| Kızkales | |
|---|---|
| — Town — | |
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Kızkales
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Turkey |
| Province | Mersin Province |
| District | Erdemli |
| Town | |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | |
| Elevation | 10 m (33 ft) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 1,850 |
| Time zone | EET (UTC+2) |
| • Summer (DST) | EEST (UTC+3) |
| Postal code | 33790 |
| Area code(s) | 0324 |
| Licence plate | 33 |
Kızkalesi (English: Maiden's castle) is a town in Mersin Province, Turkey. The town, known in Antiquity as Corycus or Korykos (Greek: Κώρυκος), is named after the ancient castle built on a small island just facing the town.
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Kızkalesi is a Mediterranean coastal town. Taurus mountains are at north of the town and in fact some quarters of the town are situated on the lower slopes of the mountain. The surrounding area is mostly covered by macquis groves.
Kızkalesi at is a part of Erdemli district which in turn is a part of Mersin Province . Kızkalesi is west of Erdemli and Mersin. It is on the D 400 highway, the highway distances being 23 kilometres (14 mi) to Erdemli and 60 kilometres (37 mi) to Mersin. The winter (settled) population is 1850. (2010 est.)[1] But in summers, much higher population figures can be reached due to tourism.
Ancient Corycus was a big city. It became parts of Seleucid Empire, Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, Seljuks, Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, Oghuz Turks of Karamanids, and finally Ottoman Empire. In Turkish history, it is known as Prince Cem's departing point from Turkey in 1482 after his defeat in civil war on his way to Rome. After Cem’s departure, Kızkalesi became the winter settlement of nomadic Turkmens tribes known as Ayaş. It is declared as a seat of township in 1992.
The most important economic activities are agriculture and tourism. Tomatoes, cucumbers, apricots, beans as well as citrus are the most pronounced crops. With widespread historical ruins and wide beaches, touristic potential of the town is great. But tourism is a relatively recent activity and it needs to be further developed to reach the international standards.