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Four Reasons to Visit Gaziantep, the Culinary Destination for Food Connoisseurs

Food. One of the essential elements we need to live. We all need to eat to survive, but while most of us eat to live, some live to eat. Not just any food, but good, fresh, refined, masterfully prepared dishes. They have a passion for this and the most pleasure they derive in life is from discovering the most delicious and extraordinary meals and tasting them. Those who do this professionally are known as gourmets. Those who do it as a hobby, we also call gourmets.

Whether professional or amateur, these individuals have a great passion for finding and tasting delicious foods. Wherever they are, they seek the source of the flavors, witness the preparation of the meals, and ultimately, save the unique experience of tasting them in their memory to share with others. That's why, as an individual or group activity, gourmets spread across the country and even around the world to taste delicious foods. Nowadays, aware of this passion, professional tour operators have even prepared special tour programs related to this topic.

One of our cities that proudly represents our country's cuisine on an international platform and is a favorite among gourmets is Gaziantep. Known for its delicious kebabs as well as other local dishes, each restaurant in this city serves with the best hospitality. The food culture is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the city. So much so that there is even a museum dedicated to culinary arts in Gaziantep. Pairing Gaziantep with gourmet is reason enough on its own, but there are other reasons to visit Gaziantep at the first opportunity:

Hızır Plateau: Once you arrive, you'll feel so at peace that you might call it 'Serenity Plateau.' This distinct piece of nature refreshes and rejuvenates, surrounded by stunning views atop the Amanos Mountains. You can reach this well-preserved plateau from Gaziantep in a 1.5-hour drive.

Zeugma Ancient City and Museum: Located 40 minutes away from Gaziantep in the district of Nizip, this valuable site is on UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List. The ongoing excavation of this vast city, which spans over 20,000 acres, houses innumerable priceless mosaics. Be sure to visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, known as the largest mosaic museum in the world.

Historic Market: In the city center, many points of interest are within walking distance of each other. Bayazhan, the famous Bakırcılar Market, Emine Göğüş Kitchen Museum, Zincirli Bedesten, Naib Bath, the historic Customs Inn, and cave cafes. We recommend walking through the historic market to digest your lunch and prepare your stomach and eyes for dinner.

Her Gurmenin En Az Bir Kez Uğradığı Antep Sofraları

Other Must-See Places in Gaziantep:

Bakırcılar Çarşısı (Coppersmiths' Market)
Zincirli Bedesten
Hasan Süzer Ethnography Museum
Gaziantep Castle
Ömer Ersoy Culture Center
Historic Millet Hanı (Inn)

Restaurants and Kebab Houses: Our first recommendation is Halil Usta, which serves until the kebabs run out after 12 PM – be there early, or you’ll miss out, as it comes highly recommended by everyone. Second is İmam Çağdaş, known for its elegant, clean presentation and superior quality service. Another is Üçler, best known for its lahmacun and lamb skewers. Lastly, Halil Bakışgan Usta offers regional flavors in a stylish and elegant setting. Don’t miss out on local dishes like alaca soup, pounded wheat soup, and beyran soup, and definitely try the baklava and katmer. Remember to wake up early for katmer as it might be sold out by lunchtime and evening.

Here are some other places we selected for you: