7 places to visit in the Derik district of Mardin: Derik Olive Groves, Derik Castle and Tepebağ (Telbisim) and Beşkavak (Hofi) Ruins. Plan your trip to Derik with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Derik is a district of Mardin province, with an area of 1,381 km², an altitude of 797 metres and a population of 61,553. The municipal organisation in Derik was established in 1874; at that time the district was attached to Diyarbakır, and from 1923 onwards it has been attached to Mardin.
History and Population
In the census of 31 October 1927, the district centre was recorded as having 528 houses, 38 shops, 1 mosque and 1 church, with a total population of 2,657 people.
Geography
The district’s land slopes down from north to south, covering the areas that descend from the southern foothills of Mazıdağı towards the Kızıltepe–Ceylanpınar plains. Three sides of the district centre are surrounded by mountains, and the climate is continental; the plain area is steppe, while the slopes of Mazıdağı are covered with oaks.
Economy
The livelihood of the people living in the district centre is based on viticulture, vegetable growing, fruit growing and olive growing. With the digging of irrigation wells and the bringing into operation of irrigation ponds, the production of industrial crops has increased, and there are significant quantities of olive groves, vineyards and orchards.
History and Culture
The municipal organisation in the district was established in 1874. The district was attached to Diyarbakır province until 1926, and after that date it was attached to Mardin province. Rabat Castle was repaired during the Artuqid period and expanded with a number of additions. It is said that there are 6 churches in Derik district belonging to Syriacs, Armenians and Chaldeans.
Highlights
Derik district was founded in 610 by the Kayıhan tribe of the Turan Turks. In the villages attached to Derik district, 16,500 large and 197,000 small livestock are raised.
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