Our History
Gaziantep — A City Where Time Doesn't Stop, But Accumulates
UNESCO City
Gaziantep is not just a city, but a special living space where civilizations have merged and history has accumulated layer by layer. This ancient city, bridging Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean, has hosted different civilizations for thousands of years, becoming a "living museum" that carries the traces of every era to the present.
From the earliest traces of the Paleolithic era to the monumental architecture of the Hittites, from the artistic vision of the Romans to the trading culture of the Ottomans and the epic resistance of the War of Independence, this rich history paves the way for Gaziantep as a metropolis that actively conveys its past to the present.
A journey from the past to the present
Ancient Era
3650 BC
First settlements
According to the oldest findings in historical sources, traces of settlement in the region date back to the Paleolithic period.
Roman Era
64 BC
Rise of Zeugma
The famous ancient city of Zeugma, founded on the banks of the Euphrates River, became world-renowned for the beauty of its mosaics.
Ottoman Era
1516
Silk Road center
During the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, Gaziantep stood out as an important trade center on the Silk Road.
Republic Era
1921
"Gazi" title
The city earned the title "Gazi" for its heroic resistance during the War of Independence, becoming a symbol of the independence struggle.
Modern Era
2015
World's Taste Certified: UNESCO
Gaziantep cuisine was declared a 'Gastronomy City' by UNESCO with over 500 unique dishes. With this recognition, the city became one of the world's most important culinary destinations.
Ancient Era
3650 BC
First settlements
According to the oldest findings in historical sources, traces of settlement in the region date back to the Paleolithic period.
Roman Era
64 BC
Rise of Zeugma
The famous ancient city of Zeugma, founded on the banks of the Euphrates River, became world-renowned for the beauty of its mosaics.
Ottoman Era
1516
Silk Road center
During the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, Gaziantep stood out as an important trade center on the Silk Road.
Republic Era
1921
"Gazi" title
The city earned the title "Gazi" for its heroic resistance during the War of Independence, becoming a symbol of the independence struggle.
Modern Era
2015
World's Taste Certified: UNESCO
Gaziantep cuisine was declared a 'Gastronomy City' by UNESCO with over 500 unique dishes. With this recognition, the city became one of the world's most important culinary destinations.
The Deep-Rooted Heritage of Gaziantep
From the earliest traces of the Paleolithic era to the monumental architecture of the Hittites, from the artistry of the Romans to the trading culture of the Ottomans and the heroic resistance of the War of Independence, this rich history has shaped Gaziantep's character and soul.
Gaziantep in Numbers
We bring together 6,000 years of deep-rooted history, over 500 unique flavors, and millions of visitors welcomed each year. These are the real numbers that define Gaziantep.
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Total Area
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Annual Tourist Count
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Dishes
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Historic Structures
UNESCO City
Gaziantep
One of the world's oldest settlements, Gaziantep was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015. With over 500 unique dishes, Gaziantep's culinary culture is a true gastronomic legend.
Did you know?
Gaziantep was the first city in Turkey to join UNESCO's Creative Cities Network. It has 109 registered products.
For Gaziantep, gastronomy is not a hobby — it is the city's greatest economic and social capital. The UNESCO title provides a strategic framework for managing this capital on a global level.
- Sustainable Gastronomy: By preserving local biodiversity and supporting Heirloom Seed projects, we pass the core ingredients of our cuisine to future generations.
- Cultural Diversity: Our culinary culture is a synthesis of Hittite, Roman, Seljuk and Ottoman civilisations, representing a society built on peace and sharing.
- Global Representation: Gaziantep continuously exchanges knowledge and expertise with other UNESCO network cities, shaping the global routes of gastronomic tourism.
The Smartest Way to
Discover Gaziantep
Create routes with AI-powered city guide, explore gastronomy, and experience Gaziantep in a whole new way. Scan the QR code to download our app from Play Store and App Store.
