About the place
In May 2021, I led a small group of enthusiasts to southeastern Turkey. Near the Syrian-Turkish border, not far from Harran, we discovered a small village—the ancient Sogmatar, now known as Yagmurlu. What we found there was astonishing. With limited information available online, I had few expectations, but the site proved remarkable. Though we only spent two hours exploring, the village deserved far more attention. I would recommend dedicating at least a full day to experience it properly.
Join us on our trip through southeastern Turkey
Sogmatar was an ancient pagan city with archaeological remains dating back to the 2nd century. Sacred images of sun and moon gods are carved into the rocks, marking where sacrifices once took place. Like nearby Harran, Sogmatar served as a center for the worship of the moon god Sin between 150-200 AD. The entire area was considered sacred, believed to represent Mare-late (Lord of Gods). Worshippers directed their prayers toward the hill's center, similar to how modern prayers face Mecca.
Seven temples were discovered in the area, earning it the name "City of the Seven Temples."
A mobile shop, housed in a converted bus, had stopped in the village. Women and children formed a queue in front of it, likely to purchase household goods and food, though I kept my distance.
As we walked through the village, we were joined by a crowd of children of various ages. They asked for money and candy. Though we shared what we had, it wasn't sufficient. There was something surreal about the whole scene—the eager children, the scorching heat, the ancient stone houses, and these mysterious ruins standing isolated in the middle of nowhere.
Archaeologists discovered six mausoleums and 120 graves around the village, including family graves with burial chambers for children. Inside these chambers, they found clay horses and chariots. Today, local villagers use many of these ancient caves and tombs as shelters for their sheep.
Join us on our trip through southeastern Turkey
This place is truly unique. Most tourists only make it as far as Harran, stopping briefly without realizing the remarkable site that lies just beyond.
Practical information
The ruins of Sogmatar lie approximately 57 km from Harran in southeastern Anatolia. The site is easy to find—simply follow the signs from Harran. You'll need your own vehicle to reach it, as taxis are prohibitively expensive. While there are no organized tours available and the location is quite remote, the journey is well worth the effort.
Location
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