The city of Haran lies upstream of the Balih River and has existed since the Sumerian and Akkadian times. It is mentioned in Assyrian documents from the 19th century BC, and from Mari documents from the 18th century BC, as the center of nomadic tribes in the name of Bnei Yemin. Today there is an archaeological site in the city, and it is visited by many tourists who want to get an impression of the ancient way of life and the mud houses.