Kilis (Province)

Kilis is a province located in southeastern Türkiye, bordering Syria, and has been home to numerous civilizations throughout history. Due to its strategic location, it has borne traces of diverse cultures from the Hittites to the Ottomans, and has served as an economic and cultural hub, particularly because of its position along key trade routes. Its geography, exhibiting transitional characteristics between continental and Mediterranean climates, provides favorable conditions for agriculture and animal husbandry, while its cuisine shares similarities with Gaziantep and Aleppo cuisines, offering rich and distinctive flavors. Kilis is notable for Ravanda Castle, its historic mosques, and traditional handicrafts, and became Türkiye’s 79th province in 1995 after separating from Gaziantep.

Kilis City Center

History

Kilis is an ancient settlement that has hosted many civilizations throughout history. The earliest human traces in the region extend back to the Late Chalcolithic period (3500–3000 BCE), and excavations at Oylum Höyük indicate the presence of an advanced settlement during this era. According to Hittite sources, Kilis was under the control of the Kingdom of Aleppo around 1460 BCE and later came under the dominance of the Assyrian, Persian, and Macedonia Kingdoms. After the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE, it fell under Seleucid rule and was conquered by the Roman Empire in 64 BCE, where it was known as “Ciliza sive Urmagiganti”.

Following the division of the Roman Empire in 395 CE, Kilis became part of the Byzantine territories and was incorporated into the Byzantine Theme of Syria, linked to Aleppo. In 636 CE, during the caliphate of Omar, the region was conquered by Islamic armies under the command of Abu Ubayda ibn al-Jarrah and changed hands between the Arabs and Byzantines. During the Abbasid period, Muslim warrior tribes were settled in this area, designated as frontier towns (Avasım). During the Crusades in the 11th century, Kilis came under temporary control of the County of Edessa, and was later captured by the Ayyubids and Mamluks. Under Mamluk rule, Kilis developed alongside Anazarba, Azez, and Ravanda as a significant trade center.

Ottoman rule began on 24 August 1516 following the Battle of Marj Dabiq, in which the Ottomans defeated the Mamluks, and Kilis was incorporated into Ottoman territory. Although it did not hold provincial status during the Ottoman period, it remained an important commercial center. In the 19th century, it became a district center under the Aleppo Vilayet. Between 1831 and 1839, Kilis came under the administration of Egyptian Governor Kavalalı Mehmet Ali, and after the Ottoman restoration, it became a kaza in 1854 and attained district status in 1863.

Ravanda Castle

Following World War I, under the terms of the Armistice of Mudros signed on 30 October 1918, Kilis was occupied by British forces on 6 December 1918. On 29 October 1919, the region was transferred to French control, and the occupation continued. Resistance movements emerged through local organizations such as Cemiyet-i İslamiye and Kuvayı Milliye. In 1920, resistance along the Ayıntap-Kilis line was led by figures such as Shahin Bey and Sakıp Bey. With the signing of the Ankara Agreement on 20 October 1921, the French began withdrawing from the region, and Kilis was fully liberated from occupation on 7 December 1921. During the Republican era, Kilis was administered as a district under Gaziantep until it became Türkiye’s 79th province by decree on 6 June 1995.

Geography

Kilis is a province located in southeastern Türkiye on the border with Syria. It lies between 36° 40′ and 37° 35′ north latitudes and 36° 30′ and 37° 45′ east longitudes. It is bordered by Gaziantep to the east, Syria to the south, and again by Gaziantep to the northwest. With an area of approximately 1,521 km², it is one of Türkiye’s smallest provinces by land area.

Kilis’s topography consists mostly of rolling plains, hills, and valleys. The Kilis Plain is one of the province’s most important agricultural areas, particularly suitable for olive, grape, and cereal cultivation. The plateaus in the north are an extension of the Gaziantep Plateau and are surrounded by east-west oriented mountain ranges. One of Kilis’s highest points, Kartal Tepe (850 m), is among its notable elevations. Although there are no major rivers within the provincial boundaries, small seasonal stream beds exist. Along the Syrian border, sources such as the Afrin River and Sabun Suyu Creek are found.

Climate

Kilis has a climate with transitional characteristics between Mediterranean and continental climates. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and rainy. Temperatures can reach up to 40°C during Summer months, and drop below 0°C during winter months. The annual average temperature ranges between 16–18°C, and annual precipitation is approximately 500–700 mm.

