Rhales

Rhales is a region in southern Anatolia, Turkey. It is a semiarid plateauland that surrounds the cities of Gaziantep and Kilis. The area is bounded by the Amanus Mountains to the north, the Anti-Taurus Mountains to the west, and the Syrian Desert to the southeast.

Geologically, the Rhales Region is part of the Arabian Craton, a large stable interior craton that formed over 2.5 billion years ago. The region's surface geology is characterized by flat to gently sloping plains, alkali playas, and dunes. Soils in the region are typically calcareous and have low nutrient content.

Climate in the Rhales Region is arid to semi-arid, with high evaporation rates typical of interior continental regions. Mean temperatures in the summer can reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius, while mean temperatures in the winter can drop below 0 degrees Celsius. Annual precipitation is around 300 mm, mostly falling during the spring and winter months.

The economy of the Rhales Region is primarily based on agriculture, with staple crops including wheat, barley, and cotton. Livestock herding is also a significant source of income. Historically, the area was an important hub for trade routes connecting Mesopotamia and Anatolia.

Culturally, the Rhales Region has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Phrygians, Cilicians, and Arabs. Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in the region dating back to the Paleolithic era. Today, the population is predominantly Turk, but also includes Kurdish and Arab communities.