Ottoman mosque (1523) at a cave of the Abraham tradition
Mevlid-i Halil Mosque and Cave
Overview
On the slope below the castle, a few minutes from the pools, the Mevlid-i Halil mosque stands against a small cave that Şanlıurfa honours as the birthplace of the prophet Abraham, where tradition says he spent his childhood hidden from Nimrod. The mosque was built in 1523 and is known locally as the Dergâh Mosque. Pilgrims come to pray at the cave and to drink its water, which is held to be blessed. It is a working place of worship rather than a museum.
Highlights
- The cave honoured as the birthplace of the prophet Abraham
- An Ottoman mosque of 1523 built against the cave
- Water from the cave, held to be blessed
History & Discovery
The mosque was built in 1523 under the Ottomans and repaired in 1816 and 1852, with rooms added to the courtyard in the nineteenth century. Its cemetery held the first grave of the scholar Said Nursi. Together with the Halil-ür Rahman mosque on the pool, it anchors the city's Abraham tradition.
Mythology & Legend
Tradition holds that Abraham's mother gave birth to him in this cave in secret, because Nimrod had been warned that a child born that year would overthrow him, and that the boy grew up here until he could go out into the world.
Practical information
Getting there
In the Dergâh area just south-east of Balıklıgöl, a few minutes on foot from the pools; taxis and dolmuş reach the old-town edge.
Safety
A place of worship — keep quiet, and give way to people at prayer.
Accessibility
The courtyard is reached on paved ground; the cave itself is small and low, with steps and crowding at busy times.
Visitor tips
Come outside prayer times and avoid Friday noon; combine it with the pools, then continue to the bazaar.
Take care
- A place of worship — dress modestly; women cover their hair
- Avoid prayer times, above all Friday noon
Location
37.1466000, 38.7863000 · Open in OpenStreetMap