Derik is a district in Mardin Province, Türkiye. The district, with an area of 1,367 km², had a total population of 62,175 according to the 2015 general population census. Derik has a deep-rooted history and rich cultural heritage, and its geographical location gives it strategic importance. The municipality organization in the district was established in 1874 and has been connected to Mardin since 1923.

History

The history of Derik is examined along two main axes: the establishment of the district center and the history of civilizations that developed around it. Traces of settlement in the region extend back to the Neolithic period, and it has hosted many civilizations until the Republican era in 1923. Throughout history, Derik has often been referred to as the "threshold of Mardin" or "foot of the Mazı Mountains." In Şemseddin Sami's work Kâmusül Alâm, it is described as a district center town within the Mardin sanjak, which was part of Diyarbakır province.

The district came under the rule of numerous civilizations before and after Christ. Before Christ, the Mittanians (3000 BC), Akkadians, Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Medes, Persians, the era of Alexander the Great, Seleucids, Parthians, and Romans ruled the region. Especially the Tigran Kingdom, founded in Silvan in 83 BC (expanded to include Derik in 77 BC), laid the foundation for Derik's world-famous olive groves. After Christ, the Sassanids, Byzantines, Islamic armies (conquered in 639 during the time of Hz. Omar), Artuqids, Marwanids, Kara Koyunlu, Ak Koyunlu, Safavids, and Ottomans (1515-1923) governed the region. Since 1923, it has been located within the borders of the Republic of Türkiye.

Around Derik, historical remains such as "The King's Daughter's Throne," "Rabat Castle," "Sisan Ruins," "Dermetinan Castle and Monastery," and "Burç Castle" can be found. Rabat Castle was expanded during the Artuqid period, standing out with 13 bastions and 4 watchtowers over an area of 1500 square meters. Neolithic caves and findings in Tepebağ Neighborhood indicate that the region was a scientific and commercial center.

Geographical Structure

Derik is surrounded by the districts of Mazıdağı, Viranşehir, and Kızıltepe. Located 780 meters above sea level, the district descends from the southern foothills of the Mazı Mountains towards the Kızıltepe-Ceylanpınar plains. Its lands are sloped from north to south, and it is surrounded by mountains on three sides; its highest point is the Gıriguzi peak at 1208 meters. The south is a plain area extending to the Syrian borders. This geographical structure has given Derik a strategic position. There are no large rivers in the district; small streams like Şip, Circip, and Turcel, along with the Künreş, Şerefli, Yıldız, and Dumluca ponds, constitute the water resources. Additionally, 16 caves were used for temporary shelter; the largest are Herzin (with a capacity of 500 people) and Habis (with a capacity of 200 people).

Climate and Vegetation

Derik's climate has continental characteristics but is close to a tropical climate. The "baykür" wind, blowing in winter and early spring, is a peculiar factor of the region. The vegetation consists of limited oak groves in mountainous areas (around Bozok and Meşeli villages) and fertile plains suitable for agriculture. In the district, wheat, barley, lentils, chickpeas, cotton, olives, figs, pomegranates, walnuts, almonds, grapes, melons, watermelons, and seasonal vegetables are grown. Grain production occurs on three-quarters of the 950,000 decares of arable land, while there are 20,000 decares of vineyards and 140,000 olive trees. Olives, figs, and grapes are products that enhance Derik's reputation.

Social Structure

Derik's social structure has been shaped by the influence of different civilizations throughout history. The district, stated to have been founded by the Kayıhan tribe of Turan Turks in 610 AD, was exposed to Byzantine, Persian, and Turkic raids; for a period, Christians and Armenians constituted the majority. Today, life continues in both plain and mountain villages in the district, which has 71 villages. The name "Derik" may derive from "Dirrik," meaning "thorny" in Persian, or from "Der," meaning "church" in the local language; indeed, while there were 6 churches 40 years ago, today only the Surp Kevork Armenian Church (Dêra Sor) stands.

Economic Structure

Derik's economy is based on agriculture and animal husbandry. In plain villages, wheat, barley, lentils, cotton, chickpeas, melons, and watermelons are widely produced; agriculture is carried out on a total area of 634,370 hectares (514,940 decares dry, 119,430 decares irrigated). Olive cultivation is an important source of income in the district center; with 103,000 olive trees, an annual production of 3500 tons is achieved and mostly sold externally. Viticulture has also developed on an area of 13,390 decares. In mountain villages, animal husbandry is prominent; there are 16,500 cattle and 197,000 small animals. The increase in irrigated areas with the GAP project has the potential to strengthen agricultural production. Furthermore, limited mineral resources such as pumice stone are available in Tepebağ, Gırkemin, and Bozbayır.

Tourism Potential

Derik has tourism potential with its rich history and natural beauty. Rabat Castle, a structure from the Artuqid period with 15 bastions and 4 towers, bears traces of Roman and earlier civilizations. Surp Kevork Armenian Church (Dêra Sor), built in 1650 from red earth, was restored in 2004 and reopened for worship. Areas such as Tepebağ and Beşkavak ruins also reflect the historical texture. Olive groves and natural caves also offer tourist attractions.

Demographic Structure

According to 2015 data, Derik's population is 62,175; 49.68% are male (30,889) and 50.32% are female (31,286). In the 1927 census, 2,657 people lived in the district center, and a total of 15,111 people including the villages. Today, the population has decreased to 57,719 (latest data). The district has 1 municipality and 71 villages. The population structure shows diversity due to historical migrations and the influence of civilizations. Derik is a district that stands out with its thousands of years of history, agricultural wealth, and cultural heritage. Referred to as one of the homelands of olives, the region awaits discovery by both history and nature lovers.