Places to Visit in Kilis
Kilis, located approximately 10 kilometers from the Syrian border, has hosted many civilizations throughout history despite its small surface area. This rich historical heritage makes the city Turkeyhas become one of the culturally important points of the country.
Kilis attracts attention with its natural beauty as well as its historical values. There are many places worth exploring for visitors to the city. Among these are Rıvanda Castle, Neşet Efendi Mansion, Hisar Çamlığı Nature Park and the Historical Kilis House, which attracts attention with its traditional architecture.
Historical places
Kilis is one of the most striking regions of Turkey as a small but deep-rooted city that stands out with its historical and cultural richness. In this city that has hosted many civilizations, every corner smells of history. The castles, mounds and historical mansions that bear witness to Kilis' deep-rooted past offer visitors both traces of the past and the elegance of Ottoman architecture. Historical stops ranging from archaeological sites such as Oylum Mound to Ravanda Castle offer a unique journey for those who want to discover the deep history of Kilis.
Kilis Republic Square
Located in the center of Kilis, Cumhuriyet Square is one of the important meeting points of the city. It holds an important place in the daily lives of the local people and is a remarkable stop for visitors. This square, which has become one of the symbols of the city, is lively at all hours of the day.
Cumhuriyet Square also draws attention as an area where historical buildings and modern city life intertwine and is one of the must-see places in Kilis.
Oylum Mound
Oylum Mound is an important archaeological site located near the village of Oylum, approximately 7 kilometers from Kilis. Excavations first began in the early 1900s and continue today. Oylum Mound has hosted many civilizations and is therefore notable for its historical richness.
Archaeologists are working to add this mound, which is thought to be 5500 years old, to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. For those who want to explore the historical depth of Kilis and are interested in archaeology, Oylum Mound is a must-visit place.
Ravanda Castle
Ravanda Castle is a historical structure located in Belenözü Village of Polateli district of Kilis. Although the exact date of construction is not known, it is estimated that the castle dates back to the Hittite period. Only the interior of the castle, which was destroyed over time, has survived to the present day.
It is thought that one of the two cisterns in front of the castle is a secret path extending to the Afrin River. Ravanda Castle, which has been used by many civilizations, awaits its visitors as one of the most important historical stops in Kilis.
Neset Efendi Mansion
Neşet Efendi Mansion is a historical building located in the center of Kilis and once served as the Kilis Museum. Built in 1925, this mansion was designed as a two-story building by the Aleppo Architect Hacı Ahmet Usta. Gaziantep It is a building made of marble and attracts attention with its architecture.
Neşet Efendi Mansion, one of the historical riches of Kilis, is one of the prominent places on the list of places to visit.
Historical Kilis House
The Historical Kilis House is an important mansion built of the city's unique stone, located in the Şıhlar Neighborhood in the center of Kilis. Although the year of construction and the architect are unknown, this historical structure attracts attention with its fine workmanship and unique architecture. The Historical Kilis House, which is a part of the cultural heritage of Kilis, is one of the important stops among the top 20 places to visit.
Ibşir Pasha Castle
Müzeler
Kilis also draws attention with its museums that shed light on its rich history. The museums in the city offer visitors a wide range of information from archaeology and ethnography to works of art. In particular, the Kilis Museum, located in the historical Neşet Efendi Mansion, provides an in-depth look at the city's deep-rooted past with works from the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman periods. The museums to be visited in Kilis are among the stops not to be missed for those who want to discover the city's history and cultural heritage.
Church Museum
Kilis Museum was established in Neşet Efendi Mansion, one of the historical buildings of the city. The museum, which opened to visitors in 2012 after restoration works, attracts attention with its archaeology and ethnography sections.
The museum, which houses many valuable artifacts from the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman periods, offers comprehensive information about the history of Kilis. Kilis Museum, which attracts the attention of both local and foreign tourists, stands out as one of the most important places to visit in the city.
Museums reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of Kilis are an indispensable part of the tourist routes in the city. Important structures such as the Kilis Museum offer doors to the city's past for both local and foreign visitors. During a trip to Kilis, you can have a unique experience of the city's history by visiting these museums.
