Gaziantep

Gaziantep is the gastronomic capital of Türkiye. It is the capital of baklava, a UNESCO Creative City for gastronomy, home to one of the finest mosaic museums in the world and a coppersmiths’ bazaar that still works. It is also a good base for the southeast, and it rewards anyone who comes hungry.

Gaziantep at a glance

Food: why people come

Gaziantep is billed as the capital of baklava, and Gaziantep baklava holds a geographical indication. The city joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2015, and there is a baklava museum where you can see how the pastry is made. Beyond baklava, the local table is built on spicy lamb, pistachios and fine pastry: beyran, a spicy lamb and rice soup eaten at breakfast; katmer, a thin pastry with pistachio and cream; a thin, spicy lahmacun; and kebabs and Ali Nazik, grilled lamb on smoked eggplant. Pistachios from the surrounding region are the main local product. Eat breakfast out, and treat baklava as a snack to repeat. See our food guide and the culinary route that links Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa and Diyarbakır.

What to see

Zeugma Mosaic Museum

The museum shows mosaics rescued from the ancient city of Zeugma on the Euphrates. It is one of the most important mosaic museums in the world, and the Gypsy Girl mosaic is its best-known piece. Dams have flooded part of the ancient city, so the museum holds much of what survives. Allow two to three hours.

The Bakırcılar Bazaar

The coppersmiths’ bazaar is the place to see craftsmen at work and to buy hand-hammered copper. Combine it with the nearby covered bazaars and the nut and spice shops. Our bazaars and markets guide covers bargaining.

Gaziantep Castle

Climb up to the castle for views over the old city. It is a short visit and a good orientation point before lunch.

A weekend in Gaziantep (suggested plan)

• Day 1. Beyran or katmer for breakfast, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, lunch at a kebab house, the Bakırcılar Bazaar and the castle, and baklava in the evening.
• Day 2. Bazaars and a food-focused morning, then onward by road or air to