Where Is Balikligol? Discover the Sacred Pool and Its Fascinating Legend in Turkey

Balikligol is a unique natural and historical beauty in the heart of Şanlıurfa, notable for its spiritual atmosphere and mystical story. The lake, which is about 150 meters long and 30 meters wide, has a depth ranging from 3 to 5 meters. The carp-type fish that live in the lake are considered sacred among the people and are inedible. These fish, woven with legends, are also a reflection of the belief values of the region.

According to legend, a miracle took place when Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire, and it is believed that the place where this event took place is today's Balikligol and its surroundings. So, what is this miraculous story behind Balikligol?

History of Balikligol Görseli — Throughout history, Urfa, or Şanlıurfa, has been home to many great civilisations such as Ebla, Akkad, Sumer, Babylon, Hittite, Aramaic, Assyrian, Persian, Macedonian, Osroene, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad, Abbasid, Aqq Qoyunlu and Ottoman. One of the oldest discoveries in this ancient city, which has a deep-rooted history of about 12 thousand years, is the statue of the Man of Urfa unearthed during excavations around Balikligol. It was determined that this statue dates back to 9,000-10,000 BC.
The oldest known structures on the Balikligol plateau belong to the Osroene Kingdom, which ruled in the region between 132 BC and 242 AD. Palaces, temples and important buildings belonging to this kingdom were located in the region. After Osroene, the Roman and Byzantine civilisations also ruled here for many years. The water structures built during these periods are of great importance both in the past and today.

The Legend of Balikligol Görseli — Balıklıgöl is considered to be the place where an event of great importance in Islamic belief took place. According to the legend, idolatry was widespread when Prophet Abraham lived. Prophet Abraham opposed this belief and invited the people to the true religion. This situation disturbed Nemrut, the ruler of the time.
To punish Abraham, Nimrod had a huge fire lit in front of the people. Today, it is believed that the place where this fire was lit is the area where Balikligol is located. Abraham was thrown into the fire with a large catapult from a high point where Urfa Castle was located. However, at this very moment, Abraham prayed to Allah, and Allah accepted his prayer. The burning fire suddenly turned into water, and the wood into fish. Hz. Ibrahim fell into the water without any harm.
Nimrod's daughter Zeliha also threw herself into the fire after him with her faith and love for Abraham. Another lake was formed where she fell. For this reason, Lake Halil-ür Rahman and Lake Aynzeliha in the region are associated with this miraculous event.

How to Visit to Balikligol?

Balikligol is located in Eyyübiye, one of the central districts of Şanlıurfa. It is possible to reach from different points in Turkey.

Transportation by Air

Those who prefer the airline can easily reach Balikligol by city shuttles, taxis or buses after landing at Şanlıurfa GAP Airport.

Transportation by Road

Visitors who prefer the highway can easily pass to Balikligol from the city centre after reaching Şanlıurfa with their private vehicles or by intercity bus companies.

From Ankara: 810 km
From Izmir: 1251 km
From Istanbul: 1263 km away

When to Visit Balikligol?

Şanlıurfa has a very hot climate in the summer months. For this reason, the best period to visit Balikligol is in the fall and winter months. During these seasons, the weather is milder and more suitable for sightseeing. However, if hot weather is not a problem for you, you can visit at any time of the year.

What to Eat Near Balikligol?

You can taste delicious examples of Şanlıurfa cuisine around Balikligol. We especially recommend you try the following:

Hashash Kebab: It is a local type of kebab prepared with armoured lamb and special spices and cooked on a skewer.

Eggplant Kebab: Unique to Şanlıurfa, it is the perfect harmony of roasted eggplant and meat.

Shabut Fish: This delicious fish that lives in the Euphrates River is cooked and served with traditional methods.

Şıllık Dessert: It is the original dessert of Urfa cuisine, where thin dough meets walnuts and sherbet.

Places to See Around Balikligol

These are the historical and touristic spots you should visit when you visit Balikligol:

Gölbaşı Park: It is a peaceful park that offers recreational areas where you can walk around the lake.

Aynzeliha Lake: According to the legend, this lake, which was formed where Zeliha fell, is located right next to Balikligol and attracts attention with its spiritual atmosphere.

Halil-ur Rahman Mosque: Located on the shore of Balikligol, this historical mosque is one of the elegant examples of Islamic architecture.

Şanlıurfa Castle: It is known as the place where Abraham was catapulted into the fire. It offers a magnificent view of the city and the lake from the hill.

Rizvaniye Mosque: Built in the 18th century, this mosque is located right on the edge of the lake and features classical Ottoman architecture.

Customs Inn: A historic Ottoman-era inn with tea gardens and handicraft shops.

Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum: Many important archaeological artifacts, especially Göbeklitepe, are exhibited in this modern museum.

Bedesten Bazaar: An authentic bazaar selling traditional handicrafts, spices and local products.

Kitchen Museum: It is a museum where information about Şanlıurfa food culture is presented and traditional kitchen tools are exhibited.

Atatürk Dam: One of the largest dams in Turkey, Atatürk Dam is ideal for both nature trips and photography enthusiasts.

Kızılkoyun Necropolis: This area, which attracts attention with its rock tombs, is an ancient cemetery.

Grand Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in the city, it attracts attention with its architecture.

Sipahi Bazaar: It is a traditional bazaar where local clothing and fabric products are sold.

Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum: It is especially famous for its mosaics depicting Amazon women warriors.

Church of the Twelve Apostles: It is a church that is thought to belong to the early Christian period and attracts attention with its historical atmosphere.

Historical Hızmalı Bridge: It is one of the important structures that stands out with its stone architecture and has survived from the past to the present.

Prophet Job's Patience Makamı: It is a holy place where Prophet Job, known as the Prophet of Patience, is believed to have retreated during his illness.

Göbeklitepe: This UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the oldest known temple structures in human history, is one of the symbols of Şanlıurfa.

Balikligol Visitor Reviews

Balikligol welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout the year. Here are the comments of some visitors who visited this sacred place:

“One of the most important symbols of Şanlıurfa, the City of Prophets. It is very easy to reach thanks to its central location. The ambience is spectacular, especially in the evenings. Be sure to read the legend before you go.”
“It is one of the must-visit places in Urfa. Entrance is free. However, parking can be a problem. It was fun to feed the fish in the lake. Their ice cream was also very good. Don't forget to read Fatiha.”
“Urfa takes on a completely different beauty in the evening. One day is not enough to visit Balikligol, I recommend that you spend at least two days. The kebab shops around it are great.”
“This historical and spiritual place is a must-see. If you visit it together with the castle, you will feel the story better. It is very crowded on holidays. Going with historical information makes the trip more meaningful.”
“It is much more impressive than it looks in the pictures. You find peace while visiting the maqams. You feel like time stops while praying.”