PLACES TO SEE IN GAZIANTEP
Gaziantep in south-eastern Turkey is a friendly city full of exciting places to explore. Incredible museums, food, architecture and hospitable locals await those lucky enough to visit Gaziantep. There are so many interesting things to see and do in Gaziantep that it is a hidden gem of Turkey.
Gaziantep is an ancient city that has been developing along the Euphrates River since the beginning of time. The first traces of the city date back to the Neolithic period, later becoming the Hellenistic city of Anitochia a Taurum mentioned in the Bible.
Gaziantep, formerly Antep, is today one of the best cities to visit in south-eastern Turkey with over 2 million inhabitants. There are many places to visit in the city. As well as being a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and having historical attractions, it would be appropriate to call it the culinary capital of Turkey.
You can admire some of the finest Roman mosaics at the Zeugma Museum, explore the Seljuk and Ottoman architecture of the old city, shop for local specialities in the bazaars and then fill your belly with baklava and kebabs.
But there is so much more to Gaziantep. After spending four days in Gaziantep, here are some of the best things to do in Gaziantep:
Admire the Roman Mosaics at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Gaziantep is the extraordinary Zeugma Mosaic Museum. It is the largest mosaic museum in the world and is home to some of the best Roman mosaics of the ancient world.
Gypsy Girl, the most famous mosaic in the Zeugma museum, has a room all to herself on the second floor. Because of her intense gaze and eyes that seem to follow you wherever you go in the room, Gypsy Girl is known as the Mona Lisa of Zeugma.
See Gaziantep from the Castle from a Bird's Eye View
Defenders of Ayntab
Rising above the old city, Gaziantep castle is a good landmark to get your bearings. Situated on a hill called Tel Halaf, the castle also offers a bird's eye view of the historic centre and the neighbourhoods beyond.
The castle is a Seljuk-era fortress built on top of an older Byzantine fortress. The castle may be a little uninspiring once you reach the top, but the view makes up for it.
