Gaziantep

One of the oldest provinces of Turkey is Gaziantep and its capital is Gaziantep city. The city was known to the Greeks as Antochia ad Taurum, which literally translates to "Antochia in the Taurus Mountains" according to scholars. Situated at an easy distance of the Mediterranean and Syria the city lies near the Sacirsuyu River at a height of 1070 meters above sea level. One of the most developed places of South Eastern Anatolian region, Gaziantep would be the right mix of modernity and the ancient for your vacation.
Gaziantep is well connected by road, which hails back to almost the Middle Ages; this is because Gaziantep is an important juncture on the Silk Road. Moreover, it is situated at the point where the road and rail transportation connects the south and the Mediterranean to the east and the north. Gaziantep has its very own airport, The Gaziantep Oguzeli Airport that is located at a distance of 20 kilometers from the city center. Turkish Airlines has regular flights to this province.



Sightseeing in Gaziantep promises no dull moment and your hands will literally be full. The Gaziantep Fortress is the most grandest of buildings in the city, but is of unknown origin. However, the rulers who ruled this land undertook regular renovation and conservation work on this historical landmark. With numerous watchtowers, a tomb, a mosque, a bath and underground pathways, this fort was extensively used during the War of Liberation against the French. 
The Hasan Suzer Ethnography Museum exhibits articles that are of immense value from the historical, archaeological and sociological point of view of the ancient city. 
The Yesemek Open Air Museum is a sculpture workshop and a school that offers students an in depth knowledge of sculpting, right from extraction of stones to the final work. It is believed to have been in operation even around 1375-1335 BC. 
One of the important settlements you must make a point to visit is the Rumkale settlement, situated where the Merziman brook meets the  Euphrates (Firat) River. Built by the Hittites it dates back to 840 BC and is said to have been the place chosen by St. John to spread Christianity. 
Another place worth a visit is the Karkamis district located near the Syrian border with its ancient temples, Hilani styled houses and antic city walls. 
In the village of Kavunlu you will find the remains of an old city called Belkis or Zeugma. With clear indications of Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine rule, the excavations have been kept in the Gaziantep museum, which boasts of being the second largest mosaic museum in the world. 

Far away from the madding crowd literally, lies Dulluk a place where you can unite with nature and even camp up for a night or two. 
Turkey is famous for its Bazaars and Gaziantep is not left behind in this respect. Two main bazaars that are still going strong are the 18th century built Zincirli Bazaar also known as "black steps bazaar" and has 80 shops and five gates; the other is the 19th century Kemikli, a rectangular building made of cut stone and has two gates. 
Once at Gaziantep, its houses are sure to catch your attention, and rightly so for Gaziantep is as famous for its architecture as its vineyards and olive orchards. Another thing that makes Gaziantep known all over the world is its pistachio; so make sure you get a handful at least.

Accommodation facilities in Gaziantep are plenty and can suit the budget of any range. The Tugcan Hotel is your destination if you are looking for a luxurious stay. With all possible facilities and amenities available like central heating, minibar, entertainment facilities, nightclubs, disco, indoor swimming pool, sauna etc. the hotel is a pleasure palace. Moreover, its 3 restaurants and 4 bars offer a wide choice to satiate your gastronomic inclinations. 
The Ravanda Hotel named after a castle of the same name is truly fit for a king. Its luxury rooms and suites pamper your senses. One of the attractions of Southern Anatolia, it would be no exaggeration to call this hotel the best amongst all the others. The difference is for you to discover, in its service and amenities. 
The Antique Belkis Han Hotel is a 19th century structure enjoying a location close to almost all the important places in Gaziantep city. Its friendly staff and `luxurious without being ostentatious` guest rooms will make your stay there thoroughly enjoyable. 
The Tilmen Hotel is the first 4 star hotel of the city of Gaziantep and has an excellent reputation that has been justly rewarded over and over again. With outstanding facilities to match its performance in other sectors, the hotel is a popular place for tourists.

Shopping at Gaziantep promises to be exciting owing to the immense number of products created there. The traditional handicrafts of Gaziantep give you a host of choices for gifts and souvenirs. You can get copper crafts, pearl works, stone works, traditional flat heeled shoes called `yemeni` made of red or black leather, hand made embroideries over white cloth with white, yellow and cream threads, gold and silver jewelry etc. As mentioned before, pistachio is a common produce here, while dried fruit pulp, spices and red pepper are found aplenty.