Yeşilli (District)

Yeşilli is a district of Mardin Province in southeastern Türkiye. Although its historical origins are not precisely documented, it is a relatively young administrative unit that attained district status in 1990, despite having a long-standing past. Known for its natural beauty, fertile agricultural lands, and hospitable people, Yeşilli is located northeast of Mardin city center, nestled within a lush valley.

There is no definitive record of when Yeşilli began to be used as a settlement. However, the region holds a significant place in the history of the Artuqid Beylik of Mardin. On page 22 of Abdulgani Efendi’s work Mardin Tarihi, it is noted that the Artuqids resided in Yeşilli—for three seasons under its former name, Rışmıl. Additionally, the Diyarbakır Salname of 1540 records the presence of 39 Muslim households in the area. The settlement, formerly known as Rışmıl, acquired its current name, Yeşilli, due to the abundance of green vegetation. Yeşilli attained town status in 1970, became a district in 1990, and received its first mayor in 1991. Roman-era aqueducts, fountains, dams, and mills stand as important structures testifying to the district’s historical depth.

Yeşilli District is situated northeast of Mardin city center. To the north lie the districts of Savur and Ömerli; to the south and west lies Mardin District. Covering an area of approximately 50,000 decares, the district lies within the inner part of the Toros mountain range’s arc surrounding Southeastern Anatolia, at the transition zone between mountainous terrain and the Mesopotamian plains. The district center extends in a northeast-southwest direction within a valley, its floor covered with alluvial soils. The lowest elevation in the center is around 780 meters near İskanevleri, while the highest point reaches 897 meters near the water reservoir to the north, resulting in a height difference of 120 meters. There are no forested areas in the district; only degraded shrublands and scattered oak groves exist in higher elevations. In the attached village of Dereyanı, poplar trees cultivated by villagers in wetland areas are notable.

Despite its proximity to Mardin city center, Yeşilli’s climate is milder. Rainfall is concentrated in spring and autumn months; winter temperatures can drop to 8 degrees Celsius, and snowfall is rare, with no persistent snow cover on the ground. The rainfall pattern is irregular, and sometimes the majority of annual precipitation falls within a single storm. During summer, particularly in July and August, temperatures can reach an average of 40 degrees Celsius. Although the district is poor in terms of biodiversity, it is rich in cultivated plant species. Fig, pomegranate, almond, apricot, and carob trees are widespread. Vineyards are found on valley slopes and in attached villages, while wheat, barley and lentil cultivation dominates the plains. Although there are no major rivers, streams fed by underground sources are used for irrigating vegetable gardens, poplar trees, and meeting drinking water needs.

Yeşilli’s social structure is shaped by a blend of traditional and modern elements. In the district center, residences are typically constructed using brick and reinforced concrete, with buildings usually two stories or higher, and ground floors used as garages. In recent years, modern-style homes have also become common. Most homes are surrounded by courtyards, and flat roofs are used for sleeping during warm summer nights. Rural homes are generally made of adobe and reinforced concrete. In terms of health services, the district has one integrated hospital, two health centers, one maternity clinic, five family physicians, one pediatrician, and various other medical staff; there are also three pharmacies. In education, there is one preschool, 17 kindergarten classes, 15 primary schools, 10 middle schools, and 11 high schools. As of 2018, a total of approximately 4,086 students were enrolled in pre-school, primary, middle and high school levels.

Yeşilli’s economy is primarily based on agriculture and transportation. The fertile valley soils support significant production of figs, plums, cherries, pomegranates, almonds, carobs, and grapes. In the plain villages, cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and lentils are cultivated. Agriculture remains the main source of livelihood, with vegetable gardens and poplar trees also contributing to the local economy. Transportation, facilitated by the district’s proximity to Mardin city center, serves as an additional income source for residents. Although there are no large industrial establishments, the diversity of agricultural production supports the economic structure.

Yeşilli possesses tourism potential through its natural beauty and historical remnants. The valley within its green landscapes, recreational areas, and cultural heritage attract attention. Roman-era aqueducts, fountains, dams, and mills are noteworthy for history enthusiasts. The abundance and quality of cherries grown in the district also make it appealing for fruit tourism. The traditional guesthouses within the greenery and the hospitable local population offer visitors a welcoming experience. However, full realization of this potential depends on the development of tourism infrastructure.

According to the Address-Based Population Registration System, Yeşilli’s population in 2018 was 14,906, of whom 7,616 were male and 7,290 were female. In 2017, the population was recorded as 15,277, indicating a slight decline over one year. According to 2013 TÜİK data, the total population was 16,877, with 13,108 residing in the district center (8,624 male and 8,253 female). Additionally, 43 people from 10 Syrian families reside in the district. Administratively, Yeşilli consists of one municipality (Yeşilli Municipality), five central neighborhoods, nine rural quarters, and two mezras. Villages are generally located in mountainous areas, while Ova Village is situated at the foothills of the Mardin Plain, at its starting point.