What is the history of the ancient city of Edessa, which was built around a hot spring in southeastern Turkey?

The ancient city of Edessa, known as Urfa in modern-day Turkey, is believed to have been founded around the 3rd century BCE. The city was built around a natural hot spring, which was considered sacred by the locals and became a center for healing and pilgrimage. Over the centuries, Edessa was ruled by various empires, including the Seleucids, Romans, Byzantines, and Islamic caliphates.

One of the most significant events in the history of Edessa was the conversion of the city to Christianity in the 2nd century CE. According to tradition, the apostle Thaddeus preached in Edessa and converted the king and his court to Christianity. Edessa became a major center of Syriac Christianity and was known for its theological school and the translation of the Bible into Syriac.

In the 7th century CE, the city was conquered by the Islamic Umayyad Empire and became known as Urfa. It remained an important center of Islam and was visited by several famous Muslim scholars and mystics. During the Crusades, Edessa was briefly held by the Crusaders, but was soon recaptured by the Muslims.

Today, Edessa is a bustling city with a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of the city, including the impressive citadel and the ruins of the ancient city walls. The hot spring, which is still active, is a popular tourist attraction and is believed by some to have healing properties.