Photo: Klaus-Peter Simon (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 2 places to visit in the Toprakkale district of Osmaniye: Toprakkale Castle and Toprakkale Çevresi Antik Kalıntılar. Plan your trip to Toprakkale with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Toprakkale is a district of Osmaniye province. Toprakkale village became a subdistrict in 1944, and on 24 October 1996 it became a district with the Law No. 4200, which made Osmaniye the 80th province of the Republic of Türkiye.
Toprakkale takes its name from the historic Toprakkale Castle, which lies within the district’s borders. The castle was built on a 75-metre-high mound of earth by the Seleucids between 312 and 64 BC.
Toprakkale district lies in the Çukurova section of the Mediterranean Region of Türkiye, at the southern foothills of the Taurus Mountains and east of the Mediterranean Region. The district centre covers an area of 112 km² and has an average elevation of 64 metres above sea level. The south-west of the district is surrounded by mountains, while its northern and eastern sides are open plain as far as the eye can see.
The historical development of Toprakkale runs parallel to the history of Çukurova. The first people to arrive in Çukurova were the Luwians; the Kizzuwatna Kingdom, founded in the 2nd millennium BC, was overthrown by the Hittites in the 12th century BC, but it ruled the region again under the name Que Kingdom. The region was then ruled in turn by the Persians, the Seleucids, the Abbasids, the Anatolian Seljuks, the Armenians, the Mamluks, the Ramazanids and the Ottoman Empire.
The district’s economy is based mainly on agriculture and livestock farming; its fertile Çukurova soils allow various agricultural products to be grown. The location of the Osmaniye Organised Industrial Zone within the district’s borders contributes to the development of the industrial sector.
Toprakkale became a district with Law No. 4200 dated 24 October 1996. During the Ottoman period the castle was called Kınık Castle. In the 8th century, the castle was rebuilt with black stones during the time of Harun al-Rashid.
The history of Toprakkale Castle goes back to the 2000s BC. When the Istanbul-Baghdad railway was built, the name Kınık Castle was changed to Toprakkale. The Kınık nahiye was founded in 1490-1500 around today’s Toprakkale district.
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Photo: Klaus-Peter Simon (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source The castle that gives the district its name was built during the Crusades and was one of the important castles of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. Built of earth and stone, the castle occupies a strategic position overlooking Çukurova.
View on mapVarious remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods can be found around the district. The arrow slits and towers still visible on its walls bear traces of defensive architecture.
View on mapWhile you are in Toprakkale, you can also see the highlights of Osmaniye province. These places are in other districts.
Prepared by grilling lamb on skewers. This dish, which has an important place at local tables, is made using traditional recipes. Each family's recipe, passed down through generations, differs with small touches.
A sour soup made with wheat, yoghurt and local herbs. This dish, made using recipes passed down through generations, is an important part of the region's culinary culture. Its preparation with seasonal ingredients means it offers a different flavour in every season.
Thick bread baked in traditional tandır ovens. Prepared with local ingredients, this speciality reflects the gastronomic richness of the region. Thanks to the slow-cooking technique, the meat reaches a consistency that falls apart in the mouth.
Toprakkale Castle is one of the most important castles of the Crusade period in Çukurova. It is believed that the treasury of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia was kept here.
Agriculture has been the basic livelihood in Toprakkale for centuries. This cultural element, which strengthens social bonds, has an important place in the region's social life.
The economy of Toprakkale is based mainly on agriculture and livestock farming, and on industry. Peanuts, cotton and citrus are the main agricultural products. The district lies at a strategic position on the Osmaniye-İskenderun highway.
Toprakkale is 10 km from Osmaniye and 50 km from İskenderun. It is 110 km from Adana Airport.
The 2 highlights of Toprakkale: Toprakkale Castle and Toprakkale Çevresi Antik Kalıntılar.
Toprakkale Kebabı, Tırşik Çorbası and Tandır Ekmeği are the standout flavours at Toprakkale's tables.
Toprakkale is known for its Toprakkale Yer Fıstığı and Haçlı Kalesi Mirası. Peanuts grown in the district are an important agricultural product of Osmaniye.
Toprakkale is 10 km from Osmaniye and 50 km from İskenderun. It is 110 km from Adana Airport.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.