Besides being the oldest city in our country, Gaziantep stands out as both an old and current settlement area in the world. Having an important place in trade and industry of our country, it is located between the Middle East and Anatolia. The city’s value only goes up due to its proximity to a coastal town.
There is no natural lake in the city. That is why artificial lakes and dams were built in several areas of our city. However, Fırat River, one of the longest rivers in our country, does stream through Gaziantep. The province has quite few natural forested areas too, and it is one of the most convenient cities for agriculture. Pistachio, fruits, vegetables, olives, and grapes are among the main products grown here. In fact, it is accepted worldwide that pistachios hold the most important place in the economy of the city.
The main counties of Gaziantep are Oğuzeli, Yavuzeli, Şehitkamil, Şahinbey, Karkamış, Araban, and Nurdağı. With numerous transportation options and being close to coastal towns mean Gaziantep has earned a reputation as a strategic position. The province is actually one of the richest cities of our country.
Handicraft occupation in our city is highly developed. The most valuable handicrafts are leather making, head scarf making, rug weaving, copper working, jewelry, and hand engraving. If you visit this city, you can buy various handicraft products as souvenirs, especially rugs and copper, which feature unique patterns.
Cuisine
Gaziantep is the leading province in our country in terms of variety of dishes. In these rich food options comes the essential dessert of Turkey: Antep Baklava. Other famous dishes are Arab meatball, alaca soup, küşleme, çağla dish, doğrama, sour taraklı kebab, fried meat, small sliced kebab, yuvarlama, and beyti.
Places to Visit
The city embraces visitors with its long history and rich traditions, contemporary and traditional lifestyles, and thousands-year old historical places. Amazing to all who experience them, the following are the key places in Gaziantep to visit:
- Tahtani Mosque, Kabasakal Paşa Mosque, Gaziantep Ağa Mosque
- Bakırcılar Bazaar
- Araban Castle
- Keyvanbey Turkish Bath
- Dülükbaba Forest
- Medusa Glass Work of Art Museum
- Tilbaşar Castle
- Zeugma Ancient City
- Mitras Temple
- Rum Castle
- Zeugma Mosaic Museum
- Kaleoğlu Cave
- Historical Bey District
- Fırat Valley
Apart from these, historical Gaziantep houses can be often seen during city tour. You can get away from the stress of city and get in touch with nature thanks to highland and picnic areas which have an authentic atmosphere.
How to Get There
Gaziantep city had been on important roads throughout the history it is still in the same position. Today, transportation to this city is quite easy and highways have an important place in it. Apart from that, railway system is highly developed. Airway transportation to Gaziantep is also developed and direct flights to the city are available.