Newsletters
Halfeti, a Cittaslow district on the shores of Birecik Dam Lake in Sanliurfa, is drawing strong interest from visitors who want to spend time in a calm landscape shaped by stone houses, water views and partly submerged settlements.
Located in the middle of Sanliurfa’s steppe, the district stands out with its unusual setting along the Euphrates River, where part of the old settlement was left under the waters of the Birecik Dam.
Halfeti was included in the Cittaslow network in 2013 by the Cittaslow International Coordination Committee, a group that recognizes towns known for a slower pace of life and local character.
Known in the region as a hidden paradise of southeastern Türkiye, Halfeti has become a popular stop for both local and foreign tourists because of its historic stone houses and natural scenery.
Visitors can take boat tours across the dam lake to see the “sunken city,” Rumkale, which has hosted many civilizations, the minaret of a mosque partly left underwater, and Savasan neighborhood, where abandoned old structures remain near the shoreline.
The district becomes especially crowded on weekends, when finding space in hotels, boat tours and restaurants can become almost impossible.
Mehmet Karaman, head of the Halfeti Tourism Development Cooperative, said the district welcomed thousands of visitors during the Eid al-Adha holiday.
Karaman said local institutions worked together to host guests properly, adding that visitors showed particular interest in boat tours on the dam lake. He noted that the partly submerged settlements created postcard-like views, and said they were pleased to send visitors away satisfied with their experience in the district.
Tourism operator Abdullah Dirier also said businesses were pleased with the intense interest. He said Halfeti fascinated visitors with its distinctive beauty and added: “This holiday was very good and busy. We hosted our guests in the best way. How happy we are; hopefully, it will continue like this in every period.”
Visitor Yilmaz Demirkaya said he enjoyed the boat tour and had long wanted to see Halfeti, adding that he was pleased to finally visit the district.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
