Gaziantep in Pictures
Tours and hotels in Gaziantep, Turkey
Gaziantep
Gaziantep is one of Turkey's largest cities, with a population of over one million and an important administrative center of the Southeastern Anatolia region. The city lies close to the Syrian border and about 40 km from the Euphrates River, within easy reach of major regional cities such as Sanliurfa, Diyarbakir, Kilis and Mardin.
Gaziantep's history goes back to ancient times: settlements here date to the Neolithic era, and at different times the area was ruled by the Hittites, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. The modern name was given after the heroic resistance of 1920–1921 - until February 8, 1921 the city was called Antep, and the prefix gazi - meaning 'brave' - was granted by the Turkish parliament in recognition of the residents' role in fighting the occupiers.
The city is called the historical center of the region for good reason: around Gaziantep there are many archaeological sites and traces of ancient cultures, and the old quarters and historic districts preserve the atmosphere of past eras. Modern Gaziantep blends organically with its historical landscapes, making it attractive for sightseeing and educational tourism.
Visitors can choose from different types of trips - archaeological excursions, cultural routes through museums and bazaars, gastronomic tours and craft workshops. The city's infrastructure is well developed: comfortable hotels, transport links and Oguzeli International Airport provide access for both independent travelers and organized groups.
The main parts of the city that interest tourists are the historic Antep center, the modern business district and the administrative districts Shahinbey and Sehitkamil. The climate in Gaziantep is continental-Mediterranean - hot dry summers and cool wet winters; the best times to visit are spring and autumn, when it's comfortable to walk around the city and see the sights.
Fascinating places for excursions and travel
Gaziantep - baklava, ancient fortresses and lively bazaars.
Gaziantep and the Zeugma Mosaic Museum
The Zeugma Mosaic Museum is one of the main reasons to visit Gaziantep. The collection includes unique panels from excavations of the ancient city of Zeugma, including the famous mosaic head "Girl with Eyes" - a masterpiece of Roman mosaic art. The exhibition shows a high level of preservation of ancient art and helps to understand the region's importance for archaeology.
In addition to the museum, the city offers a visit to Gaziantep Fortress with panoramic views of the surroundings, as well as several specialized museums - the historical museum, the ethnographic museum and the Culinary Museum. In the old quarters there are craft shops and traditional markets where you can watch copper and pottery artisans at work and buy local souvenirs.
Popular types of tourism in Gaziantep include cultural and archaeological tours, gastronomic tastings and walking tours of the historic center. For active travelers there are day trips to excavation sites and the region's natural surroundings, as well as themed tours focused on crafts and cuisine.
Gaziantep is officially recognized as a city of culinary heritage by UNESCO; the local cuisine is known for its prominent use of pistachios and a wide variety of pastries, including the famous baklava. The best times to visit museums and go for walks are March-May and September-November, when it is not so hot and there are fewer tourists.
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