One of the most distinctive features of the climate is the dominance of drought during summer months, making irrigation essential for agricultural activities. Although snowfall occasionally occurs in winter, snow depth is generally low and does not persist for long. Spring and autumn seasons are short, while summer is long and dry.

These climatic conditions have made olive cultivation, viticulture, and cereal farming the dominant agricultural activities in Kilis. Additionally, the province’s geographical proximity to Syria has a significant impact on its cultural and economic relations.

Population

As of 2023, Kilis has a total population of 156,739. The majority of the population is concentrated in the provincial center, Kilis Central District, where 133,225 people reside. The district-wise population distribution is as follows:

• Central: 133,225
• Musabeyli: 12,612
• Elbeyli: 5,830
• Polateli: 5,072

Kilis is one of Türkiye’s smallest provinces and has a low population density. Population growth rates have fluctuated over time, particularly due to temporary demographic shifts caused by the Syrian civil war. It is known that a significant number of Syrian refugees reside in the province.

Kilis Ulu Mosque

Kilis has historically been one of the provinces that sent migrants to Gaziantep and larger metropolitan centers. Due to limited employment and educational opportunities, the youth population tends to migrate to major cities. However, since 2011, a reverse migration trend has occurred due to the Syrian civil war, and Kilis has undergone a significant demographic transformation by absorbing a large influx of Syrian refugees.

The urbanization rate is high, with the majority of the population living in the provincial center. In rural areas, agriculture and animal husbandry remain important livelihood sources.

Kilis is among the provinces with an average level of education. Kilis 7 December University is the province’s only higher education institution and makes significant contributions to regional educational activities. Due to limited employment opportunities, the economy remains largely dependent on external addiction word. Overall, Kilis is a small city with low population density that has historically functioned as both a source and destination of migration. Particularly due to its proximity to the Syrian border, factors such as war, trade, and migration play a crucial role in shaping its demographic balance.

Economy

Kilis’s economy is based on agriculture, animal husbandry, trade, and border economy. Due to its proximity to the Syrian border, trade and border crossing activities play a decisive role in the provincial economy. Traditionally, Kilis has had an economy based on agriculture, and although it has begun to develop in recent years in the areas of industry and trade, it remains largely dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry.

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

Kilis’s geography, which exhibits characteristics of both Mediterranean and continental climates, is particularly suitable for the production of olives, grapes, cereals, and legumes. Kilis olives and the products derived from them—Kilis Oil Olives and Kilis Olive Oil—are among the province’s most important agricultural products and are recognized as geographical indication products. Viticulture is also a vital livelihood source; grape must is used in the production of pekmez, pestil, and sucuk. Additionally, lentils, wheat, barley, and other cereal crops are cultivated as staple foods.

Animal husbandry, especially small livestock farming (sheep and goat rearing), is widespread in rural Kilis. Poultry farming and beekeeping are also practiced, though not developed on an industrial scale.

Industry and Trade

Kilis has limited industrial capacity. Although it has an Organized Industrial Zone (OSB), industrial development has been relatively slow due to its proximity to major industrial centers like Gaziantep. The province’s industry is primarily agriculture-based, including olive oil production, flour and feed mills, and grape processing facilities.

Trade and border economy hold significant importance in Kilis’s economy. The Öncüpınar Customs Border Gate is one of the most important crossings between Türkiye and Syria and was previously a major hub for trade with Syria, especially before the war. However, the outbreak of the Syrian civil war led to a sharp decline in this trade, and the border economy has since adopted a different structure. In recent years, various incentives and regulations have been introduced to support cross-border trade.

Service Sector and Tourism

The service sector in Kilis has developed primarily through retail trade and small-scale enterprises. Although gastronomy tourism holds high potential, it remains underutilized. Kilis cuisine attracts attention with its unique dishes such as Kilis Tava, oruk, lebeniye, and ekşili malhıta. While Ravanda Castle, historic mosques, and hans have the potential to attract visitors, targeted infrastructure efforts in this area remain limited.

