Türkiye’s Forgotten Halfeti Returns to Spotlight With Submerged Villages Ancient Fortresses and Cultural Wonders

Written By: Ricky Acharjee

Ricky Acharjee

I am travel writer at Travel And Tour World with 3 years of experience covering global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news. Dedicated to accurate reporting and compelling storytelling, Ricky explores the trends, innovations, and developments shaping the international travel industry while delivering engaging insights for travellers and industry professionals.

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September 7, 2026 6:02 PM

Image generated with Ai

Halfeti in southeastern Türkiye is emerging as one of the country’s most extraordinary cultural destinations, offering travellers a rare combination of ancient history, natural beauty, unique traditions and dramatic landscapes. Located along the banks of the Euphrates River in Şanlıurfa Province, this remarkable town attracts visitors with its mysterious sunken ruins, historic architecture, legendary black roses and breathtaking river views.

Unlike conventional city breaks focused only on museums, shopping or modern attractions, Halfeti delivers an immersive journey into Türkiye’s past. From exploring the submerged remains of Old Halfeti by boat to discovering centuries-old fortresses and tasting the flavours of nearby Gaziantep, the destination offers experiences that connect travellers with the deep cultural identity of southeastern Anatolia.

Old Halfeti Offers A Unique Journey Through Türkiye’s Forgotten Heritage

One of the most unforgettable experiences in Halfeti is a boat tour through the historic Old Halfeti area. The calm waters of the Euphrates River reveal a landscape where history and nature exist side by side, allowing visitors to witness traces of the former settlement that now rests partially beneath the water.

Among the most important landmarks visible during exploration is the Grand Mosque, locally known as Ulu Cami. Built between 1804 and 1807, the mosque represents the architectural style of the Ottoman period and remains an important symbol of Halfeti’s historical character.

The town’s connection with nature is equally remarkable. Halfeti is internationally recognised as the home of the rare karagül, or black rose. This unusual flower, famous for its dark colour and limited natural cultivation area, has become a powerful symbol of the destination. Visitors interested in horticulture and unique botanical experiences often seek out the black rose as one of the highlights of their journey.

Rumkale Reveals Thousands of Years of Civilisation Along the Euphrates

A boat trip from Halfeti also provides access to Rumkale, one of the region’s most impressive historical sites. Positioned on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Euphrates River, the ancient fortress reflects the influence of multiple civilisations that shaped southeastern Anatolia.

The site carries historical traces from several major powers, including the Urartians, Babylonians, Sumerians, Seljuks and Ottomans. Each civilisation contributed to the region’s cultural development, leaving behind layers of architecture, traditions and historical significance.

For travellers interested in archaeology, history and ancient settlements, Rumkale offers a fascinating glimpse into the strategic importance of the Euphrates River throughout history. The combination of dramatic landscapes and archaeological heritage makes the site one of the most memorable attractions near Halfeti.

Travelling From Istanbul to Halfeti Becomes A Cultural Adventure

The journey from Istanbul to Halfeti is not only about reaching the destination but also about discovering the diverse regions of Türkiye along the way. Travellers can choose from several transport options depending on their preferred balance between comfort, budget and travel time.

One possible route combines Istanbul’s Marmaray rail service with high-speed train connections, buses and taxis. Travellers can begin their journey from Yenikapi and travel by Marmaray towards Pendik before continuing by high-speed train towards Sivas. From there, a bus connection to Gaziantep followed by a taxi journey of around 57 miles completes the route to Halfeti.

This option provides an opportunity to explore some of Türkiye’s historic inland destinations. Sivas, located in central Anatolia, is known for its impressive collection of Seljuk and Ottoman heritage sites. Visitors can discover landmarks such as the Divriği Great Mosque and Darüşşifa, the Double Minaret Madrasa and Sivas Grand Mosque, which showcase the region’s architectural importance.

Rather than being simply a transfer point, Sivas transforms the journey into a cultural experience filled with historic discoveries.

Gaziantep Adds Culinary Excellence To The Halfeti Experience

Another popular way to reach Halfeti involves travelling by road through Gaziantep, a city internationally recognised for its extraordinary culinary heritage.

Known as one of Türkiye’s leading food destinations, Gaziantep has gained global recognition for its traditional cuisine and was included in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for Gastronomy. The city provides travellers with an opportunity to experience authentic flavours, local markets and centuries-old culinary traditions before continuing towards Halfeti.

Visitors can explore Gaziantep’s famous dishes, including regional specialities prepared with local ingredients and traditional techniques. The city also offers important cultural attractions, including the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient mosaics and archaeological treasures.

For travellers who enjoy combining food, history and culture, stopping in Gaziantep creates an additional highlight before reaching the peaceful landscapes of Halfeti.

Scenic Road Journeys Showcase The Changing Face of Southeastern Türkiye

Travellers seeking a slower and more immersive adventure can choose a long-distance bus route from Istanbul towards Gaziantep before completing the final section to Halfeti by taxi.

Although this journey requires significant travel time, it allows visitors to experience Türkiye’s changing geography. The route moves from the urban energy of Istanbul towards the landscapes of southeastern Anatolia, revealing rural communities, wide-open countryside and regional traditions along the way.

For many travellers, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. Instead of simply flying over the country, overland travel provides a closer connection with Türkiye’s diverse landscapes and local way of life.

New Railway Development Could Strengthen Access To Southeastern Türkiye

Future infrastructure improvements could make travel across southeastern Türkiye easier and faster. Türkiye is preparing to test its upcoming 312-kilometre high-speed railway connecting Mersin and Gaziantep.

The new railway project is expected to reduce the journey time between Mersin and Gaziantep from approximately six and a half hours to around two hours and fifteen minutes. Improved rail connectivity could enhance access to destinations across the region and create new opportunities for travellers exploring southeastern Türkiye.

As transport links continue to develop, destinations such as Halfeti may become more accessible to both domestic and international visitors.

The Sunken Town Of Halfeti Creates A Destination Unlike Anywhere Else

The most defining feature of Halfeti is its extraordinary transformation after parts of the original settlement disappeared beneath the Euphrates River in the early 2000s following the construction of the Birecik Dam.

Today, the flooded remains have created one of Türkiye’s most unusual travel experiences. Boat tours allow visitors to see partially submerged stone houses, historic structures emerging from the water and the famous minaret of the old mosque rising above the river.

This unusual combination of loss, history and natural beauty has turned Halfeti into a destination filled with mystery. The town represents a rare place where visitors can experience both the memories of an ancient settlement and the beauty of a modern river landscape.

With multiple travel routes connecting Istanbul and southeastern Türkiye, Halfeti offers travellers the freedom to choose not only their destination but also their journey. Whether through historic cities, culinary capitals, scenic roads or future railway connections, the path to Halfeti becomes an unforgettable part of discovering one of Türkiye’s most captivating hidden treasures.