Araban | |
---|---|
District and municipality | |
![]() Map showing Araban District in Gaziantep Province | |
Coordinates: 37°25′29″N 37°41′34″E / 37.42472°N 37.69278°E | |
Country | Turkey |
Province | Gaziantep |
Government | |
• Mayor | Hasan Doğru (AKP) |
Area | 592 km2 (229 sq mi) |
Elevation | 610 m (2,000 ft) |
Population (2022)[1] | 32,933 |
• Density | 56/km2 (140/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+3 (TRT) |
Postal code | 27650 |
Area code | 0342 |
Website | www |
Araban (Kurdish: Qale)[2] is a municipality and district of Gaziantep Province, Turkey.[3] Its area is 592 km2,[4] and its population is 32,933 (2022).[1] The district was established in 1957.[5]
The city was historically known as Raban. In October/November 958, the Byzantine Empire led by John Tzimiskes and Basil Lekapenos managed to defeat Sayf al-Dawla of the Hamdanids at the Battle of Raban.
Raban was ruled by the Armenian ruler Kogh Vasil, following the First Crusade in 1097. It was captured by Mesud I in April 1150, before it was burned by the Mongols in the 13th century.[6] In 1268, King Hethum I had to surrendered several fortresses including Raban to Baibars,[7] who had imprisoned Hethum's son, Leo, following the Battle of Mari.
There are 49 neighbourhoods in Araban District:[8]