Kızıltepe is a district of Mardin province in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. The district, located on the fertile lands of Mesopotamia, stands out with the dominant color of yellow stones and the rich vibrancy of wheat ears. With its history, geographical location, and economic potential, it is one of the region's important settlement centers. It gained district status in 1931 under the name “Kızıltepe.”
History
The oldest known name of Kızıltepe is Dunaysır. With its history dating back to pre-Christian eras, it has been one of the important settlements in Mesopotamia. During the Artukid period, it developed as a strategic lodging and trade center on the Diyarbakır-Mosul and Urfa-Mosul roads. In the early 13th century, it was plundered several times by the Ayyubids, and subsequently came under the rule of the Seljuks, Ilkhanids, Mamluks, Kara Koyunlu, Ak Koyunlu, and Timurids. In the 15th century, it changed hands between the Kara Koyunlu and Ak Koyunlu, and in the 16th century, it came under Safavid rule. In May 1515, it was conquered by the Ottoman army commanded by Bıyıklı Mehmet Pasha; at that time, it was under Iranian rule, governed by Karahan Bey, brother-in-law of Shah Ismail. Kızıltepe, which became part of Ottoman territory with Yavuz Sultan Selim’s Egyptian Campaign in 1517, despite being a rich center with its bazaar, inn, bathhouse, mosque, and madrasahs from the Artukid period, passed to the Ottomans as a ruined village due to wars and plunder. After the proclamation of the Republic, it became a district of Mardin in 1929 under the name “Koçhisar,” and its name was changed to “Kızıltepe” in 1931. The main historical structures in the district are Kızıltepe Ulu Mosque, Harzem Tacettin Mesud Madrasah (in Ziyaret village), Historical Stone Bridge, Tarassut Tower, and Şahkulubey Kümbet, all dating back to the Artukid period.
Geographical Structure
Kızıltepe is located in the southwest of Mardin province. It is surrounded by Mardin and Nusaybin to the east, Derik and Ceylanpınar to the west, Mazıdağı to the north, and the borders of the Syrian Arab Republic to the south. Its distance to the Syrian border is 52 km, and to Mardin city center is 27 km. The district's area is 1,218,400 decares, and its elevation is 400 meters. The soil structure is clay-loamy. Kızıltepe, built upon the fertile lands of the Mesopotamian plain, is also known as “The Land of Ears of Grain.”
Climate and Vegetation
The climate in Kızıltepe combines features of Mediterranean and continental climates. Summers are very hot and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. The annual precipitation averages between 300-350 mm³; due to this low amount of rainfall, droughts are experienced from time to time. Humidity is quite low. The vegetation is shaped by agricultural products grown in the fertile lands of Mesopotamia; especially wheat, cotton, and other grains are prominent. Geographically registered durum wheat is the most important plant product of the district.
Social Structure
Kızıltepe has a dynamic social structure. According to 2013 data, its population is 225,888; 50.15% (113,278) of this population is male, and 49.85% (112,610) is female. However, according to more recent data, the district center population is 135,145, and the total population is stated as 212,905. The district has a total of five municipal administrations, including one central one, in the towns of Dikmen, Gökçe, Şenyurt, and Yüceli. It also has 159 villages. In Kızıltepe, which stands out with its unique culinary culture, dishes such as bulgur pilaf, içli köfte, ırok, sembusek, şanbörek, and stuffed ribs, all made from geographically registered durum wheat, are prominent. The district, whose population has increased due to internal migration, has doubled the population of Mardin's central district.
Economic Structure
Kızıltepe's economy is primarily based on agriculture and trade. 94% of its land is suitable for agriculture; cotton farming, in particular, has shown a significant leap in recent years. Geographically registered durum wheat is known in Türkiye and worldwide as a valuable type used in pasta production. Bulgur production also holds an important place in the district's agricultural economy. With the GAP project reaching the district, the development of agriculture-based industry is expected. Its location on the E-24 Highway and the activation of the airport have strengthened the trade sector. Agriculture-based industry enterprises and factories throughout Mardin are generally located between Kızıltepe and the central district. The district's development potential is one of the highest among all Mardin districts.
Tourism Potential
Kızıltepe carries tourism potential with its historical structures dating back to the Artukid period. Works such as Kızıltepe Ulu Mosque, Historical Stone Bridge, and Şahkulubey Kümbet reflect the district's historical richness. Harzem Tacettin Mesud Madrasah and Tarassut Tower are also structures worth seeing. Its location in the Mesopotamian plain and the visual aesthetic created by the yellow stones have the potential to make the district a natural and cultural attraction center. However, the loss of some of its past riches due to continuous wars and plunder has prevented tourism from fully developing yet.
Demographic Structure
As of 2013, Kızıltepe has a population of 225,888; this population is balanced in terms of gender (50.15% male, 49.85% female). In more recent data, the total population is recorded as 212,905, and the district center population as 135,145. The district has five municipalities and 159 villages. Kızıltepe, which has grown with internal migration, has become one of Mardin's most populous districts. Population growth has also affected the economic and social structure, making the district one of the region's attraction centers.
