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March 17, 2026 • 8 min read
The most impressive way to start your journey in Gaziantep is to visit Gaziantep Castle. When you reach the summit of this castle, considered the heart of the city, you can feel the traces of the rich historical and cultural heritage that spreads across every corner of Gaziantep. Walking on the stone-paved paths, seeing this castle standing as the guardian of the city against the years gives visitors a unique sense of peace.
This castle, dating back to the Ottoman period, has also hosted the Anatolian Seljuks. This structure, which carries the traces of many civilizations throughout history, holds a different story in each of its stones. The museum inside the castle chronologically presents the events that took place during the War of Independence, offering visitors the opportunity to witness significant moments in history.
As you wander around this fascinating structure, you feel as if you can hear the whispers of past times carried by the wind. With each step you take, you feel like you are embarking on a journey into the depths of history. When you reach the highest point of the castle, the stunning view of Gaziantep unfolds beneath your feet.
Looking out over the city from here, you encounter a city that seems lost within modern life but proudly carries the traces of the past. As you stroll through the streets of Gaziantep, you take a deep breath of history with every step.
Zeugma Mosaic Museum is another attraction that sheds light on the history of Gaziantep and is renowned worldwide. This museum, which exhibits mosaics from the ancient Roman period, offers visitors a journey through time. Each mosaic piece showcases the colorful life and artistic richness of the ancient world.
Among the works displayed in the museum is the famous Gypsy Girl mosaic. This piece is one of the most recognized symbols of Zeugma and stands out with its intricate craftsmanship. Visitors find themselves captivated by the magic of the ancient world under the gazes of the figures in the mosaics.
The Zeugma Mosaic Museum is enriched not only with mosaics but also with various artifacts from the period. Statues from antiquity, objects used in daily life, and many more works are part of the museum's collection. This rich collection offers visitors the opportunity to get to know the ancient world more closely.
As the atmosphere of the museum takes you back in time, wandering in silence causes you to be filled with the echoes of the past. This museum, which awakens the desire to explore more with every step, will be one of the important stops in your historical discoveries in Gaziantep.
“Gaziantep is a city where history and culture blend; every corner tells a different story.”
Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum is the largest mosaic museum in the world in terms of the colour scale of the mosaics exhibited. In the museum, which is one of the important museums in the world with its original exhibition organised according to the modern museology concept, approximately 3000 m² of mosaics, which were excavated from the ancient city of Zeugma located on the banks of the Euphrates River and whose restoration and conservation have been completed so far, are displayed.
Gaziantep Zoo is one of the largest and most modern zoos in Türkiye. Spread over an area of 3 million square metres, this park is home to more than 250 animal species. Offering visitors the opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitats, the zoo attracts attention with its large areas and natural habitats. Gaziantep Zoo also aims to raise awareness about animal rights and environmental awareness through educational programmes and activities. It is a pleasant visit for both children and adults.
There is no better place to get acquainted with Gaziantep's traditional handicrafts than the Copper Bazaar. It is fascinating to watch the artworks created by copper masters in this bazaar, which stands out with its historical texture. While wandering through the narrow streets echoing with the sounds of hammers, you will experience the joy of discovering handcrafted products.
The Copper Bazaar is not just a place to shop; it is also a venue where you can experience traditional Antep culture. In the workshops where masters showcase their skills, you can learn the intricacies of craftsmanship and understand how valuable this art is.
You can encounter different workshops at every corner and examine various objects made of copper. The bazaar offers a wide range of product options, from antique shops to souvenir stalls, and its historical atmosphere takes you back in time.
Spending time at the Copper Bazaar during your visit to Gaziantep will provide both a shopping and a cultural experience. The copper products you purchase from here will serve as meaningful gifts for your loved ones and personal mementos that remind you of Gaziantep.
The elegance of Gaziantep's handicrafts is showcased in the Mother-of-Pearl Workshop and Kutnu Workshop. In these workshops, you can witness the fine details of mother-of-pearl craftsmanship and feel the soft texture of kutnu fabric. Objects adorned with the art of mother-of-pearl inlay are meticulously crafted by skilled hands, and each one is unique.
In these workshops where Gaziantep's masters showcase their talents, you can witness the meeting of traditional techniques with modern designs. As you navigate through the details of mother-of-pearl inlay, you realize how much patience and attention this art requires. Kutnu weaving represents a textile tradition that has lasted for centuries, and each of these fabrics carries a different story.
Watching the production stages of mother-of-pearl and kutnu products is a unique journey into the depths of art. The time you spend in the workshops, witnessing the masters' patient work and listening to their stories, will inspire you.
The products you acquire from these workshops will adorn your homes as high-value memories both aesthetically and culturally. This experience intertwined with Gaziantep's handicraft heritage will make your journey more meaningful.