Halfeti lies on the eastern bank of the Euphrates, in the westernmost part of Şanlıurfa Province. Today, the town is divided into Old Halfeti and New Halfeti. This division offers a first glimpse of the destination: Halfeti combines the history of a flooded old town with a water route, historic buildings, and activities on land and water.

Old Halfeti and the Water Route

The old town of Halfeti, with its farmhouses and a mosque, was flooded when the Birecik Dam on the Euphrates was completed in 2000. Daytime boat tours with refreshments visit historic and tourist sites along the water route. Old Halfeti can be reached from the shore in small rental boats. For planning purposes, these offer two different perspectives: daytime boat tours focus on visits along the water route, while small rental boats provide access to Old Halfeti from the shore. Check the times and costs of each option before planning a trip.

Water Sports and Hikes

Water sports in Halfeti include water skiing, jet skiing, diving, rowing, and canoeing. While diving, you can see flooded landscapes as well as historic sites and buildings beneath the water. These activities also offer different perspectives on the water: a daytime boat tour visits historic and tourist sites along the water route, while diving lets you see the submerged landscapes and buildings.

There are also various options on land: day hikes of varying difficulty are possible in Halfeti. The wider Halfeti district also has hiking trails and mountain biking routes through nature. The day hikes are in Halfeti, while the hiking and mountain biking routes are in the district. When comparing activities, you can consider both your preferred focus—walking, mountain biking, or being on the water—and the geographical scale.

Buildings and Historic Sites

Halfeti’s tourist attractions include natural stone houses, caves, churches, and historic streets. Two mosques also provide specific historical reference points: Merkez Mosque dates from the 19th century, while Ulu Mosque was built between 1804 and 1807. Kanneci Mansion in Halfeti is 200 years old; there, you can enjoy Turkish tea or Turkish coffee. Asma Köprü is known as the “Necklace of Halfeti.”

Another well-known image comes from the nearby village of Savaşan: its half-submerged minaret is considered one of the most iconic images of Halfeti. Savaşan is a separate place in the area around the destination. Along with the historic sites and buildings beneath the water, the minaret points to different aspects of the history and landscape around Halfeti.

Local Cuisine and Seasonal Highlights

Şabut fish is considered one of Halfeti’s important culinary specialties. Black roses are also part of local lore: legend has it that they grow in Halfeti; locals call them “Crying Arab Girl.” The roses bloom in spring and autumn. If you would like to take this seasonal highlight into account when planning your trip, these two blooming seasons are the relevant times to consider.

Discover more destinations: Kınalı, Akçakale, Harran, Viranşehir, Deniz, Şanlıurfa, Siverek, Boztepe

For the wider travel overview: Şanliurfa.