Yeşilli is a district of Mardin province, located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. Although its historical origins are not fully known, the region, which has a deep-rooted past, is a young administrative unit that gained district status in 1990. Known for its natural beauties, fertile agricultural lands, and hospitable people, Yeşilli is located northeast of Mardin city center, in a lush green valley.
History
There is no definitive record of when Yeşilli began to be used as a settlement. However, the Artuqid Beylik of Mardin holds an important place in the region's history. On page 22 of Abdulgani Efendi's work titled Mardin Tarihi, it is stated that the Artuqids resided in Yeşilli (then known as Rışmıl) for three months during the autumn season. Furthermore, the 1540 Diyarbakır Salname (Yearbook) recorded the presence of 39 Muslim households in the region. The settlement, formerly known as Rışmıl, was named “Yeşilli” due to its abundant green vegetation. Yeşilli, which gained township status in 1970, became a district in 1990, and its first district governor was appointed in 1991. Water canals, fountains, dams, and mills dating back to the Roman period are among the significant structures that bear witness to the district's history.
Geographical Structure
Yeşilli District is located northeast of Mardin city center. To its north are the districts of Savur and Ömerli, and to its south and west is Mardin Central District. Covering an area of approximately 50,000 decares, the district is situated within the inner arc of the Taurus Mountains surrounding Southeastern Anatolia, in the transition zone from mountainous regions to the Mesopotamian plains. The district center extends in a northeast-southwest direction within a valley, and the valley floor is covered with alluvial soils. The lowest point in the center is around İskanevleri at 780 meters, and the highest point is near the water depot in the north at 897 meters, with an altitude difference of 120 meters. There are no forested areas in the district; only scattered remnants of shrubs and occasional oak groves are found in higher elevations. In the affiliated village of Dereyanı, poplar trees cultivated by the villagers in wetlands are noteworthy.
Climate and Vegetation
Yeşilli's climate is milder despite its proximity to Mardin city center. Precipitation is concentrated in spring and autumn; temperatures drop to 8 degrees Celsius in winter, and snowfall is rare, not remaining on the ground for a long time. The precipitation regime is irregular, and sometimes a large part of the annual rainfall occurs within a single week. In the summer season, especially in July, temperatures reach an average of 40 degrees Celsius. In terms of vegetation, although the district is poor in forests, it is rich in cultivated plants. Fig, plum, cherry, pomegranate, almond, and mahaleb trees are common. While grape vineyards are found on the valley slopes and in affiliated villages, cereal production of wheat, barley, and lentil etc. is carried out in the plains. Although there are no large rivers, small streams emerging from underground sources are used for irrigating vegetable gardens, poplar trees, and for drinking water.
Social Structure
Yeşilli's social structure is shaped by a combination of traditional and modern elements. In the district center, residences are generally built from stone and reinforced concrete materials; buildings are two stories or higher, with ground floors used as garages. In recent years, apartment-style houses have also become widespread. Most houses are surrounded by courtyards, and flat roofs are used for sleeping on hot summer nights. Village houses, on the other hand, are generally made of mud brick and reinforced concrete. In terms of health services, the district has an integrated hospital, two health centers, a chief physician, five family physicians, a dentist, and various health personnel; there are also three pharmacies. In the field of education, there is one independent kindergarten, 17 main classes, 15 primary schools, 10 middle schools, and 11 high schools. As of 2018, approximately 4,086 students are receiving education at preschool, primary, middle, and high school levels in total.
Economic Structure
Yeşilli's economy is primarily based on agriculture and transportation. In the fertile valley soils, fruit production such as figs, plums, cherries, pomegranates, almonds, mahaleb, and grapes holds an important place. In the plain villages, cereal production like wheat, barley, and lentils is carried out. Agriculture is the district's main source of livelihood, and vegetable gardens and poplar trees also contribute to the economy. Transportation, especially due to its proximity to Mardin city center, is an additional source of income for the district's residents. Although there are no large industrial establishments, the diversity of agricultural production supports the economic structure.
Tourism Potential
Yeşilli has tourism potential with its natural beauties and historical remains. The valley, rich in greenery, stands out with its picnic areas and garden culture. Water canals, fountains, dams, and mills dating back to the Roman period are worth seeing for history enthusiasts. The abundance and quality of cherries grown in the district make the region attractive for fruit tourism as well. Mansions amidst greenery and the hospitable people offer an authentic experience to visitors of the district. However, the development of tourism infrastructure can enable the full realization of this potential.
Demographic Structure
According to the Address-Based Population Registration System, Yeşilli's population in 2018 was 14,906 people; 7,616 of this population were male, and 7,290 were female. In 2017, the population was recorded as 15,277, indicating a slight decrease within a year. According to 2013 TÜİK data, the total population was 16,877, and the district center population was 13,108 (8,624 male, 8,253 female). Additionally, 43 people from 10 Syrian families live in the district. Administratively, Yeşilli consists of one municipality (Yeşilli Municipality), five central neighborhoods, nine rural neighborhoods, and two hamlets. Villages are generally located in mountainous areas, while Ova Village is established at the foot of the mountain, at the starting point of the Mardin Plain.
