Postal Code: 63950
Population: 2,766 (2000)
Population: 2,766 (2000)
Although the history of Halfeti goes to the 5th century B.C., during the year of 855 B.C., the area was conquered by King Salmanassar I of Assyrian Kingdom. After the Assyrians Meds, Persians, Seleucid Kingdom, Romans, Sassanids, Amevis, Abbasids and Egyptian Mamelukes dominated the place and the name of the city was "Kal'a Rhomeyta" during the Suriani Christians.
In 1292, Mameluke king Malik Al Eshref included Rumkale (Greek Castle), and in 1516, Ottomans added Halfeti into their territories after the Mercidabık Battle.
The name of Halfeti comes from a Romeo-Juliette-type hopeless love story of a couple named Halil and Fatma. After sometime they jumped into River Euprates hand in hand got lost in the river and out of this couple, the name HALFETİ was given to the town.
On the other side of the river across from Halfeti, the Rumkale is considered to be a very important holy structure for the Christians. The castle was built out of steep and unpassable rock along the river. This castle was used as the place for archibishopric and St. Nerses, Armenian Patriarch, was there until he died where large religious ceremonies were held until 1913.
During water accumulation at the Birecik Dam in 2000, which was founded in 1998, half of Halfeti (including the fruit and nuts' orchards), was left under 53.5 meters/176 feet of water.
Abridged and translated from 'National Geographic Türkiye', November 2004, pp. 188-204 by K. Can Arman.)
In 1292, Mameluke king Malik Al Eshref included Rumkale (Greek Castle), and in 1516, Ottomans added Halfeti into their territories after the Mercidabık Battle.
The name of Halfeti comes from a Romeo-Juliette-type hopeless love story of a couple named Halil and Fatma. After sometime they jumped into River Euprates hand in hand got lost in the river and out of this couple, the name HALFETİ was given to the town.
On the other side of the river across from Halfeti, the Rumkale is considered to be a very important holy structure for the Christians. The castle was built out of steep and unpassable rock along the river. This castle was used as the place for archibishopric and St. Nerses, Armenian Patriarch, was there until he died where large religious ceremonies were held until 1913.
During water accumulation at the Birecik Dam in 2000, which was founded in 1998, half of Halfeti (including the fruit and nuts' orchards), was left under 53.5 meters/176 feet of water.
Abridged and translated from 'National Geographic Türkiye', November 2004, pp. 188-204 by K. Can Arman.)
: 25 Sep 2006/16:15 GMT |
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