Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham)
The legendary pool of sacred carp
Image credit: Anadolu, CC BY-SA 3.0
About
In the heart of Şanlıurfa, lying in the shade of plane trees, Balıklıgöl is, according to legend, a sacred pool formed where the prophet Abraham was cast into the fire by King Nimrod. As the belief goes, the fire turned into water and the firewood into the sacred carp in the pool. The clear pool, full of carp regarded as sacred and forbidden to catch, is surrounded by the Rızvaniye and Halil-ür Rahman mosques, arcaded courtyards and rose gardens. This peaceful place, flocked to by local and foreign visitors, is both a religious and a visual attraction. Where the spiritual atmosphere of "the City of Prophets" is felt most strongly, Balıklıgöl brings together history, faith and natural beauty, and is the city's symbolic, must-see stop.
History
Balıklıgöl is an ancient centre of faith associated with the prophet Abraham; the surrounding Halil-ür Rahman Mosque dates to the 13th century and the Rızvaniye Mosque to the 18th. The pool and its surroundings have been considered sacred by people of different faiths for centuries.
Visiting Tips
- ✓You can feed the fish but catching them is forbidden
- ✓Visit the surrounding mosques in appropriate clothing
- ✓Walk in the rose gardens and courtyards
- ✓Late-afternoon light and coolness are ideal
- ✓Climb up to the nearby Urfa Castle too
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham)?
Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham) is located at Eyyübiye, Şanlıurfa in Şanlıurfa.
When is the best time to visit Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham)?
Recommended time: March – May and October – November.
