General Information about Gaziantep
Gaziantep, located in Southeastern Anatolia, is one of Turkey’s largest and most developed cities. With a population of about 2,150,000 (2024 data), it is both an industrial hub and a cultural capital. The city was honored with the title “Gazi” (Veteran) in 1987 due to its heroic resistance during the War of Independence.
Gaziantep is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, globally recognized for its culinary diversity, with more than 500 registered dishes. Beyond its cuisine, the city is also famous for its textiles, pistachios, copperware, and mosaics.
Historically, Gaziantep has hosted civilizations such as the Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Today, it is also known for the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, one of the largest mosaic museums in the world.
Places to Visit in Gaziantep
- Zeugma Mosaic Museum: Houses the world-famous “Gypsy Girl” mosaic.
- Gaziantep Castle: A Roman-era fortress, symbol of the city.
- Coppersmiths’ Bazaar: Traditional workshops producing handmade copper goods.
- Gaziantep Archaeology Museum: Showcasing artifacts from the Hittite and Roman eras.
- Rumkale: A historic fortress located by the Euphrates River.
- Yesemek Open-Air Museum: Ancient sculpture workshop ruins.
- Tahmis Coffee House & Historical Inns: Traditional spots for local culture.
- Botanical Garden: A relaxing urban park.
- Culinary Museum (Emine Göğüş): The first gastronomy museum in Turkey.
- Halfeti & Rumkale tours: Offering scenic boat trips along the Euphrates.
Gaziantep Bus Terminal
The Gaziantep Intercity Bus Terminal (connected to Gaziray commuter line) is among the busiest in Southeastern Turkey.
- Over 120 platforms
- Ticket offices of both national and regional bus companies
- Restaurants, cafés, and shopping areas
- Minibus and Gaziray commuter rail connections to the city center
Travel times: Istanbul–Gaziantep (~14–15 hours), Ankara–Gaziantep (~9 hours), Adana–Gaziantep (~3 hours), Şanlıurfa–Gaziantep (~2.5 hours).
What to Eat in Gaziantep?
Gaziantep cuisine is one of the richest in the world.
- Baklava: A globally famous dessert made with Antep pistachios.
- Antep Pistachio: The city’s most valuable product.
- Küşleme: A tender cut of lamb, grilled to perfection.
- Beyran Soup: A spicy lamb and rice soup, often eaten for breakfast.
- Ali Nazik Kebab: Roasted eggplant with yogurt and lamb.
- Lahmacun & Katmer: Popular street foods.
- Yuvalama: A festive dish of yogurt and meatballs.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Especially dried eggplant dolma.
- Şiveydiz: A yogurt and lamb stew with onions.
How to Get to Gaziantep?
- By Bus: Direct services from all major cities.
- By Air:Gaziantep Airport (20 km) offers flights from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and abroad.
- By Train: Gaziray commuter line within the city, plus connections to Adana and Mersin.
- By Car: Istanbul–Gaziantep 1,150 km (~14–15 hours), Ankara–Gaziantep 700 km (~9 hours), Adana–Gaziantep 220 km (~3 hours).
Bus Companies Operating in Gaziantep
- Metro Turizm
- Seç Turizm
- Öz Diyarbakır
- Has Turizm
- Ben Turizm
- Varan Turizm
