Gazipaşa
Republic of Gazipaşa Gazipaşa Cumhuriyeti (Turkish) | |
|---|---|
| Motto: "Unity through Strength" | |
| Anthem: "March of the Highlands" | |
 | |
| Capital and largest city | Pazarcı 36°16′22″N 32°18′47″E / 36.27278°N 32.31306°E |
| Official languages | Turkish |
| Regional languages | Kurdish, Circassian |
| Ethnic groups |
|
| Demonym(s) | Gazipaşan |
| Government | Unitary presidential republic |
• President | Ayhan Demir |
• Prime Minister | Emre Kaya |
| Establishment | |
• Declaration of Independence | 15 April 2024 |
• Founding of the Republic | 29 October 2024 |
| Area | |
• Total | 1,079 km2 (417 sq mi) (189th) |
• Water (%) | 5.6 |
| Population | |
• 2024 estimate |  124,892 |
• Density | 116/km2 (300.4/sq mi) (102nd) |
Gazipaşa, officially the Republic of Gazipaşa, is a country in the southwestern corner of Asia Minor. Gazipaşa is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south and surrounded by the country of Turkey on all other sides. With a population of approximately 125,000, the Republic of Gazipaşa is a small but strategically significant nation known for its rugged terrain, cultural heritage, and economic reliance on citrus farming and tourism.
The capital city, Pazarcı, serves as the political and economic hub of the country, while the coastal regions boast pristine beaches that attract international visitors.
History
[edit]Gazipaşa was historically a part of the Ottoman Empire and later the Republic of Turkey. In the early 21th century, tensions between the central Turkish government and regional Gazipaşan leaders escalated due to disputes over cultural preservation and resource allocation. The situation culminated in the Gazipaşa Secession War (2023–2024), during which local militias, supported by several international backers, sought to establish an independent state.
The war was marked by intense guerrilla warfare in the mountainous interior, culminating in the Alanya, which recognized Gazipaşa's independence on 15 April 2024. A provisional government was established, and on 29 October 2024, Gazipaşa officially declared itself a republic.
Geography
[edit]Gazipaşa is characterized by its Mediterranean coastline and mountainous interior, which provides a natural barrier against invasions. The climate is predominantly Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Politics
[edit]The Republic of Gazipaşa is a unitary presidential republic. The President, elected for a five-year term, serves as both the head of state and government. The current President, Ayhan Demir, has held office since 2023.
Economy
[edit]The Gazipaşan economy is driven by agriculture, particularly citrus fruits like avocado and bananas, as well as tourism. The nation's small industrial sector produces textiles and processed foods.
Military
[edit]Gazipaşa maintains a modest but well-trained military force focused on national defense. The Gazipaşan Defense Forces were instrumental in securing independence and have since been modernized with the help of international allies.
Culture
[edit]Gazipaşa is renowned for its blend of Turkish and Circassian cultural elements. The traditional Yörük lifestyle, characterized by semi-nomadic herding, remains a point of pride for many Gazipaşans.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- "Gazipaşa Historical Society". Gazipaşa Historical Society.
- Yılmaz, Hasan (2005). The Secession Wars. Alanya Press.