Seydikemer (District)

Seydikemer is a district located in the eastern part of Muğla Province. It was established under Law No. 6360, adopted on 2012, and began functioning as an administrative unit following the local elections of 2014. The district’s formation resulted from the merger of the former village municipality of Kemer, which was previously under Fethiye district, along with surrounding villages.

Seydikemer is approximately 147 kilometers from the center of Muğla Province and 30 kilometers from the center of Fethiye. Located within the Mediterranean Region, Seydikemer borders Fethiye to the west, Çameli and Kale districts of Denizli to the north, and Kaş and Elmalı districts of Antalya to the east.

With a total area of 2,208 km², Seydikemer is the district with the largest surface area in Muğla Province. It comprises 49 neighborhoods and is administratively governed by the Seydikemer Municipality and the District Governorship.

Saklıkent National Park (Muğla Governorate)

History

The district of Seydikemer was established by Law No. 6360, published in the Official Gazette No. 28489 on 6 December 2012. Under this law, the legal personality of Kemer, which had previously been a village municipality under Fethiye district, was abolished, and a new district administrative structure was created incorporating Kemer and its surrounding villages. The name Seydikemer was formed by combining the names of the former village municipality of Kemer and the neighborhood of Seydiler.

Seydikemer officially began operations as the 13th district of Muğla following the local elections held on 30 March 2014. Upon its establishment, the Seydikemer District Governorship and Seydikemer Municipality were formed. The district center is the settlement previously known as the village municipality of Kemer.

Geographical Location and Area

Seydikemer is situated in the eastern section of Muğla Province. Within the boundaries of the Mediterranean Region, the district borders Denizli Province to the north and Antalya Province to the east. To the west, it shares a boundary with Fethiye district, and to the south, it borders the Mediterranean coastline.

The total area of the district is 2,208 square kilometers, making it the largest district in Muğla Province by surface area. The geographical structure of Seydikemer consists primarily of mountainous and forested areas. The district encompasses elevations ranging from sea level to high-altitude regions.

The climate of Seydikemer exhibits characteristics of the Mediterranean climate: hot and dry summers, and mild, rainy winters.

Population

The population of Seydikemer district is determined based on data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK). According to the most recent census figures, the population is approximately 62,000. This population is distributed across the district’s 49 neighborhoods.

Population density varies according to the geographical structure and distribution of settlement areas. Higher population densities are observed in the district center and surrounding settlements.

Age group and gender distribution within the population are regularly updated by TÜİK.

Administrative Structure

Seydikemer is a district under Muğla Province. The district center is the settlement previously known as the village municipality of Kemer. Administratively, it is governed by the Seydikemer District Governorship.

The Seydikemer Municipality also operates within the district. Seydikemer consists of 49 neighborhoods, which are organized at the local level under district administration.

The administrative boundaries of the district were defined by Law No. 6360. Within these boundaries, settlements previously holding village or village municipality status are included.

Economy

The economy of Seydikemer is primarily based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Major agricultural products cultivated in the district include olives, citrus fruits, and other fruit varieties. Both small and large livestock farming activities are also carried out.

Forestry plays a significant role in the region’s economic activities. Due to its rich natural forest resources, Seydikemer hosts various forestry-related production and business enterprises.

The industrial and commercial sectors are limited within the district. Small-scale businesses and local tradespeople constitute the primary economic actors across the district.

Tourism

Seydikemer district is home to Saklıkent Canyon. The district includes extensive forested areas and natural landscapes. Transhumance tourism is practiced in the district’s neighborhoods. Tourism infrastructure is managed by local administrations.

Saklıkent Canyon (AA)

Transportation

Seydikemer district is connected by road to the center of Muğla Province and neighboring districts. The district center is approximately 30 kilometers from Fethiye, and access is provided via road networks. Within the district, municipal buses and dolmuşes serve local transportation needs.

Connections between the neighborhoods under Seydikemer’s jurisdiction are maintained through district and village roads. Seydikemer is part of the regional road network.