Halfeti ready for tourism season

ŞANLIURFA – Anadolu Agency

AA photo

Preparations have been finished for the new season in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa’s Halfeti district, which was declared a slow city in 2013 by the Cittaslow General Committee. 

Enterprises have reviewed their restaurants and eliminated their shortcoming for the new season. The most popular tourist attraction in the district, tour boats on the Euphrates, were also upgraded and decorated for tourists. 

Halfeti, some parts of which were inundated because of the Birecik Dam, is known as the hidden heaven of the southeast for its natural beauty and historical stone houses. Tourists can visit the sunken part of the district on boats and have the chance to see Rumkale Castle during boat tours. 

Another popular place in the district is Savaşan village, which is home to the minaret of a mosque and abandoned old houses that were inundated after the dam came online. 

Visitors can also see the unique Karagül plant, which is endemic to the region.

Halfeti District Gov. Mutlu Köksal said they were developing various projects to improve tourism in the district.

“Tourism investors in the district are ready for the new season. We don’t have any problem in transportation, accommodation and restaurants. Thanks to the projects that have been carried out with the support of the Development Ministry, almost one more Halfeti has been added to the district. Halfeti is keeping its natural beauty and history, but it is growing at the same time,” he said.