About Halfeti
Halfeti spent centuries as a quiet river town of stone houses and steep lanes on the banks of the Euphrates, at the western edge of Şanlıurfa province. When the reservoir of the Birecik Dam filled, part of the old town slipped beneath the water, and today its half-submerged houses and the lone minaret of Savaşan village are among the most photographed sights in southeastern Türkiye. Limestone canyons, jade-green water and the famous black rose, said to darken because of the local soil, give the town a beauty that is striking and a little melancholy.
The thing to do here is a boat trip from the old town's waterfront. Most routes cruise past the drowned houses toward Savaşan and the cliffs below Rumkale, and some stop so you can climb up to the fortress. Halfeti works as a day trip from Gaziantep or Şanlıurfa, but staying overnight lets you enjoy a sunset cruise and the calm of the river after the day visitors leave. Round off the day with a riverside fish lunch and a look at the black rose gardens. You can compare Halfeti boat tours from local firms on TurTalebi and pay securely by card.
Halfeti Tours
Tours run by local firms in the area. Pick a date, see the price and book securely by card.
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All ToursTop Things to See
Euphrates Boat Trip
Boats leave from the old town's landing and wind between limestone cliffs, passing streets and homes that now sit underwater. Sunset departures give the warmest light for photos of the canyon and its reflections.
Rumkale Fortress
Perched on a sheer rock above the far bank, inside Gaziantep province, Rumkale served for a time in the Middle Ages as the seat of the Armenian Catholicos. Its walls look most dramatic from the water.
Sunken Minaret of Savaşan
The minaret of Savaşan village's flooded mosque rises straight out of the reservoir, an eerie and unforgettable sight. Most boat tours slow down here so everyone on board can take photos.
Halfeti Black Rose
Halfeti's deep crimson roses turn almost black in the summer heat, a quality locals credit to the soil and water. Look for rose seedlings and rose products sold at stalls around town.
Old Halfeti Lanes
The houses that stayed above the waterline, with their stepped lanes and riverside tea gardens, are a pleasure to explore on foot. Several old stone mansions have been restored as small guesthouses.
Plan Your Trip
When to Go
The best months are April to June and September to October, when days are warm, the riverbanks are green and conditions on the water are ideal. The black rose blooms in spring and summer and reaches its darkest shade in the hottest months. July and August can be scorching, so book an early-morning or sunset cruise. Weekends and Turkish holidays bring crowds of domestic visitors, while weekdays are far quieter.
Getting There
The closest airports are Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa GAP, and the drive from either city takes about one and a half to two hours. The road arrives first at the new town on the plateau, then descends to old Halfeti on the riverbank. Public transport is limited, so a day tour or rental car is the easiest way to go. Halfeti slots neatly into a road trip between Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa as a one-day detour.
Practical Tips
- Time your boat trip for late afternoon so the canyon walls and reflections glow in the sunset light.
- Boats offer little shade in summer, so bring a hat, sunscreen and water for the cruise.
- The old town's lanes are steep and stepped, so wear comfortable shoes with soles that grip.