Urfa Digital History and Culture Island
Visit
The museum stands in the Balıklıgöl – Halilürrahman complex, right next to the Rızvaniye Mosque Complex, in the very heart of the historic city and within easy walking distance.
OPENING HOURS
Tuesday – Sunday 08:00 – 17:00
Closed on Mondays
- MondayToday
- Closed
- TuesdayToday
- 08:00 – 17:00
- WednesdayToday
- 08:00 – 17:00
- ThursdayToday
- 08:00 – 17:00
- FridayToday
- 08:00 – 17:00
- SaturdayToday
- 08:00 – 17:00
- SundayToday
- 08:00 – 17:00
The Island is open every day from Tuesday to Sunday, 08:00–17:00, and closed on Mondays. To see all areas comfortably, we recommend arriving by 16:00 at the latest.
Arrangements for public and religious holidays are announced by the Governorship of Şanlıurfa.
Admission
Admission is free; no ticket or reservation is required. For large groups and school visits, please inform the Governorship of Şanlıurfa in advance so that the areas can be enjoyed comfortably.
LOCATION
Urfa Digital History and Culture Island
Balıklıgöl – Halilürrahman complex, Eyyübiye, Şanlıurfa, Türkiye
East of the Rızvaniye Mosque Complex, west of the Mevlid-i Halil Dervish Lodge, on the north shore of the lake.
- How long?
- Allow 60–90 minutes for all areas.
- Which languages?
- All screens and audio narration in Turkish, English and Arabic.
- For whom?
- Visitors of all ages; movement-based discovery areas for school groups and families.
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
Within walking distance
The museum sits within Şanlıurfa's densest historic fabric. You can combine your visit with these nearby places:
- Lake Coffee HouseBalıklıgöl Plateau · New project area70 m from the museum
- Rızvaniye Complex and Mosque1736 · Ottoman80 m from the museum
- Balıklıgöl Plateau and Model HallBalıklıgöl Plateau · New project area80 m from the museum
- Zero Waste WorkshopsBalıklıgöl Plateau · New project area100 m from the museum
- Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham)Faith tradition · Multi-layered110 m from the museum
- ObservatoryBalıklıgöl Plateau · New project area110 m from the museum
SUGGESTED VISIT PLAN
Suggested visit plan
- 01Opening Screen and Urfa in the Time Tunnel
As you come down the stairs, pause before the round screen; then follow the thirteen eras on the curved wall and the ring above.
- 02Interactive Wall and Interactive Screen
Reach out: your touch becomes light, your movement becomes Urfa's living heritage. A favourite for families with children.
- 03Digital Show Hall and Digital Urfa Tour from the Sky
For a few minutes, be inside Urfa in the hall where all four walls turn, and above it before the giant curved screen.
- 04Visual Feast, Stone Mirror and the map screens
Find the works hidden beneath the sand; pick the places you want to see in the city on the map and take them to your phone by QR code.
- 05Gastronomy, Folk Dances and the Hologram Show
Discover Urfa's table and its dances; take the recipes with you by QR code. At the last stop, the works appear in mid-air.
- 06Step out to Balıklıgöl
As you leave the Island, the Rızvaniye and Halilürrahman complexes are a few steps away; the real places you have just seen are waiting.
GETTING HERE
Getting here
- About a 10-minute walk from the city centre (Haşimiye); follow the signs to Balıklıgöl.
- About 35 km from GAP Airport to the city centre; airport shuttles and taxis are available.
- From the intercity bus terminal, city buses and taxis to the Balıklıgöl stop.
- Visitors arriving by car can use the car parks around Balıklıgöl.
Accessibility
- All content in Turkish, English and Arabic.
- Audio narration for historic places and eras; on your phone via QR.
- If you have specific needs, letting the Governorship of Şanlıurfa know before your visit helps staff assist you.
Visitor guidelines
- In the interactive areas your hands and body are all you need; touch the touchscreens gently and do not touch LED surfaces with hard objects.
- In the show halls image and sound work together; please take care not to disturb other visitors when entering or leaving during a show.
- Children should always be accompanied by an adult.
- Photos without flash and short videos for personal use are welcome; professional filming requires permission.
- Food and drink are not allowed in the experience areas.
When are you open?
We are open every day from Tuesday to Sunday, 08:00–17:00, and closed on Mondays.
Is there an admission fee?
No. Admission is free; no ticket or reservation is required.
How long does a visit take?
Visiting all thirteen points takes about 60–90 minutes. The full thirteen-era tour of Urfa in the Time Tunnel alone takes a few minutes.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The Interactive Wall, the Interactive Screen and the Stone Mirror are points children can explore with their hands and movement.
May I take photos and videos?
You may take photos without flash and short videos for personal use. Professional or commercial filming requires permission from the Governorship of Şanlıurfa.
Can I see the content after leaving the museum?
Yes. QR codes on the kiosks and LED screens open each place's phone page; the Historic Places and Urfa in the Time Tunnel pages on this site offer the same content.