Gaziantep... The Capital of Taste and the Treasure of Mosaics

Gaziantep (also known as Gaziantep), located in the heart of Southeastern Anatolia, is an ancient Turkish city with a history spanning thousands of years.

 It is nicknamed the "Ghazi City" (City of Veterans/Heroes) in honour of its people's heroism during the War of Independence. Today, it is a charming blend of historical ruins and a flourishing industrial and artisanal activity. However, Gaziantep's main and most distinctive fame comes from its exceptional cuisine, which has crowned it the undisputed culinary capital of Türkiye.

Location:

Gaziantep is located in the Southeast of the Republic of Türkiye, and it is the capital of the Gaziantep Province. Its geographical location is of utmost importance; it lies in the Southeastern Anatolia region, close to the Syrian border (about 96 km north of Aleppo). This strategic position made it a vital crossing point on ancient trade routes between the Middle East and Anatolia throughout history, contributing to its cultural and architectural wealth.

The Most Famous Places Visited by Tourists:

Gaziantep is rich with landmarks that attract tourists from all over, where visitors can find a mix of ancient history and natural beauty:

• Zeugma Mosaic Museum: This is one of the most important destinations overall. It is considered the second-largest mosaic museum in the world, housing priceless treasures rescued from the ancient Roman city of Zeugma, with its icon being the "Gypsy Girl" mosaic.

• Gaziantep Historical Castle (Gaziantep Kalesi): This historical fortress stands proudly on a hill in the city centre. Its history dates back to the Roman and Byzantine eras, and it remains a symbol of historical resilience and offers a panoramic view of the area.

• Rumkale Fortress: Known for its breathtaking natural setting, it is located on a small peninsula on the banks of the Euphrates River. Access is usually via an enjoyable boat trip from the nearby "Halfeti" region, offering an experience that combines history and stunning nature.

• Historical Markets and Bazaars: Such as the Coppersmiths' Bazaar (Bakırcılar Çarşısı), where visitors can watch artisans hand-forge copper tools, and the Zincirli Bedesten (Chained Covered Market) which houses shops selling handicrafts, spices, and pistachios. These markets offer visitors a genuine feel for the city's Ottoman past.

• Gaziantep Zoo: It is one of the largest zoos in Türkiye and Europe, distinguished by its vast environments and biodiversity.

• Historical Mosques: Such as the Gaziantep Great Mosque which reflects ancient architectural art, and the Peşircioğlu and Kastel Mosques.

What the City is Famous For :

Gaziantep's most prominent global reputation is as a culinary powerhouse, a status recognized internationally by UNESCO, which included it in its Creative Cities Network in 2015 for gastronomy.

• Antep Cuisine: This cuisine is renowned for its diversity and richness, with a history that spans thousands of years. It relies heavily on local products such as pistachios, meats, vegetables, and spices.

• Antep Pistachios (Antep Fıstığı): The pistachio is the city's foremost ambassador. It is the essential ingredient in many desserts and dishes, grown in the region and known worldwide for its high quality and distinct flavour.

• Baklava and Kebab:

• Baklava: Gaziantep is known as the original home of the finest Turkish Baklava. It is prepared with pure butter and generous amounts of ground Antep pistachios, serving as a cornerstone of the city's economy and culinary heritage.

• Kebab: The city is famous for its unique varieties of kebab, most notably the "Ali Nazik" dish, which consists of minced kebab meat served over a base of mashed, smoked eggplant mixed with yogurt, in addition to unique "Liver Kebab" and vegetable kebabs.

• Katmer and Yuvalama: Other famous sweets include "Katmer", a thin pastry filled with pistachios and clotted cream (kaymak), served warm. "Yuvalama" is a rich, dense traditional soup often served on holidays and special occasions.