Gaziantep was formerly known as Antep and is still sometimes referred to by that name. It’s location is approximately 100 kilometres from the Syrian Border. Called Antioch in ancient times, it is one of the longest continually inhabited cities in the world.
The city was ruled over time by the Akkadians, Hittites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Commagene, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs The ruins of the ancient city of Dolicheies a few kilometres north and in the centre of the city is the Citadel of Ravada restored by the Byzantines in the 6th century,
İn the 7th century Arab armies captured the region and it passed consecutively to Umayyads and Abbasıds. İn the 9th century it was recaptured by the Roman Byzantines and the Seljuks and then the Crusaders . Finally it fell to the Ottomans in 1516 under Sultan Selimi.
The city has always been a centre for commerce and trade, as it is located on the Silk Road straddling all the trade routes. By the end of the 19th century Antep had a population of 50000, two thirds of which were Muslim, largely Turkmen, but also Arabs and Kurds. There was also a large Armenian community and an American Protestant missionary centre that served the Armenian community. The Central College was founded there by the American Mission Board and largely served the Armenian Protestants. After the deportation of Armenians in 1915, the college moved to Aleppo. After WWI the prefıx Gazi (meaning veteran) was added to its name and from then on the city has been officially known as Gaziantep – although still often called Antep.
Gaziantep showcases many valuable and well-preserved artifacts, treasures and ruins of the ancient civilizations who have populated the city for centuries. The newly opened Zeugma Mosaic Museum houses what must be truly the worlds finest display of mosaics. Zeugma was an ancient city founded by Alexander the Great in 300BC and many of the mosaics displayed at the Museum are from those continuing excavations. This ancient town was the connector between China and the city of Antakya to the west.
The Hasan Süzer Ethnographic Museum and Yemesek Open-Air Museum also shed light on the regions ancient civilizations.. The ancient city of Düllük and the historic sites of Zincirli and Cıncıklı are home to many relics of the ancient times and are open-air museums of both historical significance and scenic beauty. The Kendirli and Nizip Fevkani churches were built during the time of the Ottomans for the Christians who lived in this region and the historical mosques of Gaziantep also contrıbute to the past Mulsim heritage of Gazianteps
Gazitantep has a great copper market so there are many things to buy, from hand beaten decorative coffe cups and spoons, trays and kitchenware abound. Mother of Pearl, gold and silver working are traditional handicrafts of Gaziantep.
The Bazaars, inns and historic houses of Gaziantep should all be part of a visit city as well as its cuisine. Famous for its pistachios and baklava a visit to a local baklava shop is an absolute must! Dishes such as Alaca soup, Beyti, fried plum, Firik rice, Lahmacum, Onion kebab and other deserts such as Şöbiyet, Bulbul Yuvası are just some of the delicacies! These recipes have been handed down from generation to generation.
