Blog

Explore Turkey\'s Pistachio Capital: Gaziantep

Explore Turkey\'s Pistachio Capital: Gaziantep

Explore Turkey\'s Pistachio Capital: Gaziantep

Explore Turkey's Pistachio Capital: Gaziantep

Gaziantep is one of the biggest cities in Southern Turkey, with a population of over 2 million inhabitants. It's located in the South-Eastern Anatolia Region, and it is situated close to the Sacirsuyu River. The city is a well-known destination in Anatolia because it was strategically occupied near the ancient trade routes, especially the Historical Silk Road. Being located on the course of these routes, Gaziantep has changed hands among numerous dynasties. Throughout the years, Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, the Byzantines, Romans, Islamic-Arab Empire, and the Seljuk Turks have ruled the city. Thanks to its rich cultural heritage, so many mosques, baths, madrassas, and inns have remained from these periods. Tuz Inn, Hışva Inn, and Mecidiye Inn are the most popular attractions for tourists.

The city has been called by various names among its locals. It was known as Hamtap in the middle ages when Gaziantep was guarding the Syrian borders. When the city was occupied by the Ottomans in the 16th century, it started to be known as Ayıntab or Aynitap, meaning good spring in Arabic. But the city was also called Etnap or Antep by its citizens. After the Turkish War of Independence ended and the city certainly belonged to Turkey, the founder of the republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, has given the adjective Gazi, meaning veteran soldier.

The city is a known destination for its paved streets, traditional stone houses, vineyards, bazaars, and rich cuisine. The houses are designed specifically for the area's climate with walls covered by stones, wood texture, and well-built smooth roofs. The city also has influenced Turkish cuisine with so many original recipes, all made with fresh products sourced locally. Lahmacun is a kind of pizza with meat on it, and Baklava is a pastry sweetened by şerbet. Kebabs, soups, and desserts such as künefe and kadayıf are the finest examples of Gaziantep's rich flavor.