Oğuzeli is a district of Gaziantep province in Türkiye. Located 17 km south of Gaziantep, the district attracts attention with its history, geographical location, and economic structure. Oğuzeli, which gained district status on 14 February 1946, became the third central district of Gaziantep on 23 July 2004.
History
Oğuzeli’s past is quite deeply rooted. Excavations at Tilbaşar Castle in Tilbaşar Village, which is part of the district, have unearthed remains dating back to 3000 BC. The region has been ruled by Hittites, Assyrians, Medes, Persians, Romans, Sasanids, and Byzantines throughout history. Conquered by Islamic armies in 639 during the era of Caliph Omar, Oğuzeli frequently changed hands between Muslims and Byzantines. The region, which became entirely Islamic territory during the Abbasid period, passed under Turkic-Islamic rule with the arrival of Turks in Anatolia. Oğuzeli, which came under definitive Turkish rule during the time of Seljuk Sultan Mesut I, was incorporated into Ottoman lands after the Battle of Mercidabık in 1516. Recorded as “Kızılhisar-ı Fevkani” during the Ottoman period, the district resisted the French occupation with Kuva-yi Milliye forces during the National Struggle years and proved its Turkish homeland status.
Although it is believed that the district takes its name from the Oğuz Turks origin of the families living there, its former name was Büyükkızılhisar Village. This name is thought to have come from the fortress-shaped houses made of red soil. In 1995, Elbeyli district and 23 villages were separated from Oğuzeli and connected to Kilis province. It is known that in the district, the 17th-century folk poet Karacaoğlan mentioned areas such as Tilbaşar, İkizkuyu, Sazgın, and Nafak Pınarı in his poems. Furthermore, Ezo Gelin, whose fame spread across the country, was born in Dokuzyol (Uruş) Village, which is part of Oğuzeli. The ruins of Tilbaşar Castle, Hamzababa, Gaffurbaba, Şıh Bilecan Tomb, and the Orta Mosque minaret from the Seljuk period are the main historical artifacts of the district.
Tilbaşar Castle
Tilbaşar Castle is located on Tilbaşar Mound in Gündoğan Village, approximately 12 km southeast of Oğuzeli. The mound, dating back to 3000 BC, has been settled since the Bronze Age. In classical times, an ancient city called Abara was founded nearby. The castle, rebuilt during the Crusades in the 11th and 12th centuries AD due to its strategic importance, controlled trade routes due to its high elevation. Excavations carried out in 1995 by the Gaziantep Archaeology Museum and the French Institute of Anatolian Studies found settlements from the Early Bronze Age, Byzantine, Ayyubid, and Crusader periods. The castle is located on one of Anatolia's largest mounds, and the remains of Crusader-era cut stone walls and traces of city walls are still visible.
Geographical Location
Oğuzeli is situated southeast of Gaziantep, along the Sacır River. To its east lies Nizip, to its west Elbeyli (Kilis), to its north Şahinbey and Şehitkamil, and to its southeast Karkamış, while it borders Syria to the south. The district contains important agricultural lands such as Tilbeşar, Tüm, and Barak plains. These plains are irrigated by the Kayacık Dam, built in 2006, which irrigates an area of 20,000 hectares. The general structure of the district is flat, and there are no high mountains around it. The most significant elevation is Delikli Tepe (835 m) located in the east. Its elevation from sea level is 740 meters.
Climate
Oğuzeli exhibits transitional characteristics from a Mediterranean climate to a continental climate. Its inland location and 740-meter altitude shape this climate characteristic. The highest temperature was measured as 44°C on July 30, 2000, and the lowest as -13°C on February 2, 1992. The average temperature is 15.02°C. The annual precipitation is approximately 550 mm, and precipitation usually falls as rain during winter and spring months; snowfall is rare. In summer months, sand and dust storms occur under the influence of the Basra Low-Pressure system coming from the south. In winter, moist-cold winds from the west and north are dominant, while in summer, hot-dry winds from the south and southeast are effective.
Vegetation
Dry periods in the climate have affected the vegetation. In dry areas, grasses, shrubs, and agricultural products like olives, pistachios, figs, and grapes that require less water grow. In wetlands, corn and pomegranates are prominent.
Industry and Trade
Industry in Oğuzeli has developed with the Airport Industrial Zone and the Livestock Organized Industrial Zone. Airport Industrial Zone was established in 1993 on an area of 1,000,000 m² and provides employment to 1500-2000 people in 95 workplaces in sectors such as carpet making, food, and machinery manufacturing. Livestock Organized Industrial Zone was established in 2004 with the aim of developing animal husbandry. Located 17 km east of Gaziantep, on an area of 4,500 hectares, the zone aims to increase livestock breeding and its by-products in a planned manner.
Transportation
Oğuzeli is connected to Gaziantep by a 17 km asphalt state road. All villages within the district have a road network, and most roads have been asphalted with the KÖYDES Project. Gaziantep Airport is located within the district borders. The airport, which started service in 1976, has international status and is 19.6 km away from the city center. The airport has a runway measuring 3000 m x 45 m, and its new terminal building is 23,000 m², with an annual capacity of 4 million passengers. The old apron has a capacity for 2 aircraft, while the new apron can accommodate 6 aircraft. 168 DHMİ personnel, 45 cleaning staff, and 14 technical staff work at the airport. Service is provided 24 hours a day with a private fire department and various vehicles.
