.org
900
900
km
)
km
4.
0
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700
i(
km
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Stage 3:
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Stage 2: 21.1km
Stage 1: 20.4km
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Stage 4: 18.3km
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Stage 5: 17.2km
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Stage 6: 20.3km
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Urfa
D885
Kisas
Stage 1
Harran
Stage 1 cont.
E90
Şenocak
Bazda
Caves
Bazda
Stage 6
Stage 2 cont.
Stage 2
Stage 3
Han el-Barur
Stage 4
Stage 5
10 km
Moses
Cave
Şuayip Şehri
Soğmatar
Karahan Tepe
Karahan
*
12.2
1 km
Continued from
upper right
Köse Köy
11.9
0.0
Kısas
Anaz
abrahampath.org
1.3
4.0
Erbaș
15.5
Çamlıdere
H a r r a n
H a r r a n
Çukurduruç
V a l l e y
Yarımsu 17.9
17.7
V a l l e y
Güçlü
19.2
19.0
20.0
20.4
Şenocak
10.3
10.8
Mehmetçik
Continued at
lower left
11.9
1: Kisas to Şenocak
Distance: 20.4 km
Time: 4-7 hours
Physical Challenge : moderate
Trail Difficulty : easy
(Harran Region)
Transportation:
km
Walking notes
+km
0.0
BEGIN STAGE at Kisas Muncipality (Belediya) and
head E out of town
0.3
0.3
Continue E out of town, past the Kisas homestay
(Izzet and Asia)
1.0
1.3
Turn L (N) when you reach the large canal running
N-S, on a dirt road parallel to it
2.7
Water:
4.0
Reach a dirt road parallel to a very large canal running generally E-W; turn R (E)
6.3
Water can be obtained or bought at any village on the trail.
10.3
At a small white building and channel heading R, go
past the channel and turn R (SW) on the dirt road
on the far side of the canal
0.5
Stage Notes:
11.9
As you reach a fenced house with trees in the yard,
turn L with the dirt road toward the village
1.1
12.2
Reach the canal on the E side of the village and turn
R to head SW along the dirt road above it
3.3
15.5
Turn R away from the canal onto a dirt road toward
Erbaş village; follow the dirt road through the village
and continue E
2.2
17.7
Soon after entering a village, turn R on the asphalt
road running N-S through it; a school is just to L
0.2
17.9
Cross the channel, leaving the village, and turn L to
head E on a dirt road
0.4
18.4
Stay straight across the canal bridge, continuing E
0.4
18.8
Cross a small channel and turn L to continue E along
the channel
0.2
19.0
As the dirt road and channel curve slightly L, turn R
(SW) toward the power lines, away from the channel
0.2
19.2
Before reaching power lines, turn L (E) onto a 4x4
lined with large boulders
0.8
20.0
Turn L on reaching the canal, walking along it and
curving R
0.4
20.4
END STAGE at the southern end of Şenocak, on the
N side of the canal just S of town
Though most villages on the stage lack shops or other amenities,
water and bathrooms should be accessible by asking someone
in town. Mosques, when present, generally have water available
outside them as well.
The stage is entirely devoid of shade except where there are villages
END
15.5
Ya
r
Er
11.9
Şenocak
im
ş
ba
se
*
su
Kö
y
Kisas
Kö
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100
Kısas is reached by hourly minibuses from Şanlıurfa. No other
public transportation on the stage
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9.8
ılıkavak
Asri
Continued at
upper right
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Çanakçı
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11.6
Mehmetçik
1.6
1.3
Kesme
500
12.6
500
2.6
İkiağız
600
İbrik
4.9
500
700
700
600
16.3
0
0.0
500
70
Şenocak
5.7
İnci
Karpuzlu
18.5
Dalbaşı
60
0
Ballıca
8.3
700
8.9
9.1
9.8
P a r k
N a t i o n a l
Keçili
21.1
Asri
T e k t e k
70
0
Continued at
lower left
M o u n t a i n s
Karahan Tepe
Kargalı
Çanakçı
700
700
700
600
600
500
11.6
2: Şenocak to Karahan
Distance: 21.1 km
Time: 4-7 hours
Physical Challenge: moderate
Trail Difficulty: moderate
(Harran Region)
Transportation:
km
Walking notes
+km
0.0
BEGIN STAGE at the southern end of Şenocak
where a bridge crosses the canal just S of town. Head
E/SE along the dirt road above the canal
0.3
0.3
Turn L (E) at the first dirt road heading away from
the canal. Soon, continue ESE on an asphalt road
1.0
1.3
As the asphalt road curves L toward a small village,
turn R (S) on a dirt road
0.3
1.6
Pass a 4x4 track heading L, and head E up the hill
away from the dirt road. Continue E and slightly S
over the hills
1.0
It should be possible to obtain or buy water from any village on
the trail. Keçili has been experiencing some problems with the
well and may not have sufficient or good water available; it may
be better to bring some in.
