GAZIANTEP
Gaziantep is the culinary capital of Türkiye, a city where ancient history and modern dynamism meet. It is the heart of southeastern Anatolia, a place of vibrant bazaars, masterful copper craftsmanship, and deeply ingrained cultural traditions.
This city is a jewel box of archaeological wonders, from its imposing fortress to the world-class Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
Most Popular Attractions
Gaziantep – City Core & Heritage Sites
- Zeugma Mosaic Museum: A world-renowned museum housing the stunning, well-preserved mosaics from the ancient city of Zeugma, including the famous “Gypsy Girl” (Maiden) mosaic.
- Gaziantep Castle (Gaziantep Kalesi): An imposing fortress standing on a hill in the center of the city, offering panoramic views. It is a symbol of the city’s resilience.
- Coppersmiths’ Bazaar (Bakırcılar Çarşısı): A vibrant, noisy market where you can watch artisans hammering copper into intricate traditional pots, trays, and decorative items.
- Gaziantep Kitchen Museum (Emine Göğüş Mutfak Müzesi): Dedicated to the city’s legendary culinary history, displaying tools, methods, and the story behind Antep cuisine.
- Gaziantep Ethnography Museum (Hasan Süzer Etnografya Müzesi): Housed in a traditional stone Antep house, showcasing local life, customs, and traditional clothing.
- Lala Mustafa Paşa Mosque (Kurtuluş Camii): A striking building that was originally an Armenian Apostolic church (Surp Asdvadzadzin Cathedral) before being converted into a mosque.
- Ömeriye Mosque (Ömeriye Camii): Considered the oldest mosque in the city, featuring beautiful stone carvings and a historic atmosphere.
- Mevlevi Lodge Complex (Mevlevihane): A complex related to the Mevlevi Order (Whirling Dervishes), showcasing its historical and cultural significance in the region.
- Gümrük Han: A beautifully restored historic inn (caravanserai) now used for cultural events and artisan shops.
- Zincirli Bedesten: A restored 18th-century covered market, excellent for finding spices, dried fruits, and local handicrafts.
- Tahmis Kahvesi: A historic, traditional coffee house where you can try the local menengiç (pistachio) coffee.
- Bayazhan City Museum: Located in a restored caravanserai, this museum covers the city’s history, culture, and social life.
- Mizyal Sanat Evi (Mizyal Art House): A cultural center and gallery showcasing contemporary local art and traditional crafts.
- Yesemek Open-Air Museum and Sculpture Workshop: A UNESCO World Heritage tentative site, featuring an ancient Hittite stone quarry and sculpture workshop located outside the main city.
Gaziantep – Culinary & Local Delights
- Katmerci Zekeriya Usta: A famous spot for trying Katmer, a buttery, flaky pastry filled with pistachios and cream, typically eaten for breakfast.
- İmam Çağdaş: One of the most famous and highly-rated restaurants for authentic Gaziantep Baklava and other local meat dishes like lahmacun.
- Elmacı Pazarı (Apple-Seller’s Bazaar): The best market to buy high-quality Antep Pistachios, local spices, dried vegetables for stuffing (dolmalık), and authentic Pekmez (grape molasses).
- Kebap & Kuşbaşı (Meat Skewers): Sampling the unique Gaziantep-style kebab, often made with locally sourced, flavorful lamb and spices.
- Beyran Soup: A robust, spicy rice and shredded lamb soup, traditionally consumed for breakfast or late at night.
- Fıstık Park (Pistachio Park): A large green area dedicated to the city’s most famous product, the Antep pistachio.
Gaziantep – Surrounding Area & Ancient Cities
- Dülük Baba Hill (Dülük): One of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world, with archaeological findings dating back to the Paleolithic era.
- Rumkale: A stunning ancient fortress and settlement situated on a peninsula surrounded by the Euphrates River and the Birecik Dam Lake, accessible by boat.
- Birecik: A town famous for its Bald Ibis (Kelaynak) conservation center, a critically endangered species of bird.
