Birecik, in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, is a district and district center city affiliated with Şanlıurfa province. The city, located on the left bank of the Euphrates River, 340-450 meters above sea level, has been an important settlement center throughout history due to its strategic location and natural features. According to TÜİK data for 2024, the district, which has an area of 852 km², has a population of 92,833.
History
The history of Birecik dates back to 2000 BC. Known as “Birthe” during the Hittite period, the city came under Assyrian rule in the 9th century BC. Birecik, which remained under the rule of the Persian, Macedonian, Roman, and Byzantine empires respectively, was incorporated into Islamic lands in 637 during the era of Caliph Omar. During the Abbasid period, it gained importance as a pier of Baghdad on the Euphrates. After being taken by the Seljuks in the 11th century, it came under the rule of the Byzantine, Artuqid, Ayyubid, Mamluk, Aq Qoyunlu, and Kara Qoyunlu states. Birecik, which was incorporated into Ottoman lands during Yavuz Sultan Selim’s Egyptian campaign in 1516, became the center of the Urfa sanjak, affiliated with Aleppo province. While it was a kaza (district) of the Urfa sanjak within Aleppo vilayet in the late 19th century, it was connected to Şanlıurfa province with the declaration of the Republic. The city, which was occupied by British and French forces in 1919, gained its liberation in 1920. The Birecik Bridge, built over the Euphrates in 1956, accelerated the district's modern development.
Geographical Structure
Birecik is located on an undulating plain in the southwest of the Şanlıurfa Plateau. The district's lands are surrounded by fertile plains that slope down towards the Euphrates River. Şeyhbekir Hill (660 m) in the northwest and Karadağ (576 m) in the south are the main elevations of the district. The Euphrates River forms a natural border in the west of the district and is the main irrigation source for agricultural areas. The city is built on a narrow plain along the Euphrates and the slopes behind it. Birecik Castle is located on a white limestone hill rising on these slopes.
Climate and Vegetation
Birecik's climate has the temperate characteristics of the Lower Euphrates Basin. This mild climate supports agricultural diversity and allows products such as olives and pistachios to grow. Steppe vegetation is dominant in the district; however, agricultural lands are found in the fertile plains along the Euphrates River. The rocky areas chosen by the Northern Bald Ibis as their breeding ground indicate that the district's geological structure is alkaline and soft.
Social Structure
The social structure in Birecik has been shaped by the influence of various civilizations throughout history. Today, tribal relations continue to some extent, but urbanization has increased along with modernization. While the people maintain a lifestyle attached to traditional values, their importance to the Northern Bald Ibis stands out as a cultural symbol. The local people see these birds as a “harbinger of abundance” and support their protection. Mosques in the city, especially the restored Mağara Mosque, are important elements of social and cultural life.
Economic Structure
Birecik's economy is based on agriculture and agriculture-based small-scale industry. Products such as wheat, barley, lentils, cotton, and pistachios are intensely cultivated. There are approximately 6.67 million pistachio trees in the district, which is one of the cornerstones of the economy. In Birecik, which is the most developed place for olive cultivation in Şanlıurfa, 360,000 of the 660,000 olive trees in the province are located in the district. Small ruminant breeding is also an important source of income; products such as oil, cheese, wool, and fleece are obtained. Industry consists of small-scale businesses focused on processing agricultural products in the textile and food sectors. Historically, Birecik was a commercial center due to river transport on the Euphrates and caravan trade. While shipyard activities and pier revenues supported the economy in the 16th century, today the Birecik Bridge plays an important role in revitalizing trade.
Tourism Potential
Birecik has tourism potential with its natural and historical riches. The natural beaches along the Euphrates River serve as recreation areas with facilities such as motels and casinos. Birecik Castle is an important historical structure built during the Assyrian period and repaired during the Roman, Frankish, and Mamluk periods. It stands out with its 30-40 meter high walls and 12 bastions. Mağara Mosque is another historical artifact that attracts visitors after restoration. The Northern Bald Ibis is one of the district's most important tourist attractions. These birds, which are endangered, are protected at the Northern Bald Ibis Breeding Station affiliated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and presented to visitors through promotional activities. Birecik Bridge is also both a functional and symbolic attraction point.
Demographic Structure
Birecik's population for 2024 is 92,833. According to 2020 data, the male population is 47,900, and the female population is 47,783. Besides the central sub-district, the district includes Böğürtlen sub-district and 39 villages. Of the district's 85 neighborhoods, 10 are connected to the center. While the population density was 69 people/km² in 1990, urban population growth is notable in recent years in the city, which is expanding towards agricultural areas. The population, which was 9,100 in 1927, reached 58,907 in 1990 and 95,683 in 2020. Population growth reached 100% between 1960-1985, and this growth was supported by the transportation convenience provided by Birecik Bridge and agricultural development. Birecik is one of the important centers of Southeastern Anatolia with the geographical advantages offered by the Euphrates River, its rich historical past, and unique natural values such as the Northern Bald Ibis.
