GAZIANTEP

AREA: 7.642 km²
POPULATION: 1.140.594 (1990)
TRAFFIC CODE: 27

DISTRICTS: Gaziantap (center), Araban, İslahiye, Karkamış, Nizip, Oğuzeli, Nurdağı, Şahinbey, Şehitkamil, Yavuzeli.

Gaziantep is one of the modern provinces of the region and also one of the oldest of Hittite origin. Being the center of pistachio nut cultivation in Turkey and with its extensive olive groves and vineyards, Gaziantep is one of the important, industrial centres of Turkey.

In the center of the city stands the Gaziantep Fortress and the Ravanda citadel as the reminders of past. The Archaeological Museum, with its important collections from Neolithic and the Hittite ages as well as the Roman and Commagene times, attracts many visitors. The surroundings of the city are also full of valuable Hittite remains. The Suzer House, which has been restored to its original beauty, now houses the Ethnographical Museum. The Yesemek Sculpture Workshop, 30 kms south of the town of Islahiye, is one of the world's first of this kind. Some of the other historical remains are the Belkis, and Kargamis Ruins by the town of Nizip. Dulluk which is close to the city center is ideal for those who would like to rest in a natural setting amidst forest and has camping facilities.

Gaziantep is famous for its three regional specialties. First is the copper-ware products you will not want to pass up. The delicious lahmacun (a kind of pizza) is the second, while the third is the sweet pastry baklava, which Gaziantep makes the best in the world.

SITES OF INTEREST: Düllükbaba forest recreation area, Zincirli, Gedikli, Tilmen, Kırışkal and Sakçagözü (Sakçagöze) tumuluses, Dolikhe (Dülük), Kuzeyne, Korus, Belkıs and Karkamış (Kargamış) settlement ruins from antiquity Yesemek statutes, Gaziantep, Tilbaşar, Rumkale, Karacaören and Ravanda castles, Ömeriye, Boyacı (Kadı Kemaleddin) Eyüpoğlu, Esenbek (İhsan Bey), Ali Nacar (Annacar), Ali Dola (Ala'üd Devle), Tahtalı, Ağa, Handaliye, Alaybey, Şeyh Fethullah, Şirvani (İki Şerefeli), Akcurun, Canbolat Bey, Şeyh,Şeyhler, Hindioğlu and Çalık mosques, Ramazaniye (Ahmed Çelebi) old theological school (medrese), Şeker, Pasha, Hışva, Emir Ali, Millet, Kürkçü and Belediye Inns, Zincirli and Kemikli bazaars, Eski, Pasha, Şıh, Pazar, Naip, Tabak, Hoca, Hasan Bey and Tuğlu baths, Şeyh Abdullah Efendi Lodge, Debbağhane, Aynülleben, Yazıcık, Babilke and IV. Murad bridges, Gaziantep Museum.

Provincial Cultural Directorate

Tel: (342) 232 18 58
Fax: (342) 234 06 04

State Fine Arts Gallery Directorate

İl Halk Kütüphanesi
GAZİANTEP
Tel: (0 342) 231 82 52
Fax: 234 06 04

Museums

Archeology Museum
Address: İstasyon cad. - Gaziantep
Tel: (342) 231 11 71
Fax: (342) 210 30 17

Ethnography Museum
Address: Eyüboğlu Mah. Hanifioğlu Sok. No: 64 -
Gaziantep
Tel: (342) 230 47 21

Detailed Information on Hasan Süzer Etnography Museum

Historical Sites and Ruins

Belkız-Zeugma - Nizip/Belkıs
Yesemek - İslahiye/Yesemek
Tilmen - İslahiye/Tilme
Dülük Örenyeri - Şeyit
Kamil/Dülük
 

Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Gaziantep

Sites
Archaeological Sites: 158
Urban Sites: 1
Natural Sites: -
Historical Sites: -
Other Sites
Total: 159
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural Heritages: 947
TOTAL: 1106

Significant Days

Local Days of Celebration:

Arrival of Atatürk at Gaziantep
Gaziantep
26 Ocak

Bestowement of Gazi (Veteran)Title to Gaziantep
Gaziantep
8 February

Mercidabık Victory
Gaziantep
24 August

Freedom from Occupation Days:

Freedom Day - Kilis
Kilis
7 December

Freedom Day - Gaziantep and Commemoration of the Martyr

Gaziantep
25 December

Festivals:

Aba Wrestling Tournament
Gaziantep
May

Pistachioe Festival and Aba Wrestling Tournament
Gaziantep
September

Cumhuriyet Cup Aba Wrestling Tournament
Gaziantep
29 October

Expositions:

Low - Cost Garments and Food Exposition
Gaziantep
5 June-5 July

Gaziantep Industrial Exposition
Gaziantep
15 August-15 September

Festivities:

Freedom from Occupation Celebrations
Gaziantep
25 December