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5 places to visit in the central district of Kilis: Ravanda Castle, Kilis Museum and Canbolat Bey Mosque. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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General Information

Kilis lies in the west of South-eastern Anatolia, 55 kilometres south of Gaziantep and only 10 kilometres from the Syrian border. For a long time the city was a district of Gaziantep; on 6 June 1995 it became Türkiye’s 79th province. The district covers 610 km² and lies at an altitude of 653 metres above sea level. Its population is 135430.

History

Remains of the city’s history are seen in layers stretching from the Chalcolithic Age to the Roman and Byzantine periods at Oylum Höyük, 7 km to the east. In the Middle Ages Kilis lay on the caravan route between Aleppo and Anatolia, and Ravanda Castle in the north-west of the city was an important defensive point during the Crusader and Ayyubid periods. In the Ottoman period the city developed with stone mansions, mosques, hammams and a Mevlevi lodge. Kilis resisted the French occupation during the War of Independence and was liberated on 7 December 1921.

Climate

Kilis has a Mediterranean climate: summers are very hot and dry, winters mild and rainy. The best times to explore are April–May and October–November. In July–August the temperature exceeds 36 °C.

Cuisine and Crafts

Kilis cuisine is closely related to Aleppo and Antep cuisines and is built on olive oil, meat and dough dishes. Its most famous dessert is cennet çamuru (Kilis kaymaklı kırma künefe), made with shredded kadayıf, kaymak and pistachio. The Kilis quilt, with its cotton filling and hand embroidery, is registered as a geographical indication.

History and Culture

Most of the houses on Salih Efendi Street were restored in 2010 and 2011 by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

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Places to Visit in Kilis Central District

  • 4 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
Ancient City

Ravanda Castle

The castle in the north-west of the city was an important defensive point on the Aleppo-Anatolia caravan route during the Crusader and Ayyubid periods.

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Historic

Kilis Museum

The museum, housed in a historic stone building, displays archaeological finds from the Roman, Byzantine and Islamic periods found in the region. Its collection of mosaics, ceramics and coins is rich.

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Historic

Canbolat Bey Mosque

Built in the 16th century during the Ottoman period by Canbolat Bey, the mosque is one of Kilis's most important historic buildings, known for its dressed-stone architecture and elegant minaret.

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Historic

Kilis Historic Houses and Bazaar

The stone houses in Kilis's old neighbourhoods, with their courtyard layouts and stonework, are fine examples of civil architecture in South-eastern Anatolia. The historic bazaar sells spices, soap and local products.

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Historic

Salih Efendi Street

A street full of houses in Seljuk and Ottoman architectural style, reflecting the city's historic street fabric.

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What to Eat in Kilis Central District

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  • Kilis Tava (lamb and tomato skillet)

    Kilis tava, made by cooking minced lamb with tomato, pepper and egg on a sač griddle, is the city's most famous dish. It is served hot with bread.

  • Oruk (İçli Köfte)

    Oruk, made by shaping bulgur dough around a filling of minced meat, walnuts and spices and then frying it, is one of the indispensable flavours of Kilis cuisine.

  • Ekşili Dolma (sour stuffed vine leaves)

    Ekşili dolma, made by cooking rice and minced meat filling wrapped in vine leaves with pomegranate molasses, is a dish specific to Kilis.

  • Kilis Zeytinyağlıları (cold olive oil dishes)

    Cold mezes prepared with Kilis's abundant olive oil, especially artichokes and green beans cooked in olive oil, form the basis of the city's culinary culture.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Kilis Central District

  • Olive Culture

    Kilis is one of Turkey's oldest olive-producing centres. Olive trees thousands of years old and traditional olive oil production methods form the basis of the city's cultural identity.

  • Kilis Culinary Culture

    Kilis cuisine reflects a blend of South-eastern Anatolian and Syrian cuisines. With more than 200 dishes, it has one of the richest culinary traditions in Turkey.

Local Products

  • Kilis Zeytinyağı (Kilis olive oil) — Kilis olives and olive oil are products with a geographical indication and are the city's most important agricultural export. Kilis olives are known for their small fruit and high oil content.
  • Kilis Sabunu (Kilis soap) — Kilis soap, produced from olive oil and laurel oil by traditional methods, is known as a natural skincare product.

Economy

Kilis Merkez is the administrative and commercial centre of the province. Olive growing and olive oil production are the main sources of income. Its proximity to the Syrian border supports border trade. Kilis 7 Aralık University contributes to the education sector. Grapes, wheat and peppers are other important agricultural activities.

How to Get to Kilis Central District

Kilis is 60 km from Gaziantep and 5 km from the Syrian border. It is reached by the Gaziantep-Kilis road. Gaziantep Airport is the nearest airport. Intercity bus services run regularly.

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Kilis Central District: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Kilis Merkez?

The highlights of Kilis Merkez are 5 sites: Ravanda Castle, Kilis Museum, Canbolat Bey Mosque, Kilis Historic Houses and Bazaar, and Salih Efendi Street.

What to eat in Kilis Merkez?

Kilis Tava, Oruk (İçli Köfte), Ekşili Dolma and Kilis Zeytinyağlıları are the standout flavours on Kilis Merkez's tables.

What is Kilis Merkez famous for?

Kilis Merkez is known for Kilis Olive Oil and Olive Culture. Kilis olives and olive oil are products with a geographical indication and are the city's most important agricultural export. Kilis olives are known for their small fruit and high oil content.

How do I get to Kilis Merkez?

Kilis is 60 km from Gaziantep and 5 km from the Syrian border. It is reached by the Gaziantep-Kilis road. Gaziantep Airport is the nearest airport. Intercity bus services run regularly.

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