Silifke district is the second largest district after Tarsus in Mersin province. While the population of Mut district in the east, Gülnar in the west and the district covered by the sea in the south did not reach 30 thousand in 1980, it reached 60 thousand in 1990 and it reached 100 thousand in 1997. It decreased to 85 thousand compared to the population of 2000. population. In total, it approached 290 thousand.

Tourism is a must for the district. Silifke Castle, Heaven-Hell, Astım Cave, Uzuncaburç, Baths, Ayetekla, Tokmar Castle, Harbor Castle and the sea are the main places to see when you come to Silifke. Silifke, which became the center of Mersin province (1924 – 1933) after the War of Independence, became a district center of Mersin province after 1933. In addition, some tourists call Silifke “Selefkos” because Silifke was called Selefkos in the Byzantine period. In addition, there are many special dishes for Silifke.

The most important of these are; Thimble (ring) Soup, batırık, keskek. Among the desserts; Shuttle dessert, Krumbiç are the most important ones. Since there are generally Turkmen immigrants in Silikfe, some of their games are made for Turkmens. Silifke’s most important and famous product; it is yoghurt and ayran. However, according to the villagers and those who know the taste, buttermilk is the best buttermilk. In Silifke, there are plenty of Sarıkeçilier from Yörük branches.

Where is Silifke