Serik is a district in Antalya Province of Turkey as well as the center town of that district. The population figures according to 2000 census were 109,360 for the whole district area and 30,579 for Serik central town. The town of Serik is situated along the Antalya-Mersin intercity highway.
One of its depending townships with own municipality, Belek, is among the prominent centers of Turkey`s tourism industry. Whereas the town of Serik itself, populated by Yörük Turks, characteristically shuns outside influence and new emigration, prompting some Turks and outside observers to often refer to it as the unofficial `capital` of a Yörük Republic. The term has no administrative basis and is simply an echo of the vivaciously preserved traditions and lifestyle.
