Yavuzeli is a district of Gaziantep Province, located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region. It is surrounded by Araban to the north, Şanlıurfa Province to the east, Kahramanmaraş Province to the northwest, Nizip to the southeast, and the Central Şehitkamil district to the south. The district's elevation from the sea is 650 meters, its distance from the provincial center is 38 km, and its area is 483 km². Yavuzeli hosts an important historical heritage, such as Rumkale.
History
Definitive recorded information about Yavuzeli's history is limited. The old name of the district was Cingife, and according to a rumor, a Genoese city was located here, and this name is said to have come from there. This old settlement is stated to be located 1 km north of the district center, in the area called “ruins” at the foot of Karadağ. It is reported that during the Ottoman period, Yavuz Sultan Selim stayed here while going to Egypt for the Battle of Marj Dabiq in 1517 and, pleased with the public's interest, requested the region be named “Yavuz’un ili” (Yavuz’s province/land). Cingife, which gained district status in 1957, officially took the name Yavuzeli in 1958.
Rumkale, located 25 km east of the district on the banks of the Euphrates River, is one of Yavuzeli’s most important historical structures. This fortress, known to belong to the Eastern Roman Empire period, has been referred to by many names from ancient times to the present, such as Şitamrat, Kal-a Rhomayta, Hromklay, Ranculat, Kal-at el Rum, Kal-at el Müslimin, Kale-i Zerrin (Golden Castle). Rumkale also holds importance in terms of religious history, with legends that Yohannes (John), one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, reproduced copies of the Gospel and spread Christianity here. The fortress was a strategic center during the Roman, Medieval, and Ottoman periods, and today it has the appearance of a peninsula surrounded by a dam lake.
Geographical Structure
Yavuzeli is a district consisting of 39 neighborhoods and 19 hamlets. The district, with an elevation of 650 meters from the sea, is located 38 km from the Gaziantep provincial center and spreads over an area of 483 km². The Yavuzeli Plain forms the basis of the district's geographical structure. This plain is a depression plain formed by the collapse of faults extending in an east-west direction in its north and south. Karadağ is located to its north, and Keklik Tepe to its south. In the plain, Merzimen Stream flows in an east-west direction, and its surroundings are covered with alluvium. In addition, igneous basalt stones and petrified rocks cover a large area in the plain. Karadağ, on the other hand, consists of Oligomiocene-aged formations.
To the east of the district, the Euphrates River draws the natural border with Şanlıurfa. Rumkale, on the other hand, is located on a high hill surrounded by steep rocks at the confluence of the Euphrates River and Merzimen Stream. This fortress, which is surrounded by the dam lake today, stands out with its natural and architectural harmony.
Climate and Vegetation
The general climate characteristics of the Southeastern Anatolia Region can be considered. The region is generally under the influence of a continental climate; summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and rainy. The agricultural production of the district indicates that the vegetation is compatible with this climate. In agricultural areas, pistachio, barley, wheat, lentils, chickpeas, cotton, and viticulture are widespread. Especially Antep pistachio production holds an important place in the district's vegetation. Alluvial soils and basaltic lands in the plain provide a suitable ground for agriculture.
Social Structure
31% of Yavuzeli's population lives in the district center, while 69% lives in villages. The population density is 51 people/km². Since industry is underdeveloped in the district, the main sources of livelihood are agriculture and animal husbandry. This situation has led to unemployment issues and caused some families to migrate to the Gaziantep provincial center. However, there are also a small number of families who have settled in the district center from other cities. The social structure bears a traditional character, with rural life predominant. Historical sites and natural beauties enrich the district's cultural identity.
Economic Structure
Yavuzeli's economy largely relies on agriculture and animal husbandry. Major agricultural products include pistachios (especially Antep pistachios), barley, wheat, lentils, chickpeas, and cotton. Viticulture is also a widespread agricultural activity in the district. Although animal husbandry is not very developed, large and small livestock breeding is carried out. Industry is limited in the district; however, 3 ginning factories, 6 briquette houses, and 3 mills contribute to the livelihoods of the people. The lack of industry has brought about economic problems such as unemployment and migration.
Tourism Potential
Yavuzeli has great tourism potential, especially with Rumkale. Rumkale, located on steep rocks at the confluence of the Euphrates River and Merzimen Stream, stands out with its history dating back to ancient times and its architecture harmonious with nature. The fortress, accessible by boats from Kasaba village and Halfeti, houses structures such as St. Nerses Church, Barshavma Monastery, water cisterns, and a well. Rumkale, which today appears as a peninsula surrounded by a dam lake, is an attractive destination for nature and history tourism. Additionally, natural and historical areas such as Dolmen Tombs and Karapınar Lake Gazino increase the district's tourism value. These areas, located 62 km from Gaziantep city center and 25 km from Yavuzeli district center, are accessible to visitors.
Demographic Structure
Yavuzeli's demographic structure has a profile dominated by the rural population. 31% of the population lives in the district center, while 69% lives in villages. In the district, which has a total area of 483 km², the population density is 51 people/km². Due to the lack of industry, unemployment is experienced, which triggers migration movements. Migration is generally directed towards the Gaziantep provincial center, while the number of families coming to the district from outside is limited. This situation leads to the preservation of the rural character in the district's demographic structure.
