Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source Silifke Castle
Silifke's historic castle, mentioned among the ancient remains in the History section.
View on map9 places to visit in the Silifke district of Mersin: Silifke Castle, Cennet and Cehennem Obrukları (Heaven and Hell Sinkholes) and Uzuncaburç (Olba/Diocaesarea). Plan your trip to Silifke with local food, practical tips and transport information.
The district covers 2,692 km². The average altitude of Silifke district centre above sea level is 25 metres.
History
After the Roman Empire was split in two in AD 395, Seleucia came under Byzantine rule and, because of the presence of Saint Thecla (Ayatekla), became an important pilgrimage centre. In the Republican period, after the War of Independence, Silifke became the centre of İçel Province and, after 1933, it was merged with Mersin Province and became a district.
Geography
The Göksu River divides the district in two. In the delta where the river reaches the sea, the Akgöl and Paradeniz lagoons form one of the world’s major bird gathering sites. The breeding area of the Mediterranean monk seal lies within the boundaries of Yeşilovacık belde.
Economy
The Silifke Plain is an alluvial plain with very fertile soil, and because greenhouse farming is widespread, up to 3 crops a year can be harvested. The district grows many fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, paddy rice, peanuts, squash, green beans and yer kirazı.
History and Culture
Silifke was founded on the site of the ancient city of Seleucia ad Calycadnum. Because of the presence of Saint Thecla (Ayatekla), it became an important pilgrimage centre in the Byzantine period. The district governor’s office building is a work of the reign of Sultan Reşat.
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