14.05.2026 18:50
Described as the 'hidden paradise' of Southeastern Anatolia, Halfeti, the 'Slow City' district of Şanlıurfa, aims to break a tourism record this year by hosting 1 million 200 thousand visitors with its historical texture submerged underwater and its world-famous Black Rose.
Although located in the middle of the steppe in Southeastern Anatolia, Halfeti district of Şanlıurfa, which has the appearance of a coastal town thanks to the Birecik Dam Lake, is expected to receive over 1 million visitors this year.
THE HIDDEN PARADISE OF THE SOUTHEAST
In the district, described as a "hidden paradise" of Southeastern Anatolia with its historical stone houses and natural beauties, tourists explore the "sunken city," a part of which is submerged underwater, by boat tour.
The area known as Savaşan village, where the minaret of the submerged mosque and abandoned old structures are located, is among the places that attract attention. Visitors who also tour the partially submerged Ulu Mosque get the chance to see the "Black Rose," which grows only in this district in the world.
SUBMERGED SETTLEMENTS BECOME A HUB FOR TOURISTS
Halfeti District Governor and Acting Mayor Sinan Korkmaz stated that the district has hosted ancient civilizations since the past. Emphasizing that the submerged settlements are a frequent destination for tourists visiting the district, Korkmaz said: "Since Halfeti is a district that takes the culture of both Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa, it can be considered right in the middle of the two. Here, we can see the influence of both Urfa and Antep in the cuisine. From eggplant kebab to tomato kebab, onion kebab, we also have fruit kebabs specific to Halfeti. We are right in the season now. May-June is our best time to visit Halfeti.
The boat tour is an absolute must for us. We depart from Halfeti Marina. Our guests can see the Kız Mağarası (Girl's Cave), Rumkale, Savaşan village, and depending on some visitors' preference, Çekem village, and have the chance to experience these beauties."
TEKNOFEST'S INFLUENCE ON VISITS EXPECTED
Pointing out that TEKNOFEST being held in the city this year will have an impact on the number of visitors, Korkmaz continued: "Halfeti hosted over 950,000 guests last year. This year, we expect around 1 million 200-250 thousand guests. First and foremost, the sincerity and smiling faces of our Halfeti citizens and fellow townspeople will welcome these guests. Truly, this is one of the places that must be seen in Turkey, perhaps in the world. We have a Cittaslow (Slow City) title."
“THEY CAN VISIT OUR SUNKEN MOSQUE AND BLACK ROSE GREENHOUSE”
Soner Astarlı, who came from Germany to visit Halfeti, stated that he saw the district on social media and was very curious. Expressing his happiness at seeing Halfeti, located in the middle of the steppe, Astarlı noted that everyone should come and see this place.
Zeki Özdilek, a shopkeeper in Halfeti, stated that they closed last year with a good tourism season and said, "This year, we are gradually starting to host our tourists. Visitors coming to Halfeti can go to Rumkale by boat tours on the Euphrates River. After Rumkale, they can go to Savaşan village and visit our sunken mosque and black rose greenhouse."