Balıklıgöl (or Pool of Abraham, Halil-Ür Rahman Lake), is a lake in the southwest of Şanlıurfa city center known in Jewish and Islamic legends as the place where Nimrod threw the Prophet Abraham into a fire. Balıklıgöl and neighbouring Aynzeliha lakes are among the most visited places in Şanlıurfa.Put Balikligol into our Sanliurfa trip itinerary site to see other points of interest to visit during your vacation in Sanliurfa.
According to Jewish and Islamic tradition, Abraham was born in Urfa, and angered King Nimrod by opposing idolatry and falling in love with the king's daughter Zeliha. Nimrod sentenced Abraham to death and built a pyre, but as Abraham was thrown onto the fire, the flames turned into water and the logs into fish. Abraham supposedly fell onto the ground on the site of Halil-Ür Rahman lake. Aynzeliha lake was supposedly formed by Zeliha's tears, and the water is said to turn anyone who drinks it blind.
The lake is in the courtyard of Halil-ur-Rahman Mosque. The area is also known as the Pool of Abraham or the Pool of Sacred Fish, because of the belief that the fish are holy due to their connection to the story of Abraham. Visitors are encouraged to feed the fish, with local vendors nearby selling small bags of fish food.
Makam-ı İbrahim Mosque and cave are situated to the South East of the lakes, and are also considered to be connected to the life of Abraham, being the cave where Abraham is said to have been born.
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Balikligol reviews
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There are fish roaming in small pools even inside the mosques and shops around the lake with fish. I guess there sacred fish. more »
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The fish Lakes named aynzeliha and ibrahim prophet in Urfa ( Al –ruha-Edessa)are located south of the castle in the city center. One of the lakes connected by canals is Aynzeliha, which is closer to..... more »
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A fascinating landmark of Turkey. Mirroring the stories of prophet Abraham (p.b.u.h.), the area is a must for any history, architecture or religion lover. Beautiful pools filled with fish, which according to legend are turned from firewood to fish by gods hand. Great restaurants, local food and green areas for relaxing are also available. Clear Recommendation!
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A must see. The gardens surrounding the pound are amazing and the location beneath the citadel unique as the overall atmosphere. There are 3 mosques worth a visit (the oldest one currently in renovation) and the Abraham's cave is a must see.
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