14.10.2025 16:59
Discussions about new provinces in Turkey are back on the agenda. Nineteen districts that stand out with their population, economy, and strategic location have the potential to become provinces. Among the prominent districts on the list are Alanya, Gebze, İnegöl, Fethiye, Siverek, and Tarsus. With a possible regulation, these districts could be among the new provinces, starting with license plate numbers from 82 up to 100.
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The issue of "new provinces," which has been debated for a long time in Turkey, has come back to the agenda. Population or economic size alone is not sufficient for becoming a province; the final decision is made by political will and the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). However, 19 districts stand out with their population, economy, history, and strategic location.
HERE ARE THE 19 DISTRICTS WITH THE HIGHEST POTENTIAL TO BECOME A PROVINCE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Manisa / Akhisar (82)
Akhisar, the production power of the Aegean, is larger than many provinces with a population exceeding 180,000. The district, which sustains its economy with its success in olives, tobacco, and industry, is one of the strong candidates in the race to become a province.
- Antalya / Alanya (83)
Alanya, the heart of tourism, surpasses many provinces with its population of 361,000. The city, which hosts millions of tourists every year, certainly deserves provincial status with its economy and brand value.
Anamur, located at the southernmost tip of the Mediterranean, stands out with its banana production and commercial potential. Despite its population of 66,000, it has a strong identity in agriculture and tourism.
Cizre, with a population of 163,000 and its strategic location, is the trade center of the Southeast. Historically a crossroads of trade routes, if it becomes a province, it could change regional balances.
Çorlu, the heart of Thrace's industry, surpasses many provinces in production and exports with a population exceeding 300,000. If it becomes a province, a new industrial hub could emerge in the Marmara region.
Edremit, the olive-scented district of the Aegean, is a center where tourism and agriculture meet with a population of 173,000. Becoming a province would relieve Balıkesir's burden and give a new momentum to Aegean tourism.
Ergani, with a history dating back thousands of years, is one of the most dynamic centers in the region with a population of 139,000. With its economy and cultural structure, it ranks high on the list of potential provinces.
Ereğli, with a population of 156,000, is a strong production center in agriculture and industry. If it becomes a province, it could create a new economic focus in Central Anatolia.
Fethiye, with its world-famous bays and tourism power, is the jewel of the Aegean with a population of 182,000. If it becomes a province, it could further increase its international brand value.
With a population of 411,000, Gebze is larger than many provinces and is the center of industrial and technological investments. It is the strongest candidate for becoming a province as the production hub of the Marmara region.
İskenderun, with a population of 231,000, is the heart of Hatay's economy with its port and industry. With its strategic location and developed infrastructure, it is one of the centers with the highest potential to become a province.
İnegöl, which has become a symbol of furniture production in Turkey, is larger than many provinces with a population of 302,000. With its strong economy and employment capacity, it deserves provincial status.
Kahta, located at the foot of Mount Nemrut, is a center where history, tourism, and agriculture meet with a population of 134,000. If it becomes a province, it could revitalize regional tourism.
Kozan, with a population of 132,000, is located in the heart of Çukurova. It stands out among the districts competing to become a province with its agriculture, industry, and historical heritage.
- Kırklareli / Lüleburgaz (96)
Lüleburgaz, the modern face of Thrace, has a strong industrial and educational infrastructure with a population of 156,000. It has been demanding its own province for a long time.
Polatlı, with a population of 130,000, is the logistics center of Central Anatolia with its land and railway networks. If it becomes a province, it could be the economic gateway of Ankara to the west.
Siverek, with a population of 274,000, is larger than many provinces and is the most dynamic district in the Southeast. The saying of the people, "We are already like a province," summarizes the long-standing expectation.
Tarsus, with a population of 356,000, has been one of the most important trade cities of the Mediterranean throughout history. Becoming a province could accelerate regional development.
- Hakkari / Yüksekova (100)
Yüksekova, with a population of 121,000, is in a central position for border trade. With its strategic importance, it has the potential to become the new center of the East.
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