Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Yigal Levin <leviny1 AT mail.biu.ac.il>]

Dear James, 

You cite "Tradition" as if there is only one, authoritive tradition, and the
burden of proof lies with anyone who disagrees. As far as I know, this is a
local tradition which the people of Urfa encouraged in order to attract
tourists and pilgrims. Since, as I admitted before, there is some logic to
it, some modern scholars have accepted it or parts of it. But really how old
is the tradition? When is it first attested? I have never really looked into
it, and would be glad to hear from someone who has. 

Yigal Levin

-----Original Message-----

Hi Mark,

best thing would probably be to read the recent origin of Abram  
thread. It provides a good summary of the competing theories.  
Tradition places Abram's birthplace at modern day Sanliurfa in Turkey.

Crossing over the river takes you there.

James Christian