Halfeti
A sunken town of the 'black rose'
Image credit: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0
About
On the banks of the Euphrates in Şanlıurfa, Halfeti is an enchanting and melancholic town that became famous as a "sunken village" after being partly submerged beneath the waters of the Birecik Dam. With its half-submerged minaret and houses, it is an essential stop for boat tours. Boat trips on the river offer the chance to discover the half-sunken mosque of submerged Savaşan Village, the rock-cut Rumkale and tranquil coves. The steep canyons surrounded by green waters lend the area an extraordinary natural beauty. Halfeti is also famous for its rare rose — grown only in these lands and known as the "black rose" for the darkness of its colour. Where history, nature and legend meet the water, Halfeti is the most poetic and restful escape around Şanlıurfa.
History
With a history reaching back to the 9th century BC and the Assyrians, Halfeti was partly submerged beneath the waters of the Birecik Dam, completed in 2000. The old settlement was therefore relocated; the submerged structures and the rare 'black rose' turned the town into a tourist attraction.
Visiting Tips
- ✓See the submerged minaret on a boat tour
- ✓Visit Rumkale by boat
- ✓Try to see the rare 'black rose'
- ✓The river view at sunset is magnificent
- ✓About a 1.5-hour drive from central Şanlıurfa
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Halfeti?
Halfeti is located at Halfeti, Şanlıurfa in Şanlıurfa.
When is the best time to visit Halfeti?
Recommended time: April – June and September – October.
