Arslanköy

Arslanköy
(Efrenk)
—  Town  —
Arslanköy
Location in Turkey
Coordinates:
Country  Turkey
Province Mersin Province
District Toroslar
Town
Government
 • Mayor
Elevation 1,475 m (4,839 ft)
Population (2010)
 • Total 2,713
Time zone EET (UTC+2)
 • Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3)
Postal code 33315
Area code(s) 0324
Licence plate 33

Arslanköy (also called Efrenk) is a town in Mersin Province, Turkey.

Contents

Geography

Arslanköy is a mountain town at . Highway distance to Mersin is 51 kilometres (32 mi). It is a mountain town situated on Toros Mountains with an altitude of approximatelly 1,475 metres (4,839 ft). The population is 2713 as of 2010.[1]

History

The early settlers were nomadic Oghuz Turks (Turkmens) who began to use the vicinity as a summer camp (Turkish: yayla) in the 14th century. Later a village was established. Some of the most influential folk poets like Karacaoğlan of the 17th century and Dadaloğlu of the 19th century are believed to spent some years in Arslanköy.

Arslanköy previously an ambiguous village, made news in 1947 local elections. The candidate of the opposition won the elections for village headman (Turkish: muhtar). A civil servant supporting the governing party, tried to alter the official minutes . But residents of the village resisted and fought for their preference.[2]

Arslanköy was declared a seat of township in 1954

Economy

Owing to high altitude, Arslanköy is one of the coolest parts of the province. The main crops are cereals and some fruits such as apples and peaches.

References

  1. ^ Turkish Statistical Institute page
  2. ^ An essay (Turkish)