5 places to visit in the Musabeyli district of Kilis: Musabeyli Castle Ruins, Olive Valley and Musabeyli Grand Mosque. Plan your trip to Musabeyli with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Musabeyli is the largest district of Kilis province by area. The district covers 346 km² and lies at an average altitude of 744 metres above sea level. Its population is 11692, and it gained district status in 1995.
As the name suggests, the district centre is situated on a mound. Historical remains that come to light from time to time during construction and rescue excavations are thought to date from the Hittite period. On 14 April 1997 the region was placed under protection under the Law on the Protection of Culture and Natural Heritage and declared a second- and third-degree archaeological site. In 1995, with Kilis becoming a province, the district gained district status with its 46 villages.
It borders İslahiye district to the north-west, Gaziantep to the north-east, Kilis to the south, and Polateli district to the east. The land is generally rugged; the plain area is covered with olive groves, vineyards and gardens, while the mountainous area is partly covered with oak and wild fruit trees. The district has a climate of hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
Musabeyli gained district status in 1995 by Decree Having the Force of Law No. 550, with Kilis becoming a province. The Musabeyli region was placed under protection as an archaeological site on 14 April 1997. Musabeyli is the largest district of Kilis by area. The historic remains in Musabeyli are thought to date from the Hittite period.
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The castle ruins on the hill near the district centre date from the Roman and Byzantine periods and reveal the strategic importance of the region. Wall traces and foundation stones left from the walls can still be seen.
View on mapCenturies-old olive trees grow in the valleys around Musabeyli. Walks can be taken along the valley, and traditional olive growing activities can be observed.
View on mapBuilt in the Ottoman period, the mosque is the most important place of worship in the district, known for its dressed-stone architecture and simple decoration.
View on mapThe district centre is built on a mound, which is protected as an archaeological site.
View on mapOlive groves, vineyards and gardens on the plain; and on the mountain side, a rural area covered with oak and wild fruit trees.
View on mapWhile you are in Musabeyli, you can also see the highlights of Kilis province. These places are in other districts; Musabeyli is about 30 km from the provincial centre.
Oruk, made by shaping bulgur dough around a filling of minced meat and walnuts and then frying it, is Musabeyli's most loved dish.
Peppers filled with minced meat, rice and spices and baked in the oven. It is one of the classic flavours of South-eastern Anatolian cuisine.
Musabeyli is one of the important centres of olive growing in Kilis. Olive oil production by the traditional stone press method still continues in some villages.
Musabeyli cuisine, influenced by Kilis and Gaziantep cuisines, offers a rich range of flavours. Spicy dishes and olive oil mezes form the basis of the table.
Musabeyli's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Olive growing is the main source of income. Wheat, barley and grapes are other important agricultural products. Small-scale livestock farming is also practised.
Musabeyli is 30 km from Kilis city centre. It is reached by road. There are regular minibus services from Kilis.
The highlights of Musabeyli are 5 sites: Musabeyli Castle Ruins, Olive Valley, Musabeyli Grand Mosque, Murathöyügü Mound Settlement and Musabeyli Olive Groves and Oak Woodland Countryside.
Oruk and Biber Dolması are the standout flavours on Musabeyli's tables.
Musabeyli is known for Olive Oil and the Olive Growing Heritage. The oil obtained from the olives grown in Musabeyli's fertile soil is the district's most important agricultural product.
Musabeyli is 30 km from Kilis city centre. It is reached by road. There are regular minibus services from Kilis.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring months (March-May).