Gaziantep is one of the favourites of the Southeastern Anatolia Region. This is the city of baklava, stone inns and copper. Local people call it Antep. But it used to be called Ayıntap or Aynitap. Different stories about this Aynitap name have been spoken for years. The most well-known rumour is that it is a combination of the names of the former rulers of the city: King Ayni and Queen Tep. Another interesting story is about the repentance of a woman who was notorious for taking bribes. It is said that this woman’s name was Ayni. When she gave up her bad behaviour, people started to talk about ‘Ayni repented!’. In time, the city became ‘Ayni’s place of repentance’ or ‘Aynitap’.
Let us remind you before starting the article: Don’t forget to download the Piri Guide mobile application to visit Gaziantep step by step with your personal tour guide.
Where is Gaziantep?
Gaziantep is located in the western part of South Eastern Anatolia. It is close to Şanlıurfa and Hatay. There is Şanlıurfa on the north side and Syria on the south. Gaziantep is also the 8th most populous province of Turkey. It ranks first in terms of industry in the region.
How to get to Gaziantep?
You can go to Gaziantep both by bus and by plane. In fact, flight tickets can be a little more affordable on weekdays. Most airline companies already have flights to Gaziantep every day of the week. If you are travelling from Ankara, it takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes; from Istanbul, it takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. You can use Havaş shuttle services to get from Gaziantep Airport to the centre. It is also possible to reach other cities via Gaziantep by Havaş buses.
When to go to Gaziantep?
Gaziantep is between the Mediterranean and Eastern Anatolian climates due to its location. Summers are hot and dry. Winters are not very cold, but those who plan to go in December and February should think again. Because these months are really cold compared to other months. It receives the most precipitation in these months. If this is your plan, umbrellas in the suitcase!
Day and night temperatures can vary significantly. Therefore, our recommendation for visiting Gaziantep is the autumn months. May and June are also ideal because, as in autumn, there is little rainfall in the city during these periods.
Gaziantep Shopping Guide: A Local Journey
You have come to Gaziantep, forget about shopping centres! Talk to the shopkeepers and listen to Gaziantep stories.
You have stepped into the city, you are thinking about what to buy. Let it meet the needs, let it be a souvenir. But when we return home, let it remind us of Gaziantep. Then hold tight! There are many shopping points in this city where you can taste Gazientep local flavours and shop:
- Olive Inn
- Elmacı Bazaar
- Spices Bazaar
- Almacı Bazaar
- Zincirli Bedesten
So, what is Gaziantep famous for? Everyone says baklava and pistachios, but we think you should start by buying Menengiç Coffee. You can visit the Spice Bazaar for this. Dried vegetables, sweet sausage, pestil, kahke, zahter… We don’t know about you, but we also love watermelon seeds. If you are also a fan, watermelon seeds are sold here as dried nuts.
If you are interested in fabrics, don’t forget the kutnu fabric! There is also handcrafted copper. You can stop by the Coppersmith Bazaar and buy copper coffee pots and coffee sets. You thought we forgot mother-of-pearl inlays, didn’t you? Of course not, the works of art made on this wood, indispensable for Ottoman palaces, can decorate your home.
Places to visit in Gaziantep
Gaziantep Castle
Gaziantep Castle actually dates back to ancient times. The historical texture of Antep was shaped right here. The Romans built this place in the 2nd century AD. However, it took its current form during the Ottoman period. When you look from a distance, you will see that the castle is shaped like a ring. But there is another thing that will attract your attention while you are in the castle. That is Aleppo Castle. We can call Aleppo a sister city. It is quite close to Gaziantep. Even the city texture and castle architecture are so similar! When you go up to the castle, you can easily see Aleppo Castle.
In recent years, Gaziantep Castle is used as a museum. Here you can learn the resistance story of the people of Antep closely. There are panels and sculptures telling these stories. There are nearly 2 thousand figures in total. MuseumCard is not valid in Gaziantep Castle.
Zeugma Mosaic Museum
Zeugma Mosaic Museum is the largest mosaic museum in the world. This place is located near Nezip, one of the districts of Gaziantep. Zeugma, which means bridge or passage, got its name during the Roman period. In the past, the city was an important trade city. Mosaics belonging to this city are exhibited in the museum. There are approximately 1700 square metres of mosaics.
The Gypsy Girl Mosaic, known as the Mona Lisa of Anatolia, is also here. If you want to learn the artefacts in Zeugma Mosaic Museum one by one, Zeugma in our application: House of the Gypsy Girl tour in our application!
Pişirici Castel
Get ready to meet a unique architecture! Because Pişirici Kasteli is a point where both religious and civil architecture meet in the same place. When we look at the word meaning, ‘kastel’ means the place where water meets. Gaziantep has experienced an ongoing water shortage throughout its history. In the past, the people of Antep built houses and mosques in areas with underground water due to this problem.
When you enter the Pişirici Castel, you will also encounter a masjid. There is a courtyard and a laundry in the centre of this place. There are showers and toilets in the surrounding rooms. The people, knowing the scorching heat of Gaziantep, built such castels to cool off. There are 8 such castels in the city, but the Cooker Castel is in the best condition.
Gaziantep Mevlevihanesi Foundation Museum
Gaziantep Mevlevihane was a building that taught religious sciences for many years. However, if you think it is limited to this, you are wrong. Because this place was also teaching makam sciences just like a conservatory. It was later turned into a museum. Gaziantep Mevlevihanesi, which is currently a museum, contains examples of Mineral Works, Handwritten Qur’ans, Turkish Calligraphy. At the same time, various carpet and rug samples are also presented to visitors.
Yesemek Stone Quarry
Yesemek Quarry is located a little further west of Gaziantep. The history of Yesemek goes back a long time. Because Yesemek Stone Workshop and Sculpture School was the largest quarry and sculpture workshop in the East for centuries. It was opened by the Hittite king, but when the kingdom disintegrated, Yesemek’s activities slowed down. Today, 300 pieces of sculpture drafts have been unearthed in this region. And it is open to visitors as an open air museum. When you enter the museum, you can see lion reliefs and sculptures of mountain gods.
Historical Country Café
We are sure that you will want to drink a tiredness coffee now that we have been all over Gaziantep. Here we have a place that will fascinate you with both historical and fragrant Turkish coffee: Historical Kır Kahvesi. In addition, this beautiful café, located at the foot of Gaziantep Castle, had a very important role in the past. During the War of Independence, it was used as an important headquarters in the defence of the city against the French.
Gaziantep Dishes: Beware of Buttons!
Gaziantep is a city with traditional dishes that will make you bite your fingers. We are not joking when we say you will bite your fingers. Because this is a great spot where you can taste the flavours of Anatolia. They didn’t say ‘City of Gastronomy’ for nothing. Prepare your stomach to eat and drink plenty. In fact, if you are going to stay for a few weeks like this, it would not be bad to take a large size trousers with you 😊 We say take our advice into consideration because you will need 🍲
Antep’s special flavours are countless. Some of them
- Ali Nazik Kebab
- Quince Kebab
- Chickpea Wrap
- Firik Pilaf
- Omaç for breakfast
- Shiveydiz
- Sour Meatballs
You can go to our favourite Imam Cagdas and try various Gaziantep dishes. Don’t leave without eating küşleme and carrot slice! We hear those who say ‘Baklava, baklava!’. Of course, we will not tell you about baklava. Try dozens of varieties of baklava on the spot and definitely listen to the story and the making of it where you sit. Our recommendation is Zeki Inal.
Those who want to learn a little more while travelling, do not go without looking at our Zeugma guide!
