When you say the codeword “Gaziantep” to Turks, they immediately respond with a gourmet “mmm” and clutch their stomachs. Gaziantep is the culinary heart of Turkey. Here, you’ll find the best baklava, kebabs, pilaf, and kokoreç. The city boasts countless cafes and street food stalls—every district has its own signature dish. Since 2012, the influx of Syrians has significantly expanded the range of flavors for gastronomic tourists.
Gaziantep (Turkey)
Gaziantep (Turkish: Gaziantep) has a complex history. In the Middle Ages, the city was called Antep and was home to Armenians and Kurds, whom the Turks relocated to Syria in the early 20th century. From 1918 to 1921, the city was occupied by the French, and after their withdrawal, the prefix “gazi” (meaning “victorious”) was added to its name. With the onset of the Syrian civil war, Gaziantep became a hub for temporary Syrian migrants. Many stay for several years or settle permanently. This has profoundly influenced the city’s cultural landscape: Syrian cafes, shops, barbers, and more can now be found everywhere, adding a distinct “local flavor” to every corner.
What to See?
Be sure to stroll through the old town and venture into hidden courtyards along the way. Almost every one has a café with its own unique take on traditional Turkish tea and coffee.
Mosaic Museum (Mithatpaşa Mahallesi, Hacı Sani Konukoğlu Blv.) houses frescoes and mosaics from the ancient city of Zeugma, which was flooded during dam construction. Here, you can see 140 m² of frescoes, four Roman fountains, statues, sarcophagi, and columns.
The Castle towering over the city (Seferpaşa Mahallesi, Naip Hamamı Sok.) was built by the Hittites in the 12th century BCE as a defensive fortress. Later (in the 3rd century CE), the Romans rebuilt it and used it as the city’s main administrative building. Today, it houses a military museum.
Don’t miss the Botanical Garden (Gazi mah. Zübeyde hanım bul.). It’s about three times smaller than Minsk’s but arranged with the same coziness and care.
Make time for the central bazaar. Gaziantep’s market is a collection of shops and open workshops where artisans craft traditional copperware right before your eyes in just an hour or two. Look out for handmade “Yemeni” slippers and carpet shops—by the way, carpets here are much cheaper than in Istanbul (e.g., a 0.5 x 1 m rug costs €15–25). Just remember to haggle!
The villages of Rumkale and Savas fell victim to Turkey’s industrialization. In 2000, they were submerged due to the construction of a dam. The landscape here resembles a surreal painting: mosque minarets peek out of the water, abandoned village houses creep toward the shore, and the turquoise reservoir lies eerily still. You can reach the villages in two hours by minibus (€3) or by ferry through local tour companies.
Hotel Map
How to Get There?
You can fly to Gaziantep from any major Turkish city. Flights from Istanbul or Antalya take about 1.5 hours and cost €20–40.
Tastes and Memories: Why Visit Gaziantep Now
Gaziantep is a city where history isn’t just preserved in museums—it lives on the streets, filling the air with the aromas of bazaars and the chatter over tea. Ancient Hittite fortresses stand alongside modern Syrian cafés, while submerged villages hide secrets beneath the dam’s waters.
Perhaps it’s this unique blend of eras, cultures, and flavors that gives Gaziantep its magic. Where else can you savor authentic baklava made by a master whose ancestors perfected the recipe before the city earned its proud “gazi” title? Or hear the stories of Syrian refugees who brought new recipes and traditions?
Visit Gaziantep not just for its gastronomic discoveries—though they’re undoubtedly worth it. Come to experience how different worlds coexist in one place, how trauma can give rise to beauty, and how time adds new shades to traditional tastes. Sometimes, the most fascinating journeys lead not to the most famous cities, but to those that have preserved their soul despite all challenges.
