Gaziantep — or Antep as locals call it — has been making headlines as one of Turkey’s most exciting culinary destinations. UNESCO recognised it as a City of Gastronomy in 2015, and the baklava, lahmacun and pistachio-laden desserts here set a benchmark the rest of Turkey cannot match.
But there is far more than food. The Zeugma Mosaic Museum is one of the great museum experiences in the world, and the bronze-age ruins, castle and bazaars give Gaziantep a depth that rewards several days of exploration.
- Region
- Southeast Anatolia
- UNESCO title
- City of Gastronomy
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- Don't miss
- Zeugma Mosaic Museum
Zeugma Mosaic Museum
The largest mosaic museum in the world, Zeugma contains extraordinary floor mosaics rescued from the ancient Roman city of Zeugma before it was submerged by the Birecik dam reservoir. The centrepiece is the haunting Gypsy Girl mosaic — a first-century portrait whose eyes follow you around the room.
Allow three to four hours minimum. The collection spans hundreds of exceptionally preserved panels depicting mythological scenes, hunting parties and portraits.
Gaziantep Castle
The circular basalt castle at the city’s centre dates to at least the second century AD, was expanded by Justinian and restored by the Byzantines and Ottomans. Today it houses a panoramic walkway around the battlements with views over the old city, and a museum of finds from the site.
The bazaars — copper, spices and antiques
The Bakırcılar Çarşısı (Copper Bazaar) is the beating heart of old Antep, where craftsmen still beat copper trays and coffee sets by hand in workshops that have operated continuously for centuries. Nearby, the Zincirli Bedesten sells spices, dried fruits, pistachios and antiques.
Baklava, lahmacun and the food scene
Eating in Gaziantep is the whole point. The city produces a staggering variety of baklava — over 40 types — all made with local Antep pistachios. İmam Çağdaş and Güllüoğlu are the most celebrated baklava shops, both near the bazaar.
For a full meal, seek out beyran soup for breakfast, lahmacun for lunch, and a slow-cooked kebab dinner. Katmer — a flaky pastry filled with clotted cream and pistachios — is the essential breakfast dessert.
Gaziantep in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Gaziantep
3Gaziantep is famous for its baklava — made with local pistachios and considered the finest in the world — and for the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the largest mosaic museum on earth.
Absolutely. Beyond the food, the Zeugma mosaics, the castle, the copper bazaar and the lively old city make it one of Turkey's most rewarding destinations.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal — summer can be very hot. The city is pleasant year-round for short visits.