Nazaretian House in Gaziantep

The world-famous Nazaretian House is a place where everyone knows its name but does not know its exact location. The house is located in Gaziantep, famous for its dessert and glorious history. Let's take a look at why this mansion is so legendary.

In Antep, a part of Aleppo during the Ottoman period, the Armenian population was in the majority. Most of the people who were especially, skilled in trade and craft were Armenians. You can see how great the handicrafts of the Armenians were in the formation of the city. There is an air of cultural unity throughout the city. Traces of the times when people from many nationalities, not only Armenians, lived as a whole can still be seen. During the 1924 exile, many Armenians abandoned their communities, and as a result, they departed their homes, where they worked hard to safeguard memories.

The mansions that Antep Armenians left behind were converted into places such as shelters, hotels, and workshops for many years. There were times when it was used maliciously, and the situation was understood, interventions were made in some places. Empty buildings turned into ruins. Today, a significant part of the mansions are open for touristic visits under the name of "Antepevleri". Antepevleri (Antep House) is located in Eblehan, Tepebaşı, and Bey neighborhoods.

Nazaretian House, located in the Bey district's small lanes, is a legacy of Garabet Nazaretian. The family's head, Garabet Nazaretian, was responsible for some of the Ottoman Empire's most famous soaps. These soaps, which have a well-deserved reputation, are the initial step in making olive oil soap. 

The mansion was built in 1856 by Garabet's father, Karanazar Nazaretian. Only the Nazaretian House remained from Garabet, the master of soaps, and his family. What happened to them is unknown. But the house serves as Papyrus Cafe today. The stove burning in the middle of the cafe gives a warm atmosphere. Although it has seen better days, Nazaretian House still preserves its historical glory as a cafe.