Halfeti, Turkey: The submerged town famous for its black roses

The town of Halfeti in Turkey's Şanlıurfa province has undergone a profound transformation following the construction of the Birecik Dam in 2000. The dam, which stands 61 meters high, was part of a regional development program on the Euphrates and Tigris rivers designed to generate 2,500 GWh of electricity annually and irrigate 70,000 hectares of land.

However, the project resulted in significant local loss, with approximately 40% of Halfeti submerged under the 52 km² reservoir. The flooding displaced over 6,000 people and swallowed stone houses, shops, and parts of the historic Central Mosque. Researcher Erhan Yıldırım noted that while the dam provides energy, the local culture remains submerged.

Halfeti is now globally recognized for its unique 'black' roses, known as Karagül. While botanically a very dark red, the flowers are believed to maintain their distinct hue due to the specific local soil, climate, and acidity. The local economy has shifted from agriculture and livestock to tourism, with visitors exploring the submerged streets via boat and participating in diving activities.