2.6
Reach a hilltop; continue E. Your eventual goal is between the two quarries in the mountain ridge ahead
2.3
Stage Notes:
4.9
Continue straight across an asphalt road; head S for
150m, then head E again
0.8
5.7
Cross a dirt road; a village is off to R and behind
you, and another is ahead over the hills. Continue E
toward a large house on the outskirts of the second
village, and then head ESE, staying to the S of that
village
2.6
8.3
Turn L (E), joining a 4x4 heading downhill toward a
village and canal
0.6
8.9
Turn L on a dirt road; to R is canal/dam. A village is
just across the channel from you
0.2
9.1
Turn R on asphalt road over the canal, into the village (Merkez) and continue SE through it
0.7
9.8
At the Y in the asphalt road, crossing the canal, stay
L (E)
1.8
11.6
Turn R on another paved road at the T, toward the
canal fence
0.3
11.9
Cross the large canal, heading S, then head E up into
the hills, toward a wadi mouth and single tree
0.7
12.6
Turn R and head up the wadi. Rocky and no clear
path
0.9
13.5
As you head E uphill, aim for the stone ring at the
summit of a hill. From here, continue straight E over
hills and valleys toward a cultivated field
2.8
16.3
Cross asphalt road running N-S through a valley, then head head NE along the hillside, heading
gradually up
2.2
18.5
(move point) Continue following the hillside, curving E to stay above the road and valley below to L,
and heading in the direction of some houses on a
hilltop
2.6
21.1
END STAGE at a small group of houses (Keçili); the
caretaker of Karahan Tepe lives here and camping is
possible in the area
END
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
Notes
Water:
While you will enter Tektek Mountains National Park during
this stage, there is no admission fee or restrictions on use of
the park - camping is still permitted anywhere it’s possible and
doesn’t interfere with local residents
The caretaker of Karahan Tepe, Mehmet, lives sometimes in the
houses by the site (Keçili), but is not always there, and works
elsewhere in summer
The stage is entirely devoid of shade except where there are villages
Karahan Tepe
Şenocak
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0.8
Karahan Tepe
s
Küçük Senemağara
l
M
o
P
u
a
n
r
t
k
a
i
n
700
e
n
k
a
70
0
Karahisar
t
o
Sarpdere
k
i
5.4
N
T
a
e
70
0
t
0
60
0
60
600
8.3
600
600
10.5
Cave of Twelve
12.1
12.5
Tel
Inscriptions
1 km
Soğmatar
3: Karahan to Soğmatar
Distance: 12.5 km
Time: 3-5 hours
Physical challenge: moderate
Trail Difficulty: moderate
(Harran Region)
km
Walking notes
+km
0.0
BEGIN STAGE at Keçili, the village of a few houses
just NW of Karahan Tepe. Head SE toward the the
large rounded hill with a small cliff ledge on its top
R
0.8
0.8
Large structure at summit; from here you have a
view to E of the Karahan Tepe ruins. Continue S
along the ridge; your heading for the day is S and
slightly E
4.6
5.4
Cross asphalt road, toward an orchard and cemetery. Continue ESE
2.9
8.3
Cross asphalt road, passing a village on R. Silverdomed mosque on R - water and shade. Head S and
slightly E, parallel to the road, which heads more
to SE
2.2
10.5
From a hilltop with ruins, you can see a brownish
hill ahead, distinct from the lighter-colored stony
hills around it. This is the tel at Soğmatar. Head in
that direction
1.6
12.1
Pass a burial chamber - steps down to a tomb under
a stairwell. Continue toward Soğmatar
0.2
12.3
Chamber on R carved with reliefs - “Cave of
Twelve.” Walk S along the watercourse past houses/
ruins, through a larged walled enclosure with trees,
a concrete shed, and a water pump
0.1
12.5
END STAGE in the center of Soğmatar, as you
reach the asphalt road that comes in from E and
heads S to the school
Transportation:
No public transportation on the stage. You might try asking
for a ride on the buses that bring students and teachers to the
school in Soğmatar, though these may not reach any destination
helpful to you
Water:
You can likely ask for water in Sarpdere, and the mosque in
the village south it of should have water as well. Water can be
bought in Soğmatar.
