Established by Alexander the Great around 300 B.C, Hatay (Antakya) province belongs to Mediterranean Region. However, the city’s history has carried older elements than establishment period to our day. Hatay is surrounded by Adana, Osmaniye, Gaziantep, Kilis, and Syria and features a coast on the Mediterranean Sea. Having acted as a bridge between Mesopotamia and the eastern Mediterranean, Hatay was used as a travel and trade route in ancient times.
Being at the east end of the Mediterranean climate, the city is located between Kel and Nur Mountains. The biggest length of the province is alluvial soils named Amik Lowland. Reaching the top of hills in the province, Habib Neccar Mountain is covered with city wall remnants that enclose the city and castle and form a huge obstacle to outsiders that can be regarded as border.
In this area, a Mediterranean-type climate dominates. That’s why our province boasts arid, hot characteristics. Apart from that, there is a huge temperature difference between the coastal and highland areas because of the higher altitude in the mountainous areas. Within Hatay, the Asi River streams in a path that forms a border between Turkey and Syria. The source of this river comes descends from the Lebanon Mountains.
Places to Visit
Chosen as the city of peace by UNESCO, Hatay is a province that has carried a colorful history into present times, and it is a place where you can see the beauty of Asi River rising from the Lebanon Mountains and emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. You can also take in the second biggest Archaeology Museum in the nation, hosting about 35,000 historical artifacts from way back in the Paleolithic Age. You can also see extant inns and Turkish baths. Beyond this, you might also enjoy a visit to some mausoleums, mosques, and churches which were built in the past. The city is a key in spreading Christianity. St. Simeon Monastery can be visited in order to see an impressive perspective in this manner.
Besikli Cave tomb monument in Hatay Turkey. In tombs, 12 rock tombs are found which belongs to Romans.
Having embraced many civilizations since ancient times and contributing significantly to Turkey’s tourism, Hatay is a great place for sight-seeing. It attracts attention with its long stretches of coastline which can be visited during the summer season. If you like the sun-sand-sea trio, you can enjoy summer in Hatay with both cultural and tourist travels. Visiting Beşikli Cave, Uzun Bazaar, Mozaik Museum, Archaeology Museum, churches, and mosques can enliven your natural and historical travel experiences. You can really visit here in any season to soak up the history of the city, thanks to its favorable climate.
Affan kahvesi (Traditional Turkish cafe) in Antakya Turkey
Cuisine
With its rich cuisine, thousands of years of history, and both historical and natural elements, Hatay is one of the most beautiful places of our country. Having preserved this multi-cultural profile so well, it now has quite a rich and famous cuisine scene. In fact, Hatay offers around 400 local dishes, the most famous being tray kebab, tepsi kebab, Arabaşı, squash medley, seyh mualla, chicken in salt, shawarma, Hatay bagel, aubergine salad, and libye.
Famous tepsi kebab of Hatay. Eat responsibly!
How to Get There
Being at the junction of many cities from the north and east regions, the city has a substantial, and convenient, highway system. Travellers who prefer air or ocean travel can exercise those options as well. Make your choice based on comfort and allotted travel time.