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Gaziantep

Gaziantep, Gaziantep, Turkey

Discover Gaziantep: Where History Meets Culinary Delights Gaziantep, a vibrant city in southeastern Turkey, beckons travelers with its intoxicating blend of history, culture, and world-renowned cuisine. Far from the wel…

#Historic city#Culinary destination#Middle Eastern culture#Ancient architecture#Southeastern Turkey

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Gaziantep.

Top Hotels in Gaziantep

Top Flights to Gaziantep

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Gaziantep.

Tours

Gaziantep Castle Tour

Explore the historic Gaziantep Castle, offering panoramic views of the city and insights into its rich history.

Gaziantep Museum of Archaeology

Discover artifacts from Neolithic to the Islamic period in this renowned museum.

Zeugma Mosaic Museum Tour

Explore one of the largest mosaic museums in the world, showcasing Roman mosaics and archaeological finds.

Shopping

Bakırcılar Çarşısı Shopping

Shop for traditional copperware and souvenirs in this bustling market.

Almacı Bazaar Experience

Experience local culture and taste authentic Gaziantep food in this vibrant bazaar.

Sanko Park Shopping Center

Shop in a modern mall featuring international brands and entertainment options.

Outdoor

Gaziantep Zoo Visit

Visit one of the largest zoos in Turkey, home to a variety of exotic animals and birds.

Dülükbaba Nature Park

Enjoy outdoor activities in Gaziantep's renowned nature park, offering hiking trails and picnic spots.

Gaziantep Culinary Tour

Indulge in Gaziantep's world-famous cuisine by visiting popular food spots and markets.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Gaziantep.

Currency

₺ | TRY | Turkish Lira

Population

2.2 million

Languages

Turkish, Arabic, Kurdish, Armenian

Average weather

Gaziantep

Jan

9°1°

Feb

11°2°

Mar

15°5°

Apr

20°8°

May

26°12°

Jun

32°17°

Jul

36°21°

Aug

36°21°

Sep

32°17°

Oct

25°11°

Nov

16°6°

Dec

11°2°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Gaziantep.

What people love

Gaziantep, located in southeastern Turkey, is a city known for its rich history, culture, and culinary traditions. Here are some pros of traveling to Gaziantep:

Culinary Delights: Gaziantep is famous for its delicious cuisine, often considered one of the best in Turkey. The city is known for dishes such as baklava, kebabs, and lahmacun. Food lovers will have the opportunity to taste authentic Turkish dishes and experience the local food culture.
Historical Sites: Gaziantep is home to a number of historical sites and landmarks, including the Gaziantep Castle, Zeugma Mosaic Museum, and the Old Town with its traditional architecture. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring these sites and learning about the city's past.
Vibrant Markets: Gaziantep is known for its bustling markets, where visitors can shop for traditional handicrafts, spices, textiles, and more. The city's markets offer a vibrant and colorful shopping experience, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Hospitality: Gaziantep is known for its warm hospitality and friendly locals. Travelers can expect to be welcomed with open arms and experience the genuine kindness of the people in the city.
Proximity to Historical Sites: Gaziantep is located close to other historical sites in Turkey, such as the ancient city of Zeugma and the Roman city of Antioch. Travelers interested in history and archaeology can easily explore these nearby sites during their visit to Gaziantep.

Overall, traveling to Gaziantep offers a unique blend of culture, history, and culinary experiences that are sure to delight any traveler.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Gaziantep, Turkey may include:

Security Concerns: While Gaziantep is generally considered safe for tourists, it is always important to stay informed about the current political situation in Turkey and any potential security threats.
Language Barrier: Turkish is the official language in Gaziantep, and English may not be widely spoken outside of tourist areas. This could pose a challenge for communication, especially when trying to navigate or seek assistance.
Cultural Differences: As with any travel destination, visitors to Gaziantep may encounter cultural differences that could be unfamiliar or require adjustment. It's important to be respectful of local customs, traditions, and etiquette.
Weather Conditions: Gaziantep experiences hot summers and cold winters, so travelers should be prepared for extreme temperatures depending on the time of year they visit.
Limited Public Transportation: While Gaziantep does have public transportation options like buses and taxis, the system may not be as extensive or reliable as in other major cities. Renting a car or using private transportation may be more convenient for getting around.
Limited Tourist Infrastructure: Gaziantep is not as heavily touristed as other cities in Turkey like Istanbul or Cappadocia, so visitors may find fewer tourist amenities such as English signage, guided tours, or tourist information centers.

Overall, while Gaziantep offers a rich cultural experience and culinary delights, visitors should be aware of these potential challenges to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Gaziantep, located in southeastern Turkey, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a rich tapestry of history that spans several millennia.

Ancient and Classical Periods

Early Settlement: The region around Gaziantep has been inhabited since the Paleolithic age. Due to its strategic location, it became a significant settlement area in ancient times.
Hittite and Assyrian Influence: The area was part of the Hittite Empire and later came under Assyrian control.
Roman and Byzantine Era: Known as Antiochia ad Taurum during the Roman period, it was an important city within the Roman Empire. The city continued to thrive during the Byzantine period, benefiting from its location on trade routes.

Islamic and Medieval Periods

Arab and Seljuk Conquests: In the 7th century, the city came under Islamic rule following the Arab conquests. It later fell under the control of the Seljuks in the 11th century.
Crusader and Ayyubid Periods: During the Crusades, the city was contested and changed hands several times. It was part of the Ayyubid dynasty under Saladin in the late 12th century.

Ottoman Period

Ottoman Rule: Gaziantep became part of the Ottoman Empire in the early 16th century. It developed into a vital trade and cultural center during Ottoman rule, known for its crafts, particularly copperware and textiles.
19th Century Developments: The city witnessed significant changes in the 19th century, with the introduction of modern administrative reforms and infrastructure improvements.

20th Century and Modern History

The Siege of Aintab: During World War I, the city was occupied by British and then French forces. The local population resisted the occupation, leading to a significant confrontation known as the Siege of Aintab (1920-1921). The city's resistance is commemorated as a symbol of Turkish nationalism.
Republic of Turkey: After the Turkish War of Independence, the city was incorporated into the Republic of Turkey. In 1921, it was awarded the title "Gazi," meaning "veteran," by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in recognition of its valiant defense, thus becoming Gaziantep.

Significant Figures

Şahin Bey: A prominent leader in the national resistance against the French occupation during the Siege of Aintab. He is revered as a national hero.
Karayılan: Another key figure in the defense of the city during the Siege of Aintab.

Important Landmarks

Gaziantep Castle: A historic fortress that has stood since Roman times, it was later expanded by Byzantine and Ottoman rulers.
Zeugma Mosaic Museum: The largest mosaic museum in the world, showcasing stunning mosaics from the ancient city of Zeugma.
Tahmis Coffee House: Established in 1635, it is one of the oldest coffee houses in Turkey.
Gaziantep Archeology Museum: Houses artifacts from the region’s rich history, including Hittite, Roman, and Byzantine relics.

Gaziantep today is a vibrant city known for its rich culinary heritage, particularly its baklava and pistachios, and maintains its historical significance as a cultural and economic hub in Turkey.