Sunken minaret

Story

Rising along the banks of the Euphrates throughout Halfeti's ancient history, the Sunken Minaret is one of the rare structures representing the architectural richness of the Islamic period that today lies underwater. With its arched mihrab and ornate stonework, the visible remains of this minaret have become a silent witness to a historic heritage submerged when the river's water level rose after the dams built in the 20th century. In Halfeti, a region once ruled by the Assyrians, Romans, and Ottomans, the craftsmanship and artistic sensibility of the era are evident in the stone carvings of this minaret, an example of Islamic architecture. Visitors can observe the ruined, slender dome of this submerged minaret and the nearby old settlement areas, especially in spring when the water level drops; a tour with local guides will reveal intriguing connections that shed light on life in Halfeti a thousand years ago.