Updated on May 23, 2026

Haran City

CityOld Testament

36.8667°N, 39.0333°E View on Map

About Haran (Location)

Haran was a city in northern Mesopotamia where Abraham's father Terah settled and died. Abraham left here at God's call to go to Canaan. Jacob later fled here to escape Esau and worked for his uncle Laban for twenty years, marrying Leah and Rachel.

Linked to this placeAbrahamLived in Haran before God called him to Canaan

History of Haran

Patriarchal~2100 BC
Terah, Abraham's father, settles in Haran and dies there
GEN 11:31-32
Patriarchal~2091 BC
God calls Abraham to leave Haran for Canaan
GEN 12:1-4
Patriarchal~2026 BC
Abraham sends his servant to Haran to find a wife for Isaac
GEN 24:1-10
Patriarchal~1929 BC
Jacob flees to Haran to escape Esau and live with Laban
GEN 27:43, 28:10
Patriarchal~1929-1909 BC
Jacob works for Laban in Haran for 20 years, marrying Leah and Rachel
GEN 29-31

Notable Characters in Haran

Abraham

Lived in Haran before God called him to Canaan

Jacob

Spent 20 years in Haran working for his uncle Laban

Laban

Lived in Haran; employed and deceived Jacob

Rachel

Jacob met Rachel at the well in Haran

Leah

Married to Jacob through Laban's deception in Haran

Locations Related to Haran

Biblical Significance of Haran

Haran (in modern-day Turkey) was a major trading city on the route between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean. It became a halfway point in Abraham's journey from Ur to Canaan - a place where he paused before fully obeying God's call. For Jacob, Haran was both a refuge and a place of transformation, where he experienced deception (as he had deceived others) and where most of his children were born. The city represents the tension between the familiar and God's promised land.

Key Verses about Haran

Genesis 11:31-32 Genesis 12:1-4 Genesis 29:1-14

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Abraham's family stop in Haran?+