Stage Notes:
The stage is entirely devoid of shade except where there are villages
END
Karahan Tepe
0.8
0
1km
1000
900
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700
600
500
400
300
200
100
Soğmatar
K
Te arah
pe a
Ru n
in
s
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500
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2
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6
7
8
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12
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13
Soğmatar
Cave of Twelve
0.4
0.0
Inscriptions
0.9
0
60
Örenli
600
600
T
e
k
e
t
k
600
N
a
t
i
o
n
n
u
o
M
a
t
P
l
a
s
n
i
a
r
k
7.4
Dilimli
7.9
9.2
Hocala Köy 10.2
11.9
Akmağara
12.9
12.7
14.1
500
0
50
50
0
Büyük Türbe
Büyük Taşlıca
Başkaragöz
Şuayip Şehri
18.3
abrahampath.org
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City Ruins
18.0
Moses Cave
1 km
4: Soğmatar to Şuayip Şehir
Distance: 18.3 km
Time: 4-7 hours
Physical challenge: moderate
Trail Difficulty: moderate
(Harran Region)
km
Walking notes
+km
0.0
BEGIN STAGE at the center of Soğmatar, where the
asphalt road comes in from E and bends S toward
the school. Head E along the road, below the tel to R
0.4
0.4
Just before reaching a walled enclosure with sheep
pen and concrete shed on R, turn R and head to the
hilltop, curving R back above the tel and town as you
climb the hill
0.5
0.9
After passing carvings of the Sun and Moon gods,
reach the summit and Syriac inscriptions in the rock.
Head generally S, and continue in that direction for
the first part of the stage
6.5
7.4
Cross an asphalt road and continue S; a cell phone
tower is visible in that direction
0.5
7.9
Continue S past a small village of mud-brick houses
1.3
9.2
Continue S across the riverbed and go under the
power lines. Continue toward the village uphill
1.0
10.2
Pass through the village Hocala Köy. Head SE from
town on a dirt road
1.7
11.9
Turn R (S) on an asphalt road going parallel to the
power lines, soon passing Ak Mağara village on L
0.8
12.7
Cross the bridge over the canal, then stay straight
onto an unpaved road with huge dirt heaps on L
0.2
12.9
Turn L (E) away from the unpaved road, walking
along the side of the last dirt heap on L
1.2
14.1
Curve R and ascend a ridge with caves visible, staying R, just above the riverbed so as to pass the lower
cave
0.2
14.3
Continue SE along the ridge, passing a large cave.
In the valley below, along the riverbed, is an asphalt
road; continue to follow the hills above this valley
until you reach Şuayip Şehir
3.5
17.8
On the eastern edge of Şuayip Şehir, find the Moses
cave in a walled enclosure just L of a small round
hill with graves on top. Head SW back into the town
from here
0.2
18.0
At the Y of dirt roads, go R (W), entering a more
densely populated area of town; at the asphalt road
on the W edge of town, turn L
0.3
18.3
END STAGE at the SW edge of Şuayip Şehir where
the asphalt road heads SW
END
No public transportation on the stage
Water:
Ideally, fill up in Soğmatar for the entire day; if more water
needed, try asking in Akmağara.
