Kızkalesi is a neighbourhood in the municipality and district of Erdemli, Mersin Province, Turkey. Its population is 1,781 (2022). Before the 2013 reorganisation, it was a town (belde). The town, known in Antiquity as Corycus or Korykos, is named after the ancient castle built on a small island just facing the town.

Geography

Kızkalesi is a Mediterranean coastal town. The Taurus mountains are located north of the town and in fact some quarters of the town are situated on the lower mountain slopes. The surrounding area is mostly covered by maquis shrubland. Kızkalesi is west of Erdemli and Mersin. It is on the D 400 highway, the highway distances being 23 km to Erdemli and 60 km to Mersin.

People and history

Ancient Corycus was a large city. It became part of the Seleucid Empire, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the various Seljuk empires, the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, Beylik of Karaman, and finally the Ottoman Empire. In Turkish history, it is known as Prince Cem Sultan's departing point from Turkey in 1482 after his defeat in an Ottoman civil war on his way to Rome. After Cem's departure, Kızkalesi became the winter settlement of nomadic Turkmen tribes known as Ayaş. It was declared as a seat of township in 1992.

Economy

The most important economic activities are agriculture and tourism. Tomatoes, cucumbers, apricots, beans, and citrus are the most cultivated crops. With widespread historical ruins and wide beaches, the touristic potential of the town is notable, but Kızkalesi's tourism economy is not yet up to international standards.

At Mediterranean Games

The beach of Kızkalesi hosted beach volleyball at the 2013 Mediterranean Games held in Mersin.