History
THE DISTRICT OF ISLAHIYE is located around 90 km away from the city center west of Gaziantep, on a strategical position and on a flat plain, in the center of a fertile crescent-shaped area, with a surface area of 1513 km2. Its total population is 66,941 according to the Address-Based Population Registration System in 2016. In the 19th century, it was decided to form an army to take Kozan and Gavur Mountains and around, which were in rebellion, under control by the Ottoman government. This army, called "Firka-i Islahiyye" (Legion of Islahiye) was active in the areas ranging from Iskenderun to Maras and Elbistan, from Kilis to Nigde and Kayseri, from Adana province to the border of Sivas province. Istanbul-Aleppo railway passes through the center of the district. There is railway connection to the east and the west of the country via the train station in Fevzipasa, which is part of the district. The district, which is located on the Hatay-Kahramanmaras fault line, is situated in a first degree seismic belt.

Miscellaneous field crop cultivation, vegetable growing and fruit growing is practiced in Islahiye as a result of the Meditteranean climate’s influence. Islahiye Pepper, which has become a brand name, is exported abroad. In the district, grapes, cotton, wheat, sugar beet and soy beans are grown along with pepper. Its history dates back to the 9th century BC, while Tilmen Mound, Zincirli (Samal) Mound and Yesemek Outdoor Museum are all located in Islahiye.