Düziçi is a district located in the eastern part of Türkiye’s Mediterranean Region and is administratively part of Osmaniye province. The district is situated on the edge of the Düziçi Plain, surrounded by mountains. Covering an area of 460.90 km², the terrain is largely mountainous and rugged. The natural vegetation ranges from Mediterranean maquis at lower altitudes to pine and broadleaf forests at higher elevations.

Geographically, Düziçi borders Kadirli (Osmaniye) to the northwest, Andırın (Kahramanmaraş) to the northeast, the Amanos Mountains and Bahçe district to the east, and Osmaniye city center to the southwest. According to 2024 data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the population of the district is 86,929.

^{Karasu Waterfall (Düziçi District Governorship)}

Historical Background

While the precise historical origins of Düziçi remain unclear, archaeological evidence suggests that the region's history dates back to the Hittite period. Excavations around the area, particularly the Karatepe-Aslantaş excavations in nearby Kadirli, indicate that the Adana region was a significant Hittite center. Archaeological remains from Domuztepe (Çerçioğlu Village), Böcekli, and Alibozlu Caves demonstrate continuous settlement since the Neolithic era.

Due to its location near the ancient Anatolia–Syria trade route, Düziçi has historically been a culturally and economically important transit point. Roman-era ruins highlight its connection to Mediterranean civilizations. During the campaigns of Alexander the Great and the Crusades, the area experienced short-term occupations.

The earliest known urbanization in the region began with the founding of Haruniye. This settlement was established in the late 8th century (797–800 CE) by Faraç Bey, a frontier commander of Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid. The Harun Reşit Fortress was built during this time, and Turkish warriors from Khorasan were settled in the area. Haruniye became one of the key strategic sites on the Byzantine frontier, known as Sugur eş-Şâmiye. Islamic coins from the region affirm Haruniye’s role as an administrative and military center.

During the Seljuk period, Oghuz tribes such as the Avşar, Karkın, Çavuldur, and Tecirli settled in the region, facilitating the Turkification of the area. Following the decline of the Anatolian Seljuks, the area came under the rule of the Karamanids, Ramadanids, and Dulkadirids before being annexed by the Ottomans in 1516. The Ottoman state settled Danişmendli and Zülkadriye Turkmen groups in the region. In 1832, the district was briefly incorporated into Egyptian territory by Ibrahim Pasha, son of the Egyptian governor Muhammad Ali Pasha, but was restored to Ottoman control in 1834. During this period, banditry increased in the region, prompting Ahmed Cevdet Pasha to implement settlement policies in 1865.

After World War I, Haruniye was occupied first by the British and then by the French in 1919. However, local resistance played a major role in the Turkish War of Independence, and Haruniye was liberated on March 28, 1920, a date now celebrated as the district’s liberation day.

During the Republican era, the municipalities of Hacılar (1954) and Haruniye (1957) were established. On November 29, 1983, they were merged and renamed Düziçi, becoming a district under Adana province. In 1996, with the establishment of Osmaniye as a new province, Düziçi became part of Osmaniye.

Geography

Located on the edge of the Düziçi Plain and surrounded by mountains, the district has a rugged, mountainous terrain covering an area of 460.90 km². The natural vegetation consists of Mediterranean maquis at lower elevations and pine and broadleaf forests at higher altitudes. The Ceyhan River and Sabun Creek are the main water bodies in the district. Other streams include Kızılca, Deliçay, Bağlama, Üzümlü, and Çamiçi.

Düziçi shares borders with: Northwest: Kadirli (Osmaniye); Northeast: Andırın (Kahramanmaraş); East: Amanos Mountains and Bahçe district; Southwest: Osmaniye city center.

Tourism

Düziçi is notable for its natural beauty and historical landmarks. The district’s key tourist attractions include:

Harun Reşit Fortress: Located in Kurtbeyoğlu Neighborhood at the foothills of the Amanos Mountains, the fortress was built in 799 by Faraç Bey under the rule of Caliph Harun al-Rashid. It was restored and opened to visitors in 2011. The area is a protected natural site due to the presence of the endemic Adana crocus species.

^{Düziçi Harun Reşit Castle (Düziçi District Governorship)}

Karasu Waterfall: Situated 7 km from the district center on Sabun Creek, near the slopes of Mount Düldül. The waterfall, which drops from a height of around 10 meters, is ideal for nature walks and photography.

Taş Köprü (Stone Bridge): Located 4 km from the center, it spans Sabun Creek. Built by Mehmet Bey, the bridge is 6 meters wide and 30 meters long.

Haruniye Thermal Springs: Found within the boundaries of Kuşçu Village, 15 km north of the district center. The thermal waters (32°C) contain calcium, magnesium, sulfur, bicarbonate, fluoride, and carbon dioxide. These minerals are believed to help with rheumatic diseases, skin conditions, nervous system disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and liver and gallbladder ailments.

^{Düziçi Haruniye Thermal Springs (Düziçi District Governorate)}