Gülizar Konuk Evi

Sıra gecesi is a Şanlıurfa institution: a rotating evening gathering where guests sit on floor cushions, live musicians work through the region's long-form laments and up-tempo folk songs, and the table is laid around the music rather than the other way round. Gülizar Konuk Evi, on Divanyolu Caddesi in the city centre, has turned that custom into a nightly programme open to visitors. Bağlama, davul, zurna and ney accompany local performers through the evening. At the centre of the table is çiğköfte, the raw-bulgur preparation kneaded by hand in front of guests, served alongside Urfa kebab, regional mezes and şıllık — a layered pastry dessert soaked in syrup. The building itself is a stone guesthouse in traditional Urfa style, and it works as lodging as well: rooms come with air conditioning, television, free wifi and private bathrooms, with a 24-hour reception, laundry and room service. The venue can also be booked privately for weddings, engagements, birthdays and company events, and the house arranges guided trips towards Balıklıgöl, Göbeklitepe, Halfeti and Harran. Advance booking is required to join an evening; parking is available on site.