Stage Notes:
The stage is entirely devoid of shade except where there are villages
Kö
y
Soğmatar
Şuayip Şehri
10.2
In
0.9
0
sc
rip
tio
ns
Ho
Ak
M
ca
la
ağ
ar
a
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900
800
700
600
500
400
300
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100
Transportation:
1km
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
12.4
11
12
14.1
13
14
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15
1 km
500
Bazda
16.2
17.2
50
0
Bazda Caves
14.7
50
0
11.3
Karataş
Han el-Barur
9.9 Göktaş
10.1
9.3
7.5
500
500
5.5
Başkaragöz
500
Büyük Türbe
Köyunluca
3.5
500
2.2
Büyük Taşlıca
0.5
0.0
abrahampath.org
Moses Cave
Şuayip Şehri
City Ruins
500
Akmağara
500
500
500
50
0
50
0
500
5: Şuayip Şehir to Bazda
Distance: 17.2 km
Time: 4-6 hours
Physical Challenge: moderate
Trail Difficulty: moderate
(Harran Region)
km
Walking notes
Transportation:
+km
0.0
BEGIN STAGE at the SW corner of Şuayip Şehir, where an asphalt
road heads SW, with signs for Harran and Han el-Barur
0.5
0.5
Where a dirt road heads R, leave the paved road to continue straight
W, then gradually curve SW away from the paved road, which heads
S
1.7
2.2
Coming down a shallow wadi, meet a 4x4 and follow it SW
1.3
3.5
Crossing a riverbed, the 4x4 curves R. Continue SW away from it
2.0
5.5
After crossing an open unplowed area, reach a dirt road where it
passes a narrow field on L and then a small rocky riverbed on R.
Cross it and head ESE
2.0
7.5
Reach a dirt road running NNE-SSW, and turn L (SSW)
1.8
9.3
Han el-Barur. From the front of the caravanserai, head W on the
asphalt road, then cross a streambed and turn L to walk along it,
past a row of trees toward an underpass
0.6
Stage Notes:
9.9
Pass under the tunnel/underpass, then stay straight toward the low
hill ahead, along a 4x4
0.2
The stage is entirely devoid of shade except where there are villages
10.1
Turn R (W) and walk along a rocky streambed
1.2
11.3
As the streambed begins to wind more, continue W, climbing up
out of it
3.4
14.7
Cross a dirt road running N-S; from this point your heading is
generally WNW
1.5
16.2
Cross the riverbed and head NW; you'll soon reach Bazda with its
large caves in the hillsides
0.6
16.8
Approaching Bazda from the SE side, reach a sidewalk and head
down the stairs. The main cave is on L just at bottom of stairs.
Continue along the sidewalk N into town
0.4
17.2
END STAGE along the main asphalt road, at the store, on the N end
of town
Water:
If needed, you may be able to get water from Göktaş. Otherwise,
bring enough for the day from Şuayip.
END
ur
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
No public transportation on the stage
Bazda
Ha
n
el
-B
ar
Şuayip Şehri
9.3
0
1km
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
abrahampath.org
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
17.2
17
1 km
Sugeldi
17.3
16.7
15.8
14.1
Toytepe
Bulgurlu
Gürgelen
13.7
Bozyazı
Çelpan
Aydınlar
Balkır
Yayvandoruk
V a l l e y
8.6
Ulluağaç
Selalmaz
Çepkenli
Duran
Yaygılı
Çağbaşı
Arın
Oğulcuk
Aylak
Ünlü
Öztaş
3.7
2.3
500
Küplüce
Harran Culture
and Tourism Center
İmambakır
H a r r a n
Tekneli
Bellitaş
Bazda Caves
0.0
abrahampath.org
0.8
Bazda
0
Varlıalan
Kumbet
Hotel
20.3
18.5
Harran University Ruins
Tantana
Şükürali
Kabataş
Yolgider
400
Harran
Ulu Camii
Kırmıtlı
Yardımlı
400
Bazda Motel
Bükdere
Harran
*
Joseph’s Well
Buğdaytepe
Kuruyer
50
500
500
400
6: Bazda to Harran
Distance: 20.3 km
Time: 4-7 hours
Physical Challenge: moderate
Trail Difficulty: easy
(Harran Region)
km
Walking notes
Transportation:
+km
0.0
BEGIN STAGE at the small store along the road at the N edge of
Bazda; head uphill, S, then SW, to the hills above
0.2
0.2
Head W over the next range of hills, staying L of the roadcut and
wide highway that goes over the hills
0.6
Hourly minibuses between Harran and Urfa from 7am-5pm;
5TL.
