Kilis is a charming area known for its vineyards and olive groves, located near the Turkish-Syrian border. The city has a rich history as a center of commerce, with evidence of its existence dating back to 3000 BC.
Throughout history, Kilis has been ruled by various empires including the Assyrian, Hurri-Mitani, Hittite, Persian, Roman, and Byzantine empires. It was used as an outpost against the Byzantine empire by Caliph Omer in 636 AD. During the Crusades, it became part of the County of Urfa and was later ruled by the Seljuks and Mamelukes before being annexed by the Ottoman Empire under the rule of Yavuz Sultan Selim.
Following the First World War, Kilis was regained from occupying forces on December 7th, 1921, during the War of Liberation. The Turkish government designated it a province on June 6th, 1996.
The city is located less than 10 kilometers from the Syrian border and shares a 120 kilometer long border with that country. Kilis has two main mountains, Resul Osman and Kotal, and two main water resources, Afrin and Sabun Suyu brooks.
Kilis is home to several significant mosques that reflect its history and architecture. Canpolat Mosque is the earliest representative of Ottoman architecture in Kilis, built in the 1500s by a local ruler. Akcurun Mosque, reflecting Mameluke style, was first constructed by Seyyide Fatma in 1134. The Ulu (Grand) Mosque, established in 1336 by Abdullah Bin Haci Halil, is one of the most significant structures in the city.