Balıklıgöl, Urfa’s Mystical Symbol
Balıklıgöl in Şanlıurfa is intertwined with the story of Prophet Abraham being thrown into the fire. According to legend, Nimrod throws Prophet Abraham into the fire. However, the fire turned into water, and the logs turned into fish. For this reason, the fish in Balıklıgöl are considered sacred and are never eaten. There is also a saying in the region that whoever sees a white fish in Balıklıgöl will go to heaven.
Even with a small allowance given to street children in Urfa, you can get information about the lake in many languages.
The legend of Balıklıgöl does not end here. It has also been rumored for a long time that the fish in the lake have healing properties. According to another legend, there were three types of fish in the lake. The first would scratch and peel the wound, the second would clean and eat the wound, and the third would dress the wound.
Its religious significance also attracts the interest of local and foreign tourists to the region. It has an atmosphere full of peace and tranquility.
Very close to Balıklıgöl, there is another lake known as Ayn Zeliha. The lake, meaning “Zeliha’s Eye,” bears the name of Zeliha, who was Nimrod’s daughter and wept for Prophet Abraham.
