Türkiye
Gaziantep is one of southeastern Türkiye's major cultural destinations, known for its millennia-old history, remarkable museums, traditional bazaars and internationally celebrated cuisine. From the mosaics of Zeugma and historic caravanserais to copper craftsmanship and baklava, the city brings archaeology and gastronomy together through a strong local identity.
Discover the landmarks, historic sites, natural highlights, and memorable places worth seeing in Gaziantep.
Ancient Ruins
Zeugma was founded around 300 BC by Seleucus I Nicator at an important crossing point on the Euphrates under the name Seleucia on the Euphrates. It later developed into a prosperous Roman frontier and trading city known for its villas, floor mosaics, frescoes and archive seal impressions. Many of the most significant finds are now displayed at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
Bazaar
Also commonly known as Elmacı Pazarı, Almacı Bazaar is one of Gaziantep’s traditional food markets. Its shops sell pistachios, spices, dried fruit and vegetables, pepper and tomato pastes, molasses and other regional products. The market offers an accessible introduction to the ingredients of Gaziantep cuisine and the city’s everyday shopping culture.
Museum
The Zeugma Mosaic Museum displays Roman and Late Antique mosaics, most of which were uncovered during excavations at the ancient city of Zeugma on the banks of the Euphrates. Its collection includes nearly 2,500 square metres of mosaics, along with frescoes, columns, fountains, funerary stelae and sculptures. Richly detailed mythological scenes offer an insight into the art and domestic life of Zeugma’s wealthy residents. Highlights include the “Gypsy Girl” mosaic, the Oceanus and Tethys Mosaic, and the bronze statue of Mars.
Castle
Gaziantep Castle stands on a historic mound rising approximately 25 metres above the city centre. Initially used as a Roman watchtower between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD, it was expanded into a fortified castle during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The structure was subsequently repaired under the Mamluks, Dulkadirids and Ottomans, and 12 towers remain along its walls today. One of Gaziantep’s principal landmarks, the castle has also housed the Heroic Defence Panorama Museum, which recounts the city’s resistance during the Turkish War of Independence.
Bazaar
Located within Gaziantep’s historic caravanserai district, the Coppersmiths’ Bazaar is a network of traditional market streets where coppersmithing and other local crafts are still practised. Although their exact construction dates are unknown, the single-storey shops are thought to date from the 19th century and reflect the city’s historic commercial architecture with their cut-stone walls, wooden façades and arched entrances. Visitors can watch artisans at work, browse hand-decorated copper coffee pots, trays, plates and kitchenware, and purchase locally made products. The rhythmic sound of hammering copper makes the bazaar both a shopping destination and a living centre of craftsmanship
Museum
The 25 December Gaziantep Defence and Heroism Panorama Museum presents the resistance of Antep’s people against British and French occupation during the Turkish War of Independence. Its exhibitions include a panoramic painting measuring 120 metres in length and 13 metres in height, 14 oil paintings, three dioramas, historical reconstructions and interactive displays. Through visual and audio storytelling, the museum depicts the battlefields, the hardships experienced by civilians and prominent figures of the defence such as Şahin Bey, Karayılan and Şehit Kamil.
Discover local dishes, traditional flavors, and notable drinks associated with Gaziantep.
Antep Beyran is one of the most distinctive dishes of Gaziantep cuisine. It is traditionally prepared with lamb, rice, garlic, red pepper, and rich meat broth. Commonly eaten in the morning, Beyran is known for its intense, spicy flavor and distinctive high-heat preparation method. Closely associated with Gaziantep, it is also registered as a geographical indication in Türkiye.
Antep Yuvalama is one of the most distinctive traditional dishes of Gaziantep cuisine. Tiny meatballs made with rice and minced meat are combined with chickpeas, lamb, and a yogurt-based sauce. Traditionally associated with festive tables, especially during religious holidays, Yuvalama is known for its labor-intensive preparation and distinctive flavor. It is registered as a geographical indication in Türkiye.
Antep Çağla Aşı is a traditional seasonal dish from Gaziantep made with fresh green almonds, lamb, chickpeas, and yogurt. The slightly tangy flavor of the green almonds creates a distinctive combination with the rich meat and yogurt. It is a notable example of Gaziantep's tradition of incorporating fruits into savory dishes and is registered as a geographical indication in Türkiye.
Antep Stuffed Dried Eggplant is a traditional Gaziantep dish made by filling dried eggplants with a seasoned rice-based mixture. Its distinctive character comes from the balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. Particularly popular during the colder months, the dish reflects Gaziantep's long-established tradition of drying vegetables for year-round use.
Antep Lahmacun is a traditional Gaziantep flatbread topped with a mixture of minced meat, garlic, parsley, peppers, and spices before being baked in a stone oven. Its distinctive garlic flavor and thin, crisp base set it apart from many other regional varieties of lahmacun. It is one of the best-known examples of Gaziantep's traditional bakery culture.