- Zeugma Ancient City Ruins: The site of the magnificent Roman city on the Euphrates River, where the mosaics now in the museum were originally discovered.
- Gaziantep Zoo: A large and well-maintained zoo, noted for its size and diverse collection of animals.
Activities & Experiences
Marvel at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum: Explore the largest mosaic museum in the world, home to the breathtaking Roman mosaics from the ancient city of Zeugma, including the famous and haunting “Gypsy Girl.”
Indulge in a Gastronomic Tour: As Turkey’s undisputed culinary capital (a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy), spend a day tasting the local specialties, from over 30 types of kebabs to the unique local soup, Beyran.
Explore the Historic Bazaars: Wander through the vibrant, traditional markets like the Coppersmiths’ Bazaar (Bakırcılar Çarşısı) to watch artisans at work, and the Spice Bazaar (Elmacı Pazarı) for local pistachios (Antep fıstığı), sumac, and pepper paste.
Take a Baklava Masterclass or Tasting: Visit a renowned local baklava shop (like İmam Çağdaş) to savor the world-famous, paper-thin pastry made with local pistachios. Inquire about a behind-the-scenes look at its preparation.
Hike and Boat Trip to Rumkale: Drive out to the stunning Rumkale, a historic fortress on a dramatic peninsula where the Merzimen Stream meets the Euphrates River, and take a scenic boat trip on the lake/river.
Experience a Traditional Turkish Bath (Hamam): Visit a historic hammam, like the Gaziantep Hamam Museum (or a working one like Naib Hamamı), for a relaxing and cultural cleansing ritual.
Visit the Ancient City of Dülük: Explore one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia, including the ancient Dülükbaba Nature Park and the nearby Dülük Ancient City, an important Paleolithic site.
Wander the Old Bey Mahallesi: Get lost in the narrow, cobblestone streets of this historic neighborhood, known for its traditional stone houses, many of which have been converted into boutique hotels and museums.
Explore Local Culinary Museums: Visit the Emine Göğüş Culinary Museum to learn about the history and tools of Antep cuisine, and the Gaziantep Museum of Toys and Games for a more lighthearted historical detour.
Try Menengiç Coffee at Tahmis Kahvesi: Enjoy a cup of traditional menengiç (terebinth) coffee at this historic coffeehouse, founded in 1638, soaking in the centuries-old atmosphere.
Shop for Yemeni Shoes: Visit the traditional shoemakers near the bazaars to find a pair of yemeni, the soft, leather, heelless shoes traditionally made in the region (some workshops even made shoes for Hollywood films like Troy!).
Visit the Yesemek Open-Air Museum: Take a day trip to the ancient Hittite stone quarry and sculptor’s workshop near Islahiye, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Site.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Central: The old city center, including the bazaars, the Castle (when open), and many museums, is compact and best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes, as the streets can be cobblestoned and hilly.
Public Transport: Tram and Bus: Gaziantep has an efficient public transportation system.
- Tram (T1, T2, T3 lines): The tram is a modern and useful way to connect key areas, particularly the main railway station (Gar) to central and suburban districts. The T1 line is often most useful for tourists.
- Buses (Halk Otobüsü): An extensive network of public buses covers the entire city. You will need a reloadable transport card (Gaziantep Kart) to use both the tram and public buses.
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful, especially around the city center and transport hubs. They are relatively inexpensive, and drivers usually use the meter. You will also see “taxi buttons” that you can press to call a cab.
From the Airport (GZT): The HAVAŞ shuttle service is the most common and affordable way to get from Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport to the city center, with departures after every incoming flight. Private transfers and taxis are also available.
The Gastronomy Schedule: Food is the heartbeat of Gaziantep. Unlike many Mediterranean cities, lunch and dinner times are typically earlier:
- Breakfast (Kahvaltı): A traditional Turkish breakfast is a major event. Don’t miss Beyran Çorbası (a spicy, slow-cooked lamb soup) or Katmer (a sweet, flaky pastry with pistachio and cream) for a truly local start to the day, traditionally eaten quite early.
