Gaziantep
Türkiye's food capital, the mosaics of Zeugma and age-old bazaars.
About Gaziantep
Gaziantep is the undisputed food capital of Türkiye, named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015. Here baklava reaches absolute perfection (layers of pastry as thin as tissue paper, intensely green local pistachios and syrup cooked to exactly the right point), and that is just the start of a culinary repertoire of more than 500 documented recipes.
But Gaziantep isn't only about food. The Zeugma Mosaic Museum houses one of the most impressive mosaic collections in the world, rescued from the ancient Roman city of Zeugma before a dam flooded part of the site. The 'Gypsy Girl' (Çingene Kızı), a 2nd-century mosaic with eyes of hypnotic intensity, is the museum's icon and one of the most famous mosaics on the planet.
Gaziantep's centuries-old bazaars are a maze of shops where coffee is roasted before your eyes, copper is hammered into shape, handmade soap is produced and the baklava ovens never stop. Gaziantep Castle, in the city centre, tells the story of the city's heroic defence in the War of Independence, which earned it the honorary title 'Gazi' (veteran).
What to See in Gaziantep
Zeugma Mosaic Museum
One of the largest mosaic museums in the world, with pieces rescued from the ancient Roman city of Zeugma. The star is the 'Gypsy Girl' (Çingene Kızı), a 2nd-century AD mosaic with uniquely expressive eyes. Its galleries recreate entire Roman villas with their mosaic floors in place.
Read more about Zeugma Mosaic MuseumHistoric Bazaars (Bakırcılar, Zincirli, Almacı)
A maze of centuries-old covered bazaars, each specialising in a craft: copper and coppersmithing (Bakırcılar), spices (Almacı), handmade soap and textiles. Craftsmen work in full view, using techniques that haven't changed in centuries. The aroma of freshly roasted coffee fills every corner.
Gaziantep Castle
A fortress dominating the city centre, with a history spanning Hittites, Romans, Byzantines and Crusaders. The Museum of Heroic Defence (Panorama 25 Aralık Müzesi) recreates the 1920 battle against the French occupation with immersive technology and moving stories.
Baklava Workshops
Visiting a traditional baklava workshop (baklavacı) and watching master pastry chefs stretch the dough until it's transparent is fascinating. Historic baklava houses such as İmam Çağdaş (since 1887), Güllüoğlu and Koçak offer tastings. Each has its own secret recipe.
Gaziantep Culinary Museum
A museum unique in Türkiye, dedicated to the city's food culture. It displays historic utensils, centuries-old recipes, local ingredients and the culinary tradition that earned Gaziantep its UNESCO recognition. It includes live cooking demonstrations.
Must-See Places
Food in Gaziantep
Gaziantep is Türkiye's ultimate food paradise. Gaziantep pistachio baklava is the best in the world: layers of hand-stretched yufka pastry filled with intensely green local pistachios (Antep fıstığı) and soaked in perfectly judged syrup. Every baklavacı has its secret recipe, and the rivalries go back centuries.
Beyond baklava: wafer-thin, crispy lahmacun, beyran çorbası (lamb and garlic soup for a hearty breakfast), yuvalama (meatballs in yoghurt broth), ali nazik (smoked aubergine purée with minced meat on yoghurt), katmer (crisp pastry with pistachio and kaymak) for breakfast, and local kebabs (simit kebab, soğan kebab, patlıcan kebab) are just a few of the hundreds of dishes.
Menengiç coffee, made from roasted terebinth seeds instead of coffee beans, is a 100% local drink. And Antep pistachios, in ice cream, sweets and salads, find their way into absolutely everything.
Practical Tips
- Set aside at least one full day just for eating: katmer for breakfast, kebabs for lunch, baklava in the afternoon and meze for dinner is the complete experience.
- The Zeugma Museum deserves at least 2 hours. Check the current opening hours and ticket arrangements before you go.
- The bazaars are most interesting in the morning, when the craftsmen are hard at work.
- The Bey Mahallesi neighbourhood (the old town) has the best photo spots among restored Ottoman houses.
- Buy pistachios and baklava in the bazaar shops to take home, and ask for them to be packed for the flight.
Getting There
Gaziantep Airport (GZT) has frequent flights from Istanbul (1 h 45 min) and Ankara. The airport is 20 km from the centre, with shuttle and taxi connections.
Gaziantep has excellent bus connections with Şanlıurfa (2.5 h), Adıyaman/Nemrut (3 h), Hatay (3.5 h) and Mardin (4 h). A high-speed rail link from Ankara is planned. On tours of the south-east, Gaziantep is usually the starting or finishing point.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gaziantep
How many days do I need to visit Gaziantep?
I recommend spending at least 2 days in Gaziantep so you can see the main sights at a relaxed pace. If you have more time, you can combine it with nearby destinations to make the most of your trip.
When is the best time to visit Gaziantep?
The best time to visit Gaziantep is March to May, September to November. That said, every season has its charm, and Türkiye is a destination you can enjoy all year round.
Can I visit Gaziantep with an English-speaking guide?
Yes. As a licensed, English-speaking tour guide in Türkiye, I organise private tours and day tours in Gaziantep. Every itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
How do I get to Gaziantep from Istanbul?
Depending on the destination, you can get there by domestic flight (1–1.5 h), by coach or by private car. On the tours I organise, transport is included and planned to make the most of your sightseeing time.
Can I include Gaziantep in a longer tour of Türkiye?
Of course. Gaziantep combines easily with other destinations in Türkiye. I design tailor-made itineraries of 7, 10, 12 or 15 days that include this and other fascinating places.
Want to visit Gaziantep with a licensed, English-speaking guide? Book your private guide in Türkiye and we'll plan the itinerary together.
Read More about Gaziantep
Guides, tips and stories to help you plan your visit.
Zeugma Mosaic Museum, Gaziantep: the Gypsy Girl and the Euphrates
A gaze made of mosaic tiles that has become one of the faces of Türkiye, and dozens of Roman floors saved in a race agai
Gaziantep: The Zeugma Mosaics and the Baklava Capital of Türkiye
Gaziantep has one of the largest mosaic museums in the world, a bazaar of copper and pistachios that smells of spice, an
Other Destinations in Türkiye
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