Silifke district is the second largest district after Tarsus in Mersin province. While the central population of the district, which is surrounded by Erdemli in the east, Gülnar in the west, Mut district in the north and the sea in the south, did not reach 30 thousand in 1980, it reached 60 thousand in 1990 and 100 thousand in 1997. According to the population of 2000, it decreased to 85 thousand. According to 2007 estimates, the center has a population of more than 100 thousand. In total, it approached 290 thousand.

Tourism is a must for the district. Silifke Castle, Heaven-Hell, Astim Cave, Uzuncaburç, Baths, Ayetekla, Tokmar Castle, Liman Castle and the sea are the main places to see when you come to Silifke. Silifke, which was the center of Mersin province after the War of Independence (1924 – 1933), became a district center of Mersin province after 1933.

In addition, some tourists call Silifke “Seleucus” since it was formerly called Seleucus during the Byzantine period. There are also many dishes specific to Silifke. The most important of these are; Thimble (ring) Soup, batik, keskek. Among their desserts; Shuttle dessert and kerebiç are the most important ones. Since there are generally Turkmen immigrants in Silikfe, some of their plays were made for Turkmens. The most important and famous product of Silifke; yoghurt and ayran.

But according to the villagers there and those who know the taste, the best ayran is buttermilk. There are plenty of Sarıkeçili, the last remnants of the Yoruk branches, in Silifke.