- Lunch: Usually starts around 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
- Dinner: Generally starts earlier than in Western Turkey, around 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Pistachio is King (Antep Fıstığı): Gaziantep is the center of pistachio production in Turkey. This nut is integral to the local economy and cuisine. Don’t leave without buying some fresh, local pistachios or trying any of the many dishes and desserts that feature them.
Traditional Crafts: The city’s bazaars are places of genuine craft. Be respectful when watching artisans in the Coppersmiths’ Bazaar, and a friendly attempt at haggling is common in the markets, but always be polite.
Respecting Historical Sites: Gaziantep’s history is profound, marked by a heroic resistance during the Turkish War of Independence (earning it the title Gazi – ‘war hero’). Show respect at sites like the Gaziantep Castle and the 25 December Museum of Heroism.
Hidden Gems:
- Medusa Glass Art Museum: A private museum tucked away in the old city, showcasing a stunning collection of Roman glass and other archaeological finds.
- Dülükbaba Nature Park: A great escape from the city center, offering pine-scented paths and a wide view over the city.
- Pisirici Kasteli ve Mescidi: A beautifully preserved historical water supply structure (kastel) and small mosque in the old town, providing a glimpse into Ottoman engineering.
Language: While the younger generation and those in the tourism sector may speak some English, Turkish is the language of the region. Learning a few basic phrases will greatly enhance your interaction with locals, who are known for their hospitality.
Top Restaurants
Kebapçı Halil Usta [$15-$25] – A famed, non-touristy institution specializing in charcoal-grilled kebabs, especially küşleme (tender lamb fillet). It’s incredibly popular with locals and only open for lunch.
Metanet Lokantası [$10-$20] – The go-to spot for Beyran Çorbası, a potent, spicy lamb soup with rice and garlic traditionally eaten for breakfast, known for its revitalizing kick.
İmam Çağdaş Kebap ve Baklava Salonu [$20-$35] – A historic and famous establishment since 1887, known equally for its authentic kebabs like Ali Nazik and some of the city’s best baklava and lahmacun.
Aşina [$15-$25] – Excellent for trying a wide variety of authentic, homestyle Gaziantep dishes, including the creamy, holiday-staple yuvalama soup and various kebabs.
Çulcuoğlu Et Lokantası [$15-$25] – A popular meat restaurant in the heart of the city, known for its quality grilled meats and local flavors, often with a slightly more contemporary presentation.
Katmerci Zekeriya Usta [$10-$20] – The most famous place for katmer, a crispy, flaky breakfast pastry filled with pistachios and kaymak (clotted cream), made with showmanship.
Koçak Baklava [$10-$20] – Widely considered one of the absolute best baklava shops in the city, known for its high-quality pistachios, thin pastry layers, and buttery taste.
Küşlemeci Mehmet Usta [$15-$25] – Another highly-regarded specialist in küşleme kebab, ensuring the meat is cooked and served to perfection in an informal setting.
Yesemek Kebap Beyran [$15-$25] – Recommended for its excellent kebabs and Beyran soup, offering a solid taste of essential Gaziantep cuisine.
Barak Restaurant [$20-$35] – A local favorite known for serving a wide array of high-quality local dishes and kebabs in a traditional setting.
Özikizler Künefe Katmer [$10-$20] – A great spot to sample a broader range of the city’s famous desserts, including fantastic künefe and katmer.
Hüseyin Usta [$15-$25] – A renowned kebab master who focuses on classic Gaziantep meat dishes, often favored by locals for its authentic flavors and quality.
Yesemek Gaziantep Mutfagi [$15-$25] – A restaurant known for serving hearty, homestyle Gaziantep dishes, perfect for experiencing local comfort food.
Kelebek Paça Beyran Kebap [$10-$20] – Known for its Beyran and Paça (trotter soup), offering flavorful, laborious local meat dishes.
