At the beginning of the millennium, in the year 2000, a dam was constructed on the Euphrates River. The town of Halfeti, around the Euphrates River, was submerged by the water, resulting in the creation of Old Town Halfeti. Old Town Halfeti, now partially submerged and contained by the Euphrates River, will be forever preserved in the mystical waters. The city, preserved by water, exudes a haunting beauty and mystery. Although the construction of the dam resulted in the loss of a cherished part of the city, it can also be argued that this loss opened the door to a new significance for Halfeti. Following the submergence of the old town beneath the waters, it emerged as a sought-after tourist destination for individuals in search of a distinctive and surreal experience. In 2013, Halfeti was announced as a Cittaslow, establishing the town's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and traditions.

To better understand Halfeti, let us delve deeper into its history. The town of Halfeti has been influenced by a wide variety of cultures, particularly the Roman, Eastern Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman Empires, which have all had an impact on the architecture. The town's name has changed during each succession of rulers. Halfeti developed into a hub for agriculture and handicrafts while it was under Ottoman administration. 

Submerged beneath the waters, the Grand Mosque stands as a significant architectural landmark in Halfeti. The Grand Mosque was built between 1804 and 1807 and represents local culture through the use of local stone artisans. Now, only the minaret of the mosque can be seen peeking above the water's surface. Despite being partially submerged, the Grand Mosque still exudes a sense of beauty and grandeur, serving as a haunting reminder of Halfeti's rich past. The mosque's architectural details and intricate carvings showcase the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans who created it centuries ago. As visitors gaze upon the minaret rising above the water, they can't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the history and culture that lie beneath the surface of Halfeti's tranquil waters. It is truly a sight to behold.

Maybe one of the most important and magical aspects of Halfeti is the rose. The town is famous for its unique black roses, which can only be found in this region in Türkiye. The colour of the roses is determined by the pH levels present in the soil. These roses remain black only in this region, and if you cut them and take them away, they lose their colour. In the same way, you cannot remove the soil from this area and anticipate that the roses will retain their distinctive black hue. Because of its cultural and natural significance, the Halfeti black rose has also served as inspiration for notable perfumes. The town is home to the Mesopotamian hyacinth, too, a beloved flower valued for both its beauty and its medicinal qualities. The Mesopotamian hyacinth grows exclusively near the Euphrates River in Halfeti, rendering it a rare and significant flower deserving of admiration.

As a Cittaslow city, Halfeti commemorates its slow food culture with festivals like the "Fruit Dishes Festival". The festival is a celebration of local agriculture and traditional dishes. Erik Tava, loquat kebab, and stuffed vine leaves with sour cherries are among the most important examples of the tradition of combining fruit and meat dishes. The festival attracts both locals and tourists who are eager to experience the unique flavours of the region. The festival is a celebration of the rich culinary history and cultural heritage of the area. Halfeti, a slow city, also hosts the “Fragrance Festival”, a celebration of the region's endemic flowers. Throughout this festival, participants explore together the path, taking in the scent of blossoms and discovering their distinct characteristics. The festival includes workshops focused on perfume design and provides tours of the black rose gardens.

Exploring Halfeti Old Town is possible through scenic boat rides on the Euphrates River. During this boat ride, you will witness the minaret of the Grand Mosque and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the sunken city. While cruising along the river, visitors can admire the traditional Ottoman architecture of the old stone houses lining the water's edge. The peaceful atmosphere of Halfeti Old Town allows for a leisurely exploration of its narrow streets and historic buildings. The boat ride offers a unique perspective of the sunken city and its fascinating history, making it a memorable experience for all who visit Halfeti.

Halfeti, rich in history, nature, cuisine, and culture, stands out as one of the most captivating Cittaslow cities to discover. Along the Euphrates River, which has inspired numerous songs and served as a home for many civilisations, Halfeti embodies a profound sense of resilience and tranquillity. The Euphrates River was the site of the fabled city of Uruk, where the tale of Gılgamesh unfolds. In Uruk, Gılgamesh confronted mortality and sought to overcome it, ultimately coming to terms with humanity's inevitable destiny. This is a shared characteristic between Old Town Halfeti and Gılgamesh. Both serve as reminders of the impermanence of life. To be able to witness the beauty of water along with the pride of architecture reminds us of the irony of life, in which everything is impermanent, while some things remain.