Religious Buildings
Kilis is a city that stands out with its religious structures enriched by its historical texture. Hosting many civilizations for centuries, Kilis attracts attention with its mosques, tombs and synagogues bearing the traces of different beliefs. These religious structures located in the city center and its surroundings fascinate visitors with both their architectural beauty and spiritual values. From Kilis Ulu Mosque to Tekke Mosque, each one carries traces of history and culture and constitutes some of the religious structures that must be seen in Kilis.
Kilis Grand Mosque
Kilis Ulu Mosque, also known as Cam-i Kebir, is the oldest and largest mosque in the city. This historical structure, located in the Hacı Gümüş Neighborhood, is one of the most important cultural and religious structures of Kilis. Although the date of the first construction and the person who built the mosque, which was rebuilt in 1388, are not known exactly, it is thought to date back to the 11th century.
The mosque, built entirely of cut stones, underwent its last major restoration in 1924 and is still used for worship today. Kilis Ulu Mosque has an important place among the historical stops of the city and is a must-visit place.
Cekmekeli Mosque
Çekmeceli Mosque is a historical building located in the center of Kilis and built by Hacı Mustafa Efendi. The exact year of construction is unknown, but although the mosque has lost its original structure over time, it has survived to the present day.
The mosque, which was reopened for worship after restoration work in 1959, is frequently visited by the public thanks to its central location. Cekmekeli Mosque, one of the historical places to visit in Kilis, also attracts attention with its easy access.
Shrine of Hazrat Ashabi Kiram Muhammad Bedouin
The Shrine of Prophet Ashabı Kiram Muhammed Bedevi is one of the important historical structures of Kilis, estimated to have been built in the second half of the 14th century. Located in the city center, this shrine is known as one of the spiritual stops frequently visited by both locals and visitors.
The tomb, which Evliya Çelebi also mentioned in his travelogue, draws attention with its coffin belonging to an important figure in history. This tomb, which is one of the most important places to visit in Kilis, is among the must-see places in the city.
Murtaza Pasha Mosque
Murtaza Pasha Mosque is one of the important mosques in the center of Kilis that has survived to the present day by preserving its historical texture. This structure, which has been renovated with restorations made in the past, is one of the places of worship frequently preferred by the local people.
Murtaza Pasha Mosque, one of the well-known mosques of the city thanks to its central location, is still actively open for worship today. Drawing attention with its history and architecture, this mosque is one of the important stops among the places to visit in Kilis.
Calik Mosque
Çalık Mosque is a historical mosque located in the center of Kilis, the exact date of construction is unknown, but it was built by Çalık Hacı Ali. This mosque, which attracts attention with its single-balcony minaret, is among the important historical structures of Kilis.
The mosque, which was reopened for worship after restoration in 2005, was severely damaged by a rocket attack from Afrin. Çalık Mosque, which was restored with the repair work initiated in 2018, is now open for worship again. The mosque, which is among the 20 most important places to visit in Kilis, stands out with its historical and spiritual value.
Tomb of Shurahbil
Şurahbil Tomb is located on Karataş Hill in Demirciler Neighborhood of Kilis. Although the exact date of construction is not known, it is a spiritual stop frequently visited by both the people of Kilis and visitors from surrounding provinces. Şurahbil Tomb, which is among the important historical structures in Kilis, is on the list of places to visit.
Tekke Mosque
Tekke Mosque is a historical building located in the center of Kilis and also known as Tekye Mosque. Built by Canpolat Pasha in 1552, the mosque also houses the tomb of Hacı Bekir Bey. Although the architect of the mosque is unknown, it is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture.
Tekke Mosque, which is open for worship today, is one of the important historical stops that must be visited during your Kilis trip.
Church Synagogue
In the late 19th century, the Jewish community in Kilis consisted of about 300 families. This small community, affiliated with the chief rabbinate of Aleppo, built a synagogue in the center of Kilis in the 19th century. Used by the Arabic-speaking Mizrahi Jewish community, this synagogue was designed not only as a place of worship but also as a complex of buildings that included different sections such as the midrash.
