Sanliurfa: Where Fire Turned to Water, Anger to Rose
A day in the land of prophets, from the coolness of Balıklıgöl to Göbeklitepe, the ground zero of history.
Balıklıgöl: Abraham's Fire and Rose Garden
According to rumor, when Nimrod threw Prophet Abraham into the fire from the top of the castle, Allah commanded the fire 'Be cool and safe'. The fire turned into water, and the wood into fish. Here, Balıklıgöl (Lake Halil-ur Rahman) is the surviving sign of that miracle. The fish inside are considered sacred and no one touches them. Watching the silhouette of Rizvaniye Mosque reflecting on the water while walking by the lake and breathing that spiritual atmosphere softens one's heart. The adjacent Aynzeliha Lake is said to be formed from the tears of Zeliha, Nimrod's daughter who believed in Abraham. This is love and faith turned into water.
Station of Patience: Prophet Job's Cave
Another important point to visit in Urfa is the cave where Prophet Job (AS) suffered his relentless illness. This place, where the prophet, the symbol of patience, suffered and eventually healed with healing water, is a frequent destination for those seeking a cure for their troubles. Going down to the cave and contemplating in that narrow space causes us to be ashamed of our own small troubles. Drinking healing water from the well right next to it and praying is a must for this visit. Urfa is a teacher that teaches patience to people.
Sira Night and Urfa Cuisine
It is impossible to come to Urfa and return without eating liver, without tasting the heat of isot pepper. In this city where liver is eaten even for breakfast, flavor is a lifestyle. In the evenings, one must join 'Sira Nights' organized in historical mansions. This is not just musical entertainment, but a gathering of decency and conversation. These nights, where raw meatballs (çiğ köfte) are kneaded, long folk songs are sung, and end with mırra (bitter coffee), are the most vivid example of Anatolian culture. Be careful while drinking mırra; if you put the cup on the ground, according to tradition, you either have to fill the cup with gold or marry the host!
"When the heat of the Southeast hits your face, that spiritual coolness by Balıklıgöl will surprise you. This is the place where Prophet Abraham (AS) said 'Hasbunallah' (Allah is sufficient for me) against Nimrod's cruelty. Urfa consists not only of stone buildings; every street smells of patience, every corner of tawakkul. If Istanbul is the king of cities, Urfa is the pir (elder) of cities. If you are ready, we are going to the lands where legends are real."
Conclusion
When leaving Sanliurfa, not only your stomach (with those famous liver kebabs) but also your soul will be full. The prayers you made while throwing feed to the fish, the healing water you drank in Prophet Job's cave of patience, the journey you made to the depth of history in Göbeklitepe... All will remain in your memory as lessons rather than just memories. The open-heartedness of Urfa people, like 'Halil Ibrahim Table', will remind you of humanity again. This city is more than a tourist route; it is a school of faith.