Tourism

Kilis is a city that has hosted many civilizations and features structures reflecting Ottoman and Islamic culture, historic castles, mosques, and a traditional urban fabric. However, tourism has not developed sufficiently. Nevertheless, its cultural heritage and distinctive cuisine serve as key elements supporting local and regional tourism.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Ravanda Castle: One of Kilis’s most important historical structures, Ravanda Castle is located near Musabeyli District and was used as a strategic point during the Crusades. It retained its importance through the Byzantine, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods and played a role in regional defense. Today, parts of the castle walls and some structures are still visible.

Oylum Höyük: One of Kilis’s oldest settlement areas, Oylum Höyük dates back to 3500 BCE. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains from various civilizations spanning the Chalcolithic period to the Ottoman era. The site is an important destination for history and archaeology enthusiasts.

Historic Mosques and Religious Structures:

• Ulu Mosque: One of the most important worship structures from the Ottoman period, it exhibits characteristics of classical Ottoman mosque architecture.
• Tekke Mosque: Also known as the Mevlevi Tekke, this structure served as one of the centers for religious education during the Ottoman period.
• Other historic mosques such as Hacı Derviş Mosque and Canbolat Mosque are significant examples reflecting the Ottoman and Islamic heritage of the city.

Historic Caravanserais and Baths:

• Paşa Hamamı and traditional bazaars in Kilis are structures reflecting the Ottoman commercial culture.
• Söğütlüdere Recreation Area is an important space for those seeking to spend time in harmony with nature.

Natural and Alternative Tourism

Although Kilis has limited potential in terms of natural beauty, it is a notable agricultural tourism destination characterized by its vineyards and olive groves. Especially during olive harvest seasons, tours related to olive and olive oil production can be organized. Additionally, nature walks and photography activities are possible in the rural areas south of Kilis.

Culture

Kilis has experienced various cultural interactions throughout history and has developed a city identity shaped by the synthesis of Ottoman and Arab cultures. Its cultural structure includes traditional handicrafts such as carpet and kilim weaving, copperwork, wood carving, and stone carving.

• Wedding Traditions: Weddings in Kilis traditionally last three days. The first day is “Kına Gecesi” (Henna Night), the second day is “Gelinin Çıkışı” (Bride’s Departure), and the third day is the “Düğün Günü” (Wedding Day). Folk dances accompanied by davul and zurna are indispensable elements of the celebrations.

• Ramadan and Holiday Traditions: During Ramadan, the people of Kilis prepare a special holiday dessert called “Gerebiç” to offer to guests. Additionally, communal iftar meals during Ramadan are an important example of social solidarity.

• Traditional Clothing: Men traditionally wear “şalvar” and “kuşak,” while women typically prefer embroidered entari dresses and headscarves as traditional attire.

Cuisine

Kilis cuisine is a unique culinary tradition influenced by both Turkish and Arab cuisines. While it shares similarities with Gaziantep and Aleppo cuisines, it distinguishes itself with its own distinctive flavors. In Kilis dishes, meat, bulgur, olive oil, and spices are prominent.

Prominent Kilis Dishes

• Kilis Tava: A famous dish made by baking minced meat, peppers, tomatoes, and spices together in an oven.
• Oruk: A type of stuffed meatball made from finely ground bulgur and minced meat filled with a spiced mixture.
• Lebeniye: A yogurt-based soup with meat, commonly consumed during winter months.
• Ekşili Malhıta: A regional soup made with lentils, garlic, and sour sauce.
• Şıhılmöhşe: A dish made by hollowing out squash or acorn squash and stuffing them with minced meat before baking.
• Keşkek: A traditional Anatolian dish made from pounded wheat and meat.
• Züngül: A fried dessert made from grape must (şire).

Kilis Tava

Desserts and Snacks

• Cennet Çamuru: A regional dessert made with kaymak and tel kadayıf.
• Gerebiç: A cookie-like pastry filled with walnuts, traditionally prepared during holidays.
• Burma Tatlısı: A syrupy dessert made by rolling dough using a special technique and frying it.
• Künefe: A syrupy dessert made with tel kadayıf and unsalted cheese.

Beverages and Local Products

• Menengiç Coffee: A type of coffee made from the menengiç plant, which grows in the mountains, and consumed with milk.
• Gün Pekmezi: Pekmez made by boiling down grape must.
• Sucuk Hapısı: A sweet made by drying walnuts dipped in grape must.