Ramsar Sites of Turkey - Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

centuries. A remarkable faith center during Christian times, Meryemlik or Hagia Techla
was established in Roman and early Byzantium periods. Because Silifke had developed
very much during Roman and Byzantium periods, it is now full <strong>of</strong> historical remnants. In
importance and existence until the 7 th century.
Past and Present Land Use
Agriculture, livestock production and some tourism activities are carried out in the
region. Agricultural activities make up the remarkable part <strong>of</strong> the land use. In the areas
<strong>of</strong> both dry and irrigated farming, olive groves and graperies lie between the coastal
areas and heights.
Live stock production that had a significant place in the past lost its significance in
economy after meadows had been transformed into agriculture and settlement areas.
Anatolian nomads known as Yuruks, who frequent the area in summers, raise livestock in
the region.
Agriculture
ture and
climate conditions that is effective in determining the agricultural potential, also leads to
variation <strong>of</strong> crops and increase in the amount <strong>of</strong> production. Various agricultural products
are cultivated in the area thanks to these characteristics. Th
comprising a very rich agricultural lands <strong>of</strong>fer the opportunity to cultivate continental
climate crops such as wheat, barley as well as hot climate crops such as peanut, citrus
fruits, early-season vegetables.
Paddy is cultivated in 3.230 ha (3.3 percent <strong>of</strong> total agriculture production) <strong>of</strong> a total <strong>of</strong>
10.180 ha agriculture lands and wheat in 2.790 ha (9.7 percent <strong>of</strong> total agriculture).
Olive groves and graperies lie in the transition zones stretching between the coastal
areas and the heights. Among the citrus orchards that gradually gaining more
significance in the area, various vegetables such as tomato, eggplant and pepper are
cultivated. Greenhouse cultivation is widespread as well as orchards. Early season and
plain graperies also have a significant place.
Livestock
had been used for agricultural purposes and settlements, livestock lost its importance.
Only 10-15 families <strong>of</strong> Anatolian nomads, who frequent the area in summers, continue
raising livestock;; that is why in this season grazing suppression in the area increases.
Especially the people living in the mountainous areas earn their livings on livestock
production. Livestock production is developed as breeding farms in the plains, leaves its
place to pasture breeding in the heights. Anatolian black goat, sheep and cattle are the
most widespread breeding animals in the area. Apart from a few private farms, poultry
activities are widespread as family business.
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