Tahmis Kahvesi [Beverages $5-$10, Food $10-$20] – A historic 17th-century coffee house, an essential stop for traditional Turkish coffee and local drinks like Menengiç Kahvesi (pistachio coffee), often serving simple local sweets.
Bayazhan [$25-$45] – Located in a beautifully restored historical building (a former tobacco merchant’s warehouse), this spot offers a refined atmosphere and a good selection of quality kebabs, local dishes (like yuvalama), and is one of the few places serving alcohol.
Hişva Han Lokanta Dükkan [$25-$40] – Situated in a gorgeous renovated historic inn (han), this restaurant offers a unique ambiance and a focus on traditional Gaziantep cuisine with refined presentation.
BOSY Chef’s [$40-$70] – Considered one of Gaziantep’s premier “Fine Dining” options, offering world cuisine with a modern and stylish atmosphere, a unique counterpoint to the traditional scene, and featuring international flavors.
Eşgili Restoran [$30-$50] – Known as a culinary gem that offers an impressive tasting menu, showcasing the rich gastronomic heritage of Gaziantep in a high-quality setting.
Zeugma Kebab [$20-$35] – Offers a modern approach to classic kebab varieties, appealing to a younger crowd with its stylish setting and creative presentations.
Maide Hanım Konağı [$25-$40] – Located in a traditional mansion (konak), this restaurant offers classic local dishes with a touch of elegance and presentation that appeals to those seeking a contemporary dining experience in a historic setting.
Gaziantep Ev Yemekleri [$15-$25] – While traditional, many homestyle eateries like this one offer a rotating, fresh menu that often highlights the rich, varied, and sophisticated side of Gaziantep’s cuisine beyond just kebabs, which can feel ‘creative’ in its depth.
Lahmacun and Dürüm Stalls [$5-$15] – Not a single restaurant, but a must-try experience: local stalls (often near the bazaar) that serve incredible lahmacun (Turkish pizza) and nohut dürüm (chickpea wrap), a favorite street food.
Urfa Tike Ciğer [$25-$40] – While technically a family restaurant, it is recommended for its exceptional Ciğer (liver kebab) in an upscale setting, as well as other traditional Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa meals like Ali Nazik.
Çelebioğulları Baklavacı Elmacı Pazarı [$10-$20] – One of several high-quality baklava shops, distinguished by its locations and its focus on the perfect ratio of high-quality pistachio to filo pastry, highly recommended by food critics.
Sakıp Usta Paça Beyran Kebap [$10-$20] – A very popular spot known for its specialized, slow-cooked dishes like Beyran soup, which requires a specific mastery of the local technique.
Akşam Simit Fırını [$5-$15] – Recommended for its fantastic katmer, showing that high-quality versions of the dessert can be found in more humble local bakeries as well as the famous masters.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Odin Kitchen & Cocktail: Located centrally, this spot is known for explicitly offering a cocktail experience alongside its food. Its focus on the “Cocktail” element in its name suggests a higher emphasis on mixed drinks than typical pubs in the area.
SPR Pub Restaurant: Found opposite Kırkayak Parkı, this establishment is often noted for providing a European-style entertainment experience, likely including a variety of international and local drinks in a pub-restaurant setting.
Bayazhan: Situated in a beautiful historical caravanserai (built in 1904), this venue is a popular place for the after-work crowd and expats. While serving standard drinks, its impressive courtyard and beautiful old design offer a sophisticated and unique setting for an evening drink in the older part of town.
Meymeşk Bar: A quality spot that often features well-known local artists for live music, where guests can enjoy a variety of drinks and performances.
Kulis: Located in the Dumlupınar neighborhood in Şahinbey, this establishment is known for its intimate atmosphere and live music events, attracting visitors who are looking for a casual and fun bar experience.
Mola Bar: Part of the Grand Hotel Gaziantep, Mola Bar offers a cozy environment within a prominent city hotel, providing a reliable option for a relaxing drink in a professional setting.
