Aynzeliha Lake (ANZILHA) 💧

Imagine a special lake right in front of a historic castle in the city of Şanlıurfa, where hundreds of fish swim freely. This is Aynzeliha Lake, part of the large and beautiful area known as Balıklıgöl. This lake is not merely water and fish; it also holds a very ancient and significant story.

The waters of this lake are regarded as a symbol of faith and love. Together with the nearby Halil-ür Rahman Lake, they have been telling an important tale to people for thousands of years. Now, let us uncover the secret of these tranquil waters together.

What is Aynzeliha Lake

Aynzeliha Lake is part of the historic Balıklıgöl complex located in the center of Şanlıurfa city. It measures approximately 50 meters in length and 20 meters in width, with a depth ranging between 3 and 5 meters. The lake is separated from the adjacent Halil-ür Rahman Lake by a small channel.

The carp fish in the lake are regarded as sacred by locals, and therefore no one touches or hunts them. Visitors can feed the fish and enjoy a peaceful time in this tranquil setting. The water that gives the lake its color and life flows from nearby springs.

The Story of the Lake

The most well-known story of Aynzeliha Lake is one of love and faith, centered on Prophet Ibrahim and the tyrannical ruler of that era, Nimrod. According to tradition, Nimrod decided to punish Ibrahim for his beliefs by throwing him into a massive fire.

Nimrod’s daughter, Zeliha, believed in Ibrahim and was deeply distressed by her father’s decision. When Ibrahim was cast into the fire, a miracle occurred: the flames turned into water, and the burning logs transformed into fish. The place where Ibrahim fell is now known as Halil-ür Rahman Lake. It is believed that Aynzeliha Lake was formed from the tears shed by Zeliha, who could not bear the anguish of losing him. The name “Aynzeliha” means “Zeliha’s eye” or “Zeliha’s spring.”

A Journey Through Time

The story of Prophet Ibrahim and Nimrod, told on these lands, dates back approximately 4,000 years. At that time, people worshipped idols they had crafted themselves. Ibrahim, however, preached the belief in one Creator and called people to this faith—a radical idea that challenged the established order of his era.

Historians and archaeologists believe that the area where these lakes now lie may have been a place of worship even earlier than Ibrahim’s time, where water and fish were already considered sacred. In those ancient times, people may have built these sacred pools in honor of the goddess Atargatis, whom they believed brought fertility. This reveals how ancient Şanlıurfa is and how it has long served as a home to diverse beliefs.