Gaziantep has lots of history. Luckily, it’s mostly right in the city center, within walking distance of the landmark fortress ().
Gaziantep Kalesi (Fortress)
At the city center is the Kale (citadel) which is truly ancient, dating back some 9000 years. Clustered around it are some historic neighborhoods which preserve some old stone houses among the characterless modern ones.
Coppersmiths’ Bazaar
The Coppersmiths’ Bazaar (Bakırcılar Çarşısı) on the south side of the Kale has been spruced up and is well worth some time. Coppersmiths and other artisans work at their crafts in the narrow streets, now shaded by modern coverings from the intense sun and infrequent rains.
Archeological Museum
The Archeological Museum holds the Roman mosaics recovered from the inundation of ancient Zeugma by a dam project. The new museum, built at a cost of US$30 million specifically with the mosaics in mind, opened in 2011 and is simply spectacular—a must-see. In fact, it’s probably the reason you’re visiting Gaziantep (besides those pistachios.)
Hasan Süzer Ethnographical Museum
The Hasan Süzer Ethnographic Museum is an interesting old restored Gaziantep house fully furnished in the fashion of the late 19th and early 20th century.
—by Tom Brosnahan
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