Soğucak (former Belenkeşlik) is a neighbourhood in the municipality and district of Toroslar, Mersin Province, Turkey.[1] Its population is 712 (2022).[2] Before the 2013 reorganisation, it was a town (belde).[3][4]
Soğucak
Belenkeşlik | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Soğucak Location in Turkey | |
| Coordinates: 36°58′N 34°33′E / 36.967°N 34.550°E | |
| Country | Turkey |
| Province | Mersin |
| District | Toroslar |
| Elevation | 825 m (2,707 ft) |
| Population (2022) | 712 |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (TRT) |
| Postal code | 33251 |
| Area code | 0324 |
Geography
editThe town is situated at the southern slopes of the Taurus Mountains. The average altitude is 825 metres (2,707 ft). It is 24 kilometres (15 mi) north of Mersin.
History
editNear the town is a well-preserved, rectangular fortified estate house (keep) built in the 12th or 13th century during the period of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. The upper level has eight embrasured loopholes for archers. This was one of the many sites that guarded a route between the Mediterranean Sea and the Hetʽumid stronghold of Çandır Castle (Papeṙōn).[5] The fortress as well as the small village was named Belenkeşlik. The fortification was surveyed in 1979.[6] For many years, Belenkeşlik was used as a yayla (summer resort of Mersin citizens).
In 1890, the Armenian church records stated there were 76 Armenian households in Mogounk. In 1910, the church only recorded 58 Armenian households while On the eve of the Armenian genocide, there were 67 Armenian households.[7]
During the second half of the 20th century the population of the village increased and the village was declared township in 1997.[8]
Economy
editAlthough the mountains around Soğucak are covered with pine forests, there is enough agricultural land for the Soğucak residents. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the main products. House rental services during summers and animal husbandry are also pronounced activities.
References
edit- ^ Mahalle, Turkey Civil Administration Departments Inventory. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
- ^ "Address-based population registration system (ADNKS) results dated 31 December 2022, Favorite Reports" (XLS). TÜİK. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
- ^ "Law No. 6360". Official Gazette (in Turkish). 6 December 2012.
- ^ "Classification tables of municipalities and their affiliates and local administrative units" (DOC). Official Gazette (in Turkish). 12 September 2010.
- ^ Edwards, Robert W. (1987). The Fortifications of Armenian Cilicia: Dumbarton Oaks Studies XXIII. Washington, D.C.: Dumbarton Oaks, Trustees for Harvard University. pp. 90–91. ISBN 0-88402-163-7.
- ^ Photographs and a plan of the fortification at Soğucak / Belen Keşlik
- ^ George Aghjayan, Maps / Vilayet of Bitlis Moush - Demography (2016)
- ^ Mayor's page (in Turkish)
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