Three reasons to visit Gaziantep, the most underrated city of Turkey
When you first arrive in Gaziantep you’ll feel the oriental and authentic atmosphere of the Middle East, much more vivid than in other parts of Turkey.
However, Gaziantep is a modern and industrial city in southeastern Turkey. Despite a war happening nearby, just 100 km away in Syria, there is nothing to worry about. Gaziantep is a very safe and peaceful city.
Gaziantep has a population of 2 million people living in a large are. The 360-degree panoramic view from the downtown castle is breathtaking. You feel like you are on the set of a historical movie about Mesopotamia with its sandy houses and donkeys carrying cereal bags on narrow stone alleys.
Gaziantep is one of the few cities in the world continuously inhabited since the Paleolithic age, around 3600 BC.
Not a lot of people have Gaziantep on their list of places to visit on their holiday to Turkey. In two weeks spent here, we bearly saw a couple of obvious tourists lost in the crowded city center. So, you don’t have to worry about pushy vendors, overpriced restaurants or kitschy surroundings. You will have a very authentic and raw experience of real Turkish life.
Don’t get me wrong, some prices are still slightly negotiable when it comes to souvenirs and handmade objects from the bazaar. It’s in their culture to negotiate and play this go-come game with their clients.
Three reasons to visit Gaziantep
Maybe you didn’t hear about Gaziantep before, but it’s known worldwide for several things. And they don’t hesitate to brag about it!
1. Antep pistachio is the best in the world
Gaziantep province is the center of pistachio nut cultivation in Turkey having the best kind of pistachio.
Turkey is the third-largest pistachio producer, after Iran and the United States, with over 80.000 tones every year. There are almost 40 million pistachio trees in Turkey, one tree for every two inhabitants.
Yes, Turkish people, and the inhabitants of Gaziantep area especially, love pistachio nuts. Over the decades, locals developed many dishes and desserts with pistachio as the main ingredient.
Pastry chefs from all over Turkey come here to learn how to make the perfect Antep pistachio baklava, the traditional Turkish dessert.
So first thing to do when you arrive in Gaziantep, go in the bazaar and buy some mildly roasted and salted Antep pistachio and enjoy the crunchy experience.
FUN TIP: The most interesting recipe we tried is pistachio coffee. It’s a hot beverage that has a similar color as coffee but it’s prepared from wild pistachio beans. It is very delicious and a must-try. When you order, ask for a menengic khave.
2. Local cuisine is nothing like you ever tried before
And no, this city isn’t like any other city you visited. Food is really important for the locals of Gaziantep. On every street, you will find several restaurants or baklava pastry shops. And all have clients at any hour of the day. They have a saying: Don’t visit Gaziantep if you’re on a diet!
It’s kind of hard to choose a restaurant when you see locals eating everywhere. But you don’t have to worry about that because wherever you go, the food will be delicious.
If you don’t believe me, well here’s something that will change your mind. Gaziantep cuisine is recognized by UNESCO under the gastronomy category for its quality and ingenious recipes.
With its position between the Mediterranean Sea and Mesopotamia, Gaziantep local chefs were constantly inspired by different ingredients and condiments.
NOT TO MISS: When in Gaziantep you have to try bayran corba – rice and lamb soup, lachmachun – a kind of pizza, lentils soup, countless types of kebap and durum. And of course pistachio baklava.
3. Unique copper handmade souvenirs
Copper had an important role over the Turkish history being a metal processed in Anatolia since 5000 BC. They used copper for defense, cooking and jewelry.
Now, the copper craftsmen are selling their products in the Copper Bazaar. You can see them working live in over 200 workshops creating teapots, kettles, pans and pots. They mix copper with wood and nacre creating very interesting objects.
Unfortunately, processing copper is not a popular craft anymore. The business is slowly dying because the youngsters want to have modern jobs. That’s why it’s important to buy a souvenir from them like a small coffee kettle or copper dishes.
How to get to Gaziantep?
The easiest way to come to Gaziantep is by plane with a two hours flight from Istanbul.
Turkish Airlines has several flights a day Istanbul – Gaziantep and a two-ways ticket are around 70 EUR.
Have an amazing time in Gaziantep and be careful with how many times you eat per day!