An ancient village about 30 km from Sanliurfa stood to see several kingdoms, civilizations and prophecies for thousands of years. Eleven prophets were reported to be in and around this place. Nabi Ibrahim (as), Nabi Ayub(as), Nabi Musa (as) and the rest of their descendants were proved to be living in Harran. Modern day excavations found the remnants of their life in this area. Islamic historians also wrote about the said prophets had spent their life here.
Harran had seen many battles in many different civilisations. Great conquerors came and gone leaving broken walls and mighty castles to stand the test of time. Natural disasters swept away the remaining buildings and living quarters. Now what’s left is an isolated outpost with traditional village of Badouin people. The donkeys still roamed the dusty roads each one pulling a cart of dried hays and sometimes people. Although only a few minutes from the city center this place seemed so remote and scary.
We stopped at the cultural house and a guide came to greet us. He showed us around his grandfather’s house with conical roof and mud walls. The interior was huge and divided into several living areas. He told us that his grandfather married 9 women and had 45 children. They all lived in this house. He insisted on us to try his overall long dress and head scarf. So we did and played Badouin for half an hour.
The ruins of the original Harran university were also visible . It is said to produce great scholars such as al-khawarizmi, al- Farabi, Ibn Taimiyyah and the rest of the Islamic philosophers and thinkers.
By 5 pm we headed back to the city. Stopped by a restaurant for dinner. Wow what a big dish: chicken wings, meat- something, roasted eggplant and a lot of salad. But it missed something— rice. For me no rice means it is only a big bloated snack. I love to have kunefe/baklava to end the meal but the sweet syrup at the bottom will shoot my glucose level to the sky.
The visit was brief but I felt lucky to stand there and witnessed the place of those intellectuals that I admired for so many years. I wish someone could tell me more about their life. As the time has passed for thousands of years, narrations might be distorted or made up to fill the gaps. So I must accept that small fact of historical narratives. Maybe I can find better and clearer information in my next and final destination— Istanbul .
By Maghrib we settled the payment. One day fee for our tour guide was 7500 lira (RM1100).He drove us around from 9:00 to 18:00; showing us places that were really remarkable. His service was excellent and really worth it. Thank you, Abdul Salam!
By 7:20 am we were already on the way to catch Havaş bus to the airport. It was a weekday morning and everyone was rushing and running to catch their bus to work. What a funny scene. Our flight to Istanbul on AJet was delayed. A bit bumpy at first but was fine for the rest of the flight. Bought mineral water [40 lira](10 lira at shop) and Peanuts [110 lira](30 lira at shop). Of course airline food is expensive but sometime you just wanted to spend (hahaha).Flying budget airline with no meal. By 2pm we started descending into Sabiha Airport in Istanbul.
Another episode of dragging the luggage across the airport to the metro station will soon begin. InsyAllah everything will be alright.
