The Pool of Abraham : Balikli Göl in Sanliurfa

Sanliurfa is one of my favorite cities in Turkey, even though I originally went there for one reason only.

That was to see the pool of Abraham, known as Balikli Göl in Turkish. As a major landmark of the region, it is visited by many Turks as well as foreign tourists.

What is the Pool of Abraham aka Balikli Göl?

This pool is believed by Muslims to be the place where Abraham was thrown into the fire by Nimrod. Abraham is mentioned in three major religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism but in Islam, he is called Ibrahim.

The pool is a special place for practicing Muslims because of the importance of Ibrahim. He was the same prophet who was prepared to sacrifice his son for Allah.

The story says that when Ibrahim landed in the fire, Allah turned the flames to water and the burning logs into fish, hence the translation of the Turkish name into “lake of fish”.

Since Abraham / Ibrahim is also a prominent figure of Christianity, the pool is on the agenda of most Christian tours throughout Turkey.

The Fish of Balikli Göl

Forget any thoughts about fishing because the carp fish are considered sacred. Due to their protected status, it is no surprise that reproduction now means there are hundreds of them in Balikli Göl and the nearby Ayn Zeliha Lake.

Every visitor is encouraged to feed the fish so I purchased a few bags of fish food from one of the vendors. Within minutes all food had gone. When it was thrown into the water, there was a frenzy of fish, splashing around to compete for their next meal.

All the fish were dark grey or black but one local said there is also white carp fish and if you see one of them, it is a sign that you are truly blessed in life.

He also said the only time they have been spotted was in the early hours of the morning. During daylight, they just disappear.

How to get to Balikli Göl

The pool is in the old town of Sanliurfa and I was pleased to discover I had booked a hotel immediately opposite the park where the pool is located. I had allocated a full afternoon to spend at the pool but an hour was enough. See the map below for directions.

From the entrance of the park, there is a fifty meter walk past a mosque before you enter under the archway to the pool. It is a long oblong construction and also includes the Halilurrahman mosque on its premises.

The architecture seemed typical Middle Eastern with decorative archways, three domes and a mosque minaret but I do wish there was an English speaking guide who could have told me more about the surrounding buildings.

There is no entrance fee so that leaves you free to spend all your money on fish food!

Readers Question : I enjoyed Balikli Göl even though I am not religious. Do you like visiting religious places as well?

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Hi. I'm Natalie, a freelance travel blogger and writer specializing in the country of Turkey. I love hot summer days, historical sites and coffee.

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Comments

Natalie says
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Thanks Mehmet – Can I ask what the southeast is like for travelling these days? I get many foreigners asking about the situation because of the PKK, refugees and close distance to Syria. Can you give any info on that?
Mehmet Emin says
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Hi Natalie,

First of all, congratulations! You have taken some really good photographs of the place.

I am Mehmet, an English teacher, was born and still living in ?anl?urfa.

It’s said if you eat those fish, you turn into stone. 🙂 I think this is something mythical. The fish are black and not that big. It may be because of how they feed. And I heard the caviar of the breed is unhealthy. People may have got sick because of that. And these rumours may have originated from there.

But anyway, nobody should try eating the fish. They don’t look delicious. 🙂
Natalie says
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Hi Alan, yes, I have heard that too however think it is just urban myths.
alan mckee says
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hi! this is great. anyways i’hve heard that ,if we eat those fish we will be cursed or doomed.. is that true? i’hve never seen black carps before… and these are too small.
plz answer my question. thx 🙂
Natalie says
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You are welcome Alexandra – it is one of my favourite places as well
Alexandra says
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Urfa was one of my favorite places in Turkey! Actually one of my best moments in 2 1/2 years of travel happened in that town. Thanks for the flashback!
Natalie says
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Very true Jade and the more you understand about a country’s religion, the more you can understand the people
Jade Johnston - OurOyster.com says
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Even though I am not religous, I love vising religious sites. Religion is very important in cultures around the world, so you need to sort of understand it, if you want to understand the place you are visiting
Natalie says
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Thanks Jennifer : Hope you make it here one day because it really is a magnificent country
Jennifer says
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Beautiful! There are so many places I’d like to see in Turkey that I’ve found from following along with your blog.
Natalie says
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Oh there is loads of places to visit in Turkey April. Hope you make it soon
Natalie says
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You would love this place Natasha. It is not grand or large but very nice
April says
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You have given me another place on my list of places to visit! Very interesting.
Natasha von Geldern says
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Yes I love visiting sacred or religious sites, although often for their historical and cultural value rather than any spiritual reason. This sounds really fascinating – great post. I love hearing about places I’ve never heard of!
Natalie says
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I never saw any Syrians Corinne. Did you visit before the war because I heard that border tourism was good then but as soon as the war started, it dropped.

Re the Kunefe. Hubby has been trying to get me to eat it for years but I just don’t like it. Same as Baklava! So I passed while he tucked into a big plate full with icecream!
Natalie says
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Joy – I am so glad to find someone else who also thought Gobeklitepe was a disappointment. Everyone raves about it and I wondered if I had missed something!
Natalie says
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In that case, you would love this place GN. I wish there was more factual information to be found on the internet though
Natalie says
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Definitely put it on your list Carol. you will not be disappointed
Natalie says
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Do you have any set dates for travel yet Christopher?
Corinne says
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One of the best things about Sanliurfa is that many tradtional Syrians come there…great portrait opportunities…Also try the kunefe! Best in Turkey! Love Urfa!
Joy @My Turkish Joys says
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Beautiful! Somehow we totally missed this in Urfa as we were racing to get to Gobeklitepe, which actually was a HUGE disappointment. I’ve been wanting to do a post about how Gobeklitepe and Catalhoyuk – 2 important sites but don’t really offer a lot to see. Hopefully, we will make it back to Urfa someday.
The GypsyNesters says
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Like you, we love to visit sacred sites for historical and architectural reasons. For me, the stronger the spiritual aspects the better – to tune in to the culture, past and present, heightens my experience greatly. Great photos Natalie! -Veronica
CarolB says
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Hi Natalie, thanks for the information. I’ve never been to Turkey, but it is on my “must get to” travel list. I can’t wait to learn more about Turkey through your blog.
christopher says
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Very informative. Loved this and have added it to my Turkey Wish List.