Halfeti: A Hidden Gem in Turkey's Land of Karagul

Berfin Ceren Meray
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Halfeti, situated in the Sanliurfa province of Turkey and also known as the Land of Karagül, is a remarkable district that boasts a plethora of captivating sights, rich culinary and cultural traditions. It is considered the pearl of Southeastern Anatolia and an absolute must-see destination. Halfeti introduces its visitors to a unique blend of diverse cultures that reflects the region's rich historical heritage. There are countless attractions to explore, from breathtaking historical landmarks to hidden gems tucked away in the region's stunning natural scenery. You'll also be delighted by the region's rich and diverse cuisine, which is sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're drawn to the area's cultural, historical or culinary offerings, Halfeti is undoubtedly a place that should be on your travel bucket list.

Information About Halfeti

Halfeti is a district located in the west of Şanlıurfa Province, Turkey. When it was founded by the Assyrian king Salmanassar III in 855 BC, this district, which bore the name 'Shitamrat', remained under the administrations of the Hittites, Assyrians, Medes, Persians, Macedonians, Seleucids and Parthians. The fact that it has seen so much civilization has made Halfeti full of historical beauties. At the same time, he has also contributed to the fact that his culture is very diverse.

A large part of eighty percent of the district was moved to the new settlement center established 15 kilometers away with the construction of the Birecik Dam and the houses were submerged. The district, where houses and mosques made of stone architecture are under water, attracts attention with its natural beauty.

Halfeti has also been referred to with names such as 'Hidden Paradise', 'Lost City' with its stone architecture under the Euphrates River. In recent years, it has become the pupil of both domestic and foreign tourists.

It is one of the cities that received the title of 'Cittaslow', that is, 'Calm City' at the International Coordination Committee meeting, where 11 cities from Turkey and 208 cities around the world were included.

Where is Halfeti? How to Get to Halfeti?

Halfeti is a town and district of Şanlıurfa Province, Turkey. The district center is connected to the Gaziantep-Sanliurfa highway by a 40 km long asphalt road.

At the same time, it is quite easy to reach Sanliurfa Halfeti, which is connected to Birecik by a 35-kilometer coastal road. The distance between Halfeti from the surrounding centers is as follows:

The distance to Şanlıurfa is 112 km

The distance to Gaziantep is 105 km

The distance to Kahramanmaraş is 175 kilometers

It is possible to come to Halfeti by plane and bus. Sanliurfa GAP Airport, which is 35 km away from the city center, can be reached by plane; from here you can take buses to Halfeti.

If you are going to cross from Şanlıurfa to Halfeti with your own vehicle, you can reach it in an average of 2 hours via the D-400 Road. The O-52/E90 and D875 Roads are also alternative roads that allow you to reach the district in 2 hours.

Places to Visit in Halfeti

With its houses made of stone architecture, Halfeti offers countless beauties to its visitors. There are so many places to visit here. We can sort them as follows:

Old Halfeti

Rum Castle

St. Nerses Church

Asma Köprü

Barshavma Church

Old Halfeti

The Old Halfeti, which is mostly flooded today due to the overflow of the Birecik Dam, still continues to be a tourist center. The historical buildings rising from under the waters, the black roses and all the other details are worth seeing here.

Address: Gurluce, 63950 Halfeti/Sanliurfa

Greek Castle

The Greek Castle is located on a peninsula on the Euphrates River. The castle built in 855 BC is one of the must-see places in Halfeti, the Greek Castle, which is one of the beautiful examples of Byzantine and Armenian architecture. Although this place is located within the borders of Gaziantep, it is very easy to reach by boat tours from Halfeti.

Address: Kasaba, Kasaba Village Road, 27970 Yavuzeli/Gaziantep

Asma Köprü

The bridge located on the Euphrates River is illuminated especially at night and has a pleasant appearance. Unique photos can be taken on the bridge built by the district Governor's office at any time of the day.

Eating and Drinking in Halfeti

Sanliurfa is one of the most important gastronomic cities of Turkey. The cuisine here is so rich that everyone who goes can't get enough of eating and drinking. The most famous foods of Halfeti are:

Poppy Seed Kebab

Shabut Fish

Urfa Kebab

Bostana

Keme Kebab

Lebeni

Liver Kebab

Tirit

Lahmacun

Şıllık

Çiğköfte

Billuriye

Kelle Paça

Ağzı Açık

Aya Patties

Stuffed Mumbar

Söğülme

Halfeti President's Place Duba Restaurant

This is one of the best places for you to taste the famous dishes in Halfeti. This business, which amazes everyone who goes with its scenery and comfort, also stands out with the flavors on its menu.

Address: Şimaliye, Şimaliye Neighborhood Atatürk Caddesi, Köse Sokak No:17, 63950 Halfeti/Şanlıurfa

Phone: 04147515704

Working Hours: 09.00 - 23.30

Halfeti Venice Restaurant

If you want to eat the most delicious kebabs in Şanlıurfa Halfeti, you should definitely stop by the Halfeti Veneti Restaurant. The Halfeti Venice Restaurant is waiting for you with both the view and the taste of its dishes.

Address: Şimaliye, Atatürk Cd. No: 5 D:3, Halfeti/Şanlıurfa

Phone: 0546 127 63 01

Working Hours: 07.00 - 00.00

Accommodation in Halfeti

If you want to spend a few days here when you come to Halfeti, our accommodation suggestions for you are as follows:

Kasr-ı Canan Boutique Hotel

This hotel is one of the most preferred businesses in Şanlıurfa Halfeti. Kasr-ı Canan Boutique Hotel is one of the most ideal places to stay in Sanliurfa, both with its breakfast, cleanliness and peaceful and comfortable atmosphere.

Address: Shimaliye, GÖKSEL STREET, Orta Cd. No:1, 63950 Halfeti/Şanlıurfa

Phone: 05376563701

Turkmen Mansion Boutique Hotel

Turkmen Mansion Boutique Hotel is ideal for those who are looking for a cozy and comfortable holiday experience. After your exhausting trips full of history and culture in Halfeti, you can relieve the fatigue of the day here.

Address: Now, Middle Cd. NO:21, 63950 Halfeti/Şanlıurfa

Phone: 05558998844