The Kilis Synagogue, which shares architectural similarities with other Mizrahi synagogues in Turkey, has its ahal section on the south wall, as in the Antakya and Gaziantep synagogues. This feature is different from the Sephardic synagogues in Western Turkey, which have their ahal sections on the east wall.
Sheikh Ahmed Mosque
Şeyh Ahmet Mosque, also known as Şeyh Hilal Mosque, is one of the important historical buildings located in the Çaylak Neighborhood of Kilis. The architect of this mosque, which was built by Şeyh Hilal in 1631, is unknown. The mosque, which has survived to the present day with restorations made during the Republican Period, is another notable historical stop in Kilis.
Religious buildings in Kilis are among the unique stops that bear witness to the city's history and cultural richness. These mosques and tombs, which contain the architectural and religious heritage of the Ottoman and earlier periods, offer their visitors both a visual and spiritual experience. When planning a trip to Kilis, visiting these structures with spiritual value will allow you to feel the spirit of the city more deeply.
Parks, Gardens and Natural Beauties
Kilis offers peaceful escapes to its visitors with its natural beauties as well as its historical and cultural riches. The city is full of parks, gardens and recreational areas, and there are many options for those who want to enjoy the greenery and nature. From large recreational areas such as the Resul Osman Recreational Area to the natural wonders of Hisar Çamlığı Nature Park, Kilis offers nature lovers a pleasant opportunity to explore. The parks in the city center provide rest and relaxation areas for both locals and visitors.
Resul Osman Picnic Area
Resul Osman Picnic Area is located on a large area of approximately two thousand acres and is one of the largest recreational areas in Kilis. Organized by Kilis Municipality, this recreational area offers many different activities to visitors and has become one of the most popular places to visit in the city, especially in the summer months.
There are various entertainment facilities within the area, such as a climbing tower, skateboard track, jumping tower and artificial ice rink. Resul Osman Picnic Area is among the must-visit places in Kilis for those who want to spend time in touch with nature.
Martyrs' Memorial Park
Martyrs' Memorial Park is one of the green areas frequently preferred by the public in the center of Kilis. An ideal escape for those who want to relax away from the noise of the city, the park is one of the places frequented by both locals and visitors.
This park, which is one of the natural beauties of Kilis, is among the places to visit in Kilis for those who want to relax and have a peaceful time.
Hisar Pine Grove Nature Park
Hisar Çamlığı Nature Park is a natural wonder located in Hisar Village, 40 kilometers away from Kilis city center. Opened in 2016, the park is an important destination that showcases the natural beauties of Kilis and is frequently preferred by visitors.
Hisar Pine Grove, which attracts great interest from locals for picnics especially in the summer months, offers a peaceful escape with its abundant oxygen and lush green nature. In the winter months, the park, which draws attention with its white-covered landscape, is one of the must-see places for nature lovers in Kilis.
Mevlevihane Park
Mevlevihane Park is located in the center of Kilis, adjacent to the Mevlevihane Mosque. Opened after restoration work, this park is an important recreation area frequently used by the local people, especially in the summer months.
Offering visitors a peaceful break, Mevlevihane Park stands out as a stop where those who come to Kilis can enjoy themselves. This park, which is among the places to visit in Kilis, is a peaceful escape for both locals and travelers.
The parks and natural beauties in Kilis offer a perfect escape for those who want to get away from the noise of city life and meet nature. For those who want to have a picnic, walk in nature or just enjoy a quiet break, stops such as Hisar Çamlığı Nature Park, Resul Osman Picnic Area and Mevlevihane Park are among the places that must be visited in Kilis. Standing out with its natural beauties, Kilis promises peaceful moments to its visitors.
Kilis is a unique destination for travelers with both its historical riches and natural beauties. The list of “Places to visit in Kilis” includes structures that reflect the city’s deep-rooted past and cultural heritage, as well as parks and recreation areas where you can spend time in touch with nature. This discovery route, which extends from historical mosques to archaeological sites, from natural wonder parks to museums, offers an unforgettable experience to every visitor. Anyone visiting Kilis can deeply feel the spirit of the city by discovering this rich heritage.
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