Papyrus Café: Positioned on Atatürk Boulevard, this location is famous for offering live music that continues until the early morning hours, providing a high-energy café/bar environment.
Berivanim Barrel Beer (Berivanım Fıçı Bira): A popular spot for beer enthusiasts, focusing on draft beer. While not a cocktail bar, it’s a key part of the city’s relaxed nightlife, located in the Şahinbey area.
Garaj Bar: Located in the center of Gaziantep, this bar attracts a younger demographic and is known for its energetic atmosphere and live music performances that run late into the night.
Edebiyat Dostları Lokali: Translating to “Literary Friends’ Locale,” this venue suggests a more intellectual, laid-back atmosphere, likely a traditional Turkish meyhane or a pub with a focus on conversation and perhaps local drinks, located in the Şahinbey district.
Diez: Mentioned among the city’s bars, Diez is another local spot offering a place to socialize and enjoy drinks in the busy nightlife areas.
Bourbon Bar: Another bar mentioned in the busy nightlife clusters of the Şahinbey area, likely catering to a general pub-going crowd.
Tünel Bar: A locally recognized bar, Tünel Bar is an option for a casual night out, often featuring in the listings of local entertainment spots.
Buzz Bar: Located within the city’s core nightlife district, Buzz Bar contributes to the energetic atmosphere with its offering of drinks and music.
Şanzelize Bar: Part of the local bar circuit, Şanzelize Bar is a spot where locals and students gather for drinks and evening entertainment.
Deep Night Club: Considered one of the most popular venues for those who want to dance until morning, this club is located within the Dedeman Hotel, offering a high-quality clubbing experience.
Grande Club & Bar: Situated within the Grand Hotel Gaziantep, this venue transforms into a lively club on weekends, featuring laser and light shows, high-quality live music, and experienced DJs for a premier dancing experience.
Sess Club: Located on Bahriye Üçok Boulevard in Şehitkamil, this club is a well-known name in the local nightlife scene, offering a dedicated space for dancing and late-night entertainment on select evenings.
Hayal Kahvesi: This popular music venue, which has hosted many famous Turkish artists, offers a sophisticated nightlife experience where the atmosphere and service are highly regarded, functioning as a club after live performances.
Le Mia Verita: A specific venue that caters to fans of rock music, offering an alternative to the commercial dance clubs and providing live band performances late into the night.
Clup Opsiyon: Listed among the concentrated nightlife venues, Clup Opsiyon is another dedicated nightspot for dancing and partying in the city center.
Gülten Hanım Konağı (Club): While a konak (mansion) by name, this type of venue in Turkish nightlife often combines a historical setting with modern entertainment, potentially hosting parties and events in a unique, atmospheric building.
Gap Club Reyna: Another club operating in the local nightlife cluster, Gap Club Reyna is a go-to for those seeking a mainstream club experience with late-night hours.
Taşmahal Duru Park: Located in Şehitkamil, this venue is known for its events and capacity to host large gatherings, often serving as a significant entertainment complex that includes club nights.
Zılgıt Cafe-Bar: This venue is noted for offering a more regional or traditional style of entertainment, ideal for those seeking a taste of local fun alongside their drinks, functioning as a bar/club hybrid.
Alem Bar: A general nightlife spot in the core entertainment district, Alem Bar contributes to the club atmosphere, especially on busy weekend nights.
New Berlin: Part of the active club scene in Gaziantep, New Berlin offers a dedicated place for late-night clubbing and dancing.
Pigal Türkü Bar: Türkü Bars specialize in Turkish folk music. While not a conventional dance club, they offer a very Turkish late-night singing and lively cultural experience, which is a major part of the local nightlife.
Beliz Türkü Bar: Similar to Pigal, Beliz Türkü Bar offers a lively, culturally rich late-night experience centered around traditional Turkish folk music and often involves much singing and dancing.