In the mountainous area of southeastern Turkey lies a historical site – Gobekli Tepe. Findings there might have changed history as we know it as archaeologists believe they have unearthed what may be the world's oldest temple dating back 12,000 years.

The findings at the UNESCO World Heritage list suggest rituals were carried out at the site. There are carvings of lions, scorpions and foxes on some of the walls. All of this is believed to have taken place about 6,000 years before the invention of writing, according to archaeologists.

Turkish officials say Gobekli Tepe in Sanliurfa City already attracts many international tourists, but not enough.

In the first eight months of 2018, over 27 million tourists visited Turkey. While Russian and German tourists topped the list, only about 250,000 came from China.

Aiming to attract more tourists, Turkey's travel agencies association "TURSAB" has organized a two-day tour in Gaziantep and Sanliurfa for the ambassadors of China, India, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Ukraine.

The cultural sites in the two cities were introduced to the ambassadors during the visit.

TURSAB President Firuz Baglikaya says they are especially focusing on attracting Chinese tourists.

"Chinese tourists are very important for Turkey. China is sending 130 million tourists to different sides of the world, so our short-term target for China is 500,000 tourists for this year and in the long-term we would like to reach two million tourists in a few years," Baglikaya said.

Guests were especially fascinated during the next stop where the group enjoyed a boat tour on the Euphrates river, and a visit to the historical Rumkale – a fortress called the "Roman Castle". Adding to the flavor was traditional music playing on the boat, which encouraged the guests to enjoy dancing together as the sun set.

Chinese Ambassador to Turkey Yu Hongyang emphasized that more tourism from China could also benefit Turkish-Chinese ties "because tourism cooperation between the two countries is very important part of our bilateral relations." 

The ambassadors also paid a visit to the Zeugma mosaic museum in Gaziantep. The ancient mosaics depict art that dates back to the Roman empire – walls, floors, columns covered in mosaics are a must-see for history lovers.

One key aspect of the tour was also gastronomy. Guests enjoyed tasting Turkish cuisine, with one meal at Sanliurfa being served inside a cave.

TURSAB officials plan to repeat these tours for ambassadors in Turkey in other parts of the country such as in Capadoccia and Galipoli.