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Millions of tourists flood through Turkey's major attractions and cities each year, but only a small number ever make it to the far southeast of the country and even fewer can boast that they have visited one of Turkey's most historic regions -- the Gaziantep province. At first glance, Gaziantep appears to be a large, industrial and modern city but its heritage dates back over 4,000 years. Ayintap, as it was originally known, was a significant settlement during the Babylonian, Hittite, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
The city stands at the crossroads between Southeastern Anatolia and the Mediterranean, Europe and Asia, close to Turkey's border with Syria. Because of its location, Gaziantep bears the influence of many civilizations and its old city center is known for its traditional stone houses with distinctive architectural features peculiar to Southeastern Anatolia and Syria. In the center of the city stands the mighty sixth-century Gaziantep Fortress and Ravanda citadel with watchtowers, mosques, small palaces, the Mehmet Gazali Tomb and a bath house. The city's Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection from the area's Neolithic and Hittite periods as well as Roman relics, is one of Turkey's finest. Gaziantep also makes a good stepping off point for day trips to Mount Nemrut with its monolithic sculptural remains.
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Getting There
By Air: The Gaziantep-Oguzeli International Airport is accessible via regular Turkish Airlines (www.turkishairlines.com) flights from Ankara and Istanbul daily. In summer there are non-stop flights to Gaziantep from Munich, Berlin and Hamburg, Germany.
By Land: Buses also connect the city with major centers like Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
Required Documents: U.S. citizens need a visa to travel to Turkey. Single entry visas cost $26 and multiple entry is $87. Visas are available through the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC (www.turkishembassy.org) or through consular offices in Los Angeles, Houston, New York and Chicago. Allow a minimum of 14 days for processing.
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Where to Stay
Anadolu Evleri -- The Anatolian Houses (tel. +90/342-220-9525; www.anadoluevleri.com/default_eng.php) is a boutique hotel housed in four traditional stone houses, located in the old city center.
Antique Belkis Han Hotel (tel. +90/342-231-1084; www.belkishan.com) is a boutique property located in the ancient heart of the city. Price: Moderate; includes breakfast.
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