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4 places to visit in the Polateli district of Kilis: Polateli Mound, Olive Groves and Vineyards and Polateli Central Mosque. Plan your trip to Polateli with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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General Information

Polateli is a district of Kilis province. The district covers 218 km² and lies at an average altitude of 838 metres above sea level. Its population is 4968, and it gained district status in 1995. With a district centre population of 1,274, it is one of the smallest district centres in Türkiye.

History and Geography

Before becoming a district, it was also known as Ispanak and Güldüzü. It has the appearance of a large village and is surrounded by Musabeyli, Kilis centre and Şahinbey. It has the smallest population of any district in the province.

History and Culture

Turkmen arrivals in the Kilis area came in waves. Polateli, with a district centre population of 1,274, is one of the smallest district centres in Türkiye. Before becoming a district, Polateli was known as Ispanak and Güldüzü.

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Places to Visit in Polateli

  • 2 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 1 Nature
Historic

Polateli Mound

A mound near the district shows that the region has been a settlement since ancient times. Pottery fragments from various periods have been found in surface surveys.

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Nature

Olive Groves and Vineyards

The olive groves and grape vineyards around Polateli reflect the agricultural richness of South-eastern Anatolia. The harvest season in autumn creates a colourful atmosphere.

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Religious

Polateli Central Mosque

The mosque in the district centre was built in the Ottoman period and is notable for its simple architecture.

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Historic

Ravanda Castle

A castle built on a high conical hill. It was used in the Crusader and Seljuk periods, and its inner castle is still standing.

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Places to Visit Around Kilis Province

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While you are in Polateli, you can also see the highlights of Kilis province. These places are in other districts; Polateli is about 20 km from the provincial centre.

  • Oylum Höyük — A large mound 7 km east-south-east of the city, on the roads between the Euphrates valley and the Amik Plain; settlement layers from the Chalcolithic through the Bronze Age to the Roman and Byzantine periods are being excavated.
  • Kilis Museum — An archaeology and ethnography museum opened in 2012 in the Neşet Efendi Mansion, built in 1927; finds and mosaics from Oylum Höyük are displayed.
  • Tekke Mosque — An Ottoman-period mosque in the city centre, notable for its muqarnas stonework and tile decoration; together with the hammam beside it, it forms a complex.
  • Kilis Grand Mosque — The oldest and largest mosque in the city, in the Hacı Gümüş neighbourhood; it was rebuilt in 1388 by Hacı Halil, son of Abdullah.
  • Kilis Mevlevi Lodge (Mevlevihane) — A Mevlevi lodge founded in the Ottoman period; it has been restored and arranged as a foundation museum.
  • Kilis Stone Mansions — Ottoman mansions of cut stone with inner courtyards in the city centre; some have been restored and are used as museums and cultural centres.

Practical Information for Visiting Polateli

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring months (March-May)
Places to visit
4 places

What to Eat in Polateli

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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 also widely made in Polateli.

  • Zeytinyağlı Enginar (artichokes cooked in olive oil)

    Cold meze made by cooking fresh artichokes with olive oil, lemon and spices. It is a good example of Polateli's tradition of olive oil dishes.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Polateli

  • Olive Growing and Viticulture Tradition

    Olive growing and viticulture in Polateli are traditions maintained for centuries. During the harvest season, families gather to pick olives and grapes.

  • Border Way of Life

    Close to the Syrian border, Polateli lies in an area where different cultures interact. This geographical position has enriched the district's social and cultural fabric.

Local Products

  • Olive oil — Oil obtained from the olives grown in Polateli's fertile soil. It is the district's most important agricultural product.
  • Üzüm ve Pekmez (grapes and grape molasses) — Grapes grown in the region are eaten fresh at the table and also used to make pekmez.

Economy

Polateli's economy is based on agriculture. Olive growing and viticulture are the main sources of income. Wheat and barley are other important agricultural products. Small-scale livestock farming is also practised.

How to Get to Polateli

Polateli is 20 km from Kilis city centre. It is reached by road. There are regular minibus services from Kilis.

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Polateli: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Polateli?

The highlights of Polateli are 4 sites: Polateli Mound, Olive Groves and Vineyards, Polateli Central Mosque and Ravanda Castle.

What to eat in Polateli?

Kilis Tava and Zeytinyağlı Enginar are the standout flavours on Polateli's tables.

What is Polateli famous for?

Polateli is known for Olive Oil and the Olive Growing and Viticulture Tradition. The oil obtained from the olives grown in Polateli's fertile soil is the district's most important agricultural product.

How do I get to Polateli?

Polateli is 20 km from Kilis city centre. It is reached by road. There are regular minibus services from Kilis.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Polateli?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring months (March-May).

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Other Districts of Kilis

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