0.8
Top of the hill with the high roadcut. Continue generally W
1.5
2.3
Water:
Reach a large dirt road running N-S, parallel to a large canal (which
runs through a tunnel as the E-W asphalt road crosses it). Turn R to
head N on this dirt road, soon crossing the asphalt road
1.4
3.7
Turn L (W) on the third gravel road you pass after crossing the
asphalt road
4.9
8.6
Reach a village (Ulluağaç); at the T, go R. Then stay L on the dirt
road, to continue W out of the village
5.1
13.7
Stay on the dirt road curving slight L as another joins from R and
you begin to walk parallel to a channel
0.2
13.9
Cross the channel and turn L to keep heading W along it, passing a
few houses on R
0.2
14.1
Stay straight (SW, then W) on the paved road that curves in from L
(road from Bazda)
1.7
15.8
Turn R (NW) at the T onto another paved road at the sign for
"Şuaypşehri" and "Şoğmatar"
0.9
16.7
Continue straight past the Yaman Gaz station
0.5
17.3
Turn R just before "Öz Bulut" shop on R. Follow the asphalt road
0.3
17.6
Turn L on the dirt road along the channel
0.9
18.5
Where the dirt road curves R toward town and you cross a canal,
turn down L onto a 4x4 then R onto another, into the fields, W
toward Harran. Continue on as the track becomes a very overgrown
4x4
0.5
19.0
Reach a large canal on the western edge of Harran. another fence
and canal. Go through a small gate, turn R on the bridge over the
canal, then turn L on the white gravel road inside the city, heading
SW
0.1
19.1
Continue SW past "beehive" houses on R
0.3
19.4
Turn R onto a wide gravel street, as you approach the water tower
and castle. Then turn L onto a rough paved road toward castle.
Before the turn, beehive houses ahead on R and L
0.2
19.6
Turn R onto a dirt road at the fenced castle area
0.1
19.7
Turn L just after the road becomes cobbled
0.1
19.8
At the big junction/plaza beside the castle to L, turn R on another
cobbled street.
0.3
20.1
Continue straight past a sign for "Harran Evi" on R
0.2
20.3
END STAGE at a set of information boards by a large flag; the ruins
of Harran University are just to N
Stage Notes:
The stage is entirely devoid of shade except where there are villages
END
Harran
ağ
aç
Bazda
lu
*
Ul
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
You should be able to obtain water from any of the villages
along the trail.
8.6
abrahampath.org
0
1km
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
17.3
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
20.3
19
Abraham Path
Harran Region (Turkey)
In the Harran Valley are the cities of Harran, the place where Abraham resided until departing on his storied
travels southward; and Urfa, where local tradition holds he was born and lived much of his life. To the east of
this flat plain, where agriculture still dominates as it has since the earliest days of wheat cultivation, rises the
plateau of the Tektek Mountains. This maze of rolling limestone hills holds a vast timelessness, and among its
peaks are hidden the remains of ancient and mysterious temples, cultic sites, and trade routes.
The Harran Valley is full of farming villages, but the Tektek Mountains, where most of the region’s route lies,
are very remote and dry, and the wide-stretching, rolling landscape makes navigation a challenge - hikers
here should come with a guide, or be very familiar with multiple navigation techniques. Travelers should also
plan their supplies carefully - if spending the nights in family homestays, food can be arranged, but otherwise
most of the region lacks shops or places to refill on groceries. The lack of shade and vastness of the hills also
mean hikers must bring plenty of water with them.
Accommodation:
Harran Culture and Tourism Center: $45/person; bed in a room shared with your group. Includes dinner and
breakfast.
Kumbet Hotel: Single 35TL, double 50TL
Bazda Motel: 35TL/person
Wild camping is legal anywhere. In the area of most towns, try asking a local for a good place to camp. In the
hill, the greatest difficulties are finding flat ground to camp on, and spots where you will have a bit of privacy
- curious visitors are to be expected if you are at all in view.
The area near Karahan Tepe is good for camping; if the caretaker (in the house nearby, at the stage end) is
home, ask him to camp; you may also be able to buy water.
Abraham Path
Harran Region (Turkey)
Transportation:
From outside the region, Harran is closest to GAP airport (GNY) near Şanlıurfa; from here a shuttle runs
every half-hour into Şanlıurfa city. Hourly daytime buses run from Şanlıurfa to Harran, as well as to Kısas at
the other end of the route.
Between these two points, public transportation is virtually absent; hikers should arrange private transportation, come with a guide who will arrange it, or be prepared to hike self-supported.
21