Gaziantep, Turkey: location, attractions and reviews of tourists

Gaziantep (Turkey) is the center of one of the provinces of Southeast Anatolia. It is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world of Hittite origin. In this region they grow pistachio nuts, here grow olive groves and vineyards. Judging by the reviews of tourists who have visited here, the quality of rest in this place is not inferior to more familiar and popular resorts. It is famous for its abundance of ancient sights and culinary art.

Where is the city of Gaziantep in Turkey?

Gaziantep, previously or unofficially known as Antepe, is located in the southeast of Turkey. The city is located 185 km northeast of Adana and 97 km north of Aleppo, that is, almost on the border with Syria. This is the sixth most populated locality in Turkey. The city center is compact, and it is quite possible to get around on foot. However, reviews of tourists report that if someone has tired feet, then there is the opportunity to take a bus or a taxi.

Transport links with other regions are also well established. So, in 15 km from the center there is an airport. He daily connects Gaziantep with other major cities of the country, which easily allows you to reach different directions and from inside to find out what really is Turkey.

Gaziantep distance to Alanya, for example, has about 500 km, to Antalya - about 600 km. Otogar bus station is one of the most convenient in Turkey. It integrates well with most of the cities in the west and east of the country. Railway communication is established with Istanbul, Ankara, Mosul (Iraq) and Aleppo (Syria).

Old city

You can start acquaintance with the sights of Gaziantep from the Old Town, known as Aintap. It is located 12 kilometers north of the present city, on the upper slopes of the Nisyp hill. The territory was constantly inhabited since the Paleolithic - here the Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Abbasids and Seljuk Turks ruled. The appearance of the Ottoman Empire was marked by the construction of mosques, inns, baths and madrassas. This is reported in detail by tourists.

Temples of Gaziantep

There are many mosques in the city, which is understandable: after all, it is a Muslim land. Among the most interesting are:

• The mosque Kurtuluş Camii, originally built in 1892 as a cathedral. This impressive building is distinguished by an alternating black and white stone and looks like a zebra.
• Alaüddevle Camii is located next to the market and is equally delighted with the guests of the city of Gaziantep.

Turkey remembers the rule not only of the Ottoman rulers. A striking confirmation of this were interesting examples of Christian churches. Thus, among them is Kendirli KiIisesi, located on Ataturk Boulevard. Clamped between modern buildings, this church was built by French priests with the assistance of Napoleon III in 1860. Testimonials of tourists tell us that when you carefully examine the building, you can find attractive black and white medallions on it.

The most interesting museums

There are many different museums in Gaziantep. Among the most fascinating were:

• "Zevgma" (Mosaic Museum) preserves the largest collection of mosaics in the world and is located on 1700 square meters. Magnificent artifacts were found during excavations of the Roman settlement of Belkisa. The exposition provides a detailed analysis of the past centuries. Modern interactive technologies give the demonstration a special effect.

• Emine Göğüş talks about the traditions of local cuisine. The exposition provides information and inspiration for learning amazing snacks. Reviews of tourists are full of new recipes for cooking ethnic dishes, special ingredients and technologies.
• Hasan Süzer Ethnography Museum imitates the old way of life, decorating the halls with traditional furniture and things. In addition, the exposition includes various weapons, documents, tools that were used in the defense of the city, as well as photographs of local heroes of resistance.
• The city museum of Gaziantep focused on acquaintance with ancient crafts: a seal, carvings on wood and Hittite sculptures. Here you can learn the history of baklava and shoe craftsmanship. After the excursion you will have a rest and will have a drink of tea, coffee or cold beer in the cafe. It works in the courtyard. There's also sometimes live music and local artisans' shops.
• Mevlevihane Vakıf Müzesi tells a fascinating story about Muslim pious fools, dervishes. Visitors can view artworks, woven carpets, manuscripts and clothes worn by Mevlevi.

Gaziantep-Calais

The builders of the fortress of Gaziantep are for certain unknown. Presumably it was put in the 6th century by the Byzantine emperor Justinian and essentially rebuilt by the Seljuk Turks in the 12th-13th centuries. Later, the citadel was redrawn in 1481 by the Egyptian ruler, and in 1557 - during the time of the Ottoman Empire - Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. It was he who added the building to watchtowers, mosques and small palaces. Along the walls were built 36 sentinel towers of round shape.

Inside is the tomb of Mehmet Ghazali, a mosque and a bathhouse. It is believed that galleries and paths leading to the river are dug under the castle. The fortress was an important bastion of resistance to the French during the liberation war in 1920-1921. In the inner chambers there is a panoramic museum. His exposition narrates about the heroic defense of the times of the First World War. Here tribute is given to the brave defenders of the city.

What else to visit in the city of Gaziantep in southern Turkey?

Visiting the eastern bazaars, judging by the reviews of tourists, has turned for travelers into a magical ritual. Not an exception and a labyrinth-like Bakircilar Çarşisi in the city of Gaziantep. Turkey has maintained traditions of trade for many centuries. The local bazaar united two markets. Zincirli Bedesten, built in the 18th century, has 80 shops and five gates. Here you can buy handicrafts and souvenirs.

Kemikli, opened in the XIX century, is a rectangular structure made of stone with two gates. In this place you will see mini-mountains of spices and elegant garlands of dried peppers.

To the south of Zincirli Bedesten, in the area of Elmacı Pazari, there is an original Güllüoğlu store, which sells excellent baklava.

Finally, when the sights are inspected, souvenirs are purchased, you can stroll through the city's central park, 100 Yil Atatürk Kültür Parkı. This is a real green paradise for nature lovers, families and couples in love. In the recreation area there are also several good places where you can relax, have a beer and watch the sunset.

Secrets of cooking

One more attraction is local cuisine. Gaziantep (Turkey) is widely known for cooking traditions. They were formed under the strong influence of the northern regions of the country and southern neighbors.

The city is famous for its variety of meat dishes. Here prepare a spicy shish kebab - kebab, lahmahun - marinated minced meat with vegetables on an extremely thin crunchy dough with garlic or onions. According to tourists' reviews, in Gaziantep often breakfast is served by beiran - spicy rice soup with lamb.

No less popular are the dishes with the inclusion of pistachios, which grow in this region. They are eaten here both fresh and fried with seasonings. Local desserts include baklava, kunefa, burmali cadaif, sari birma. From drinks, the townspeople prefer tea from licorice root. It is called "Turkish cola", and in the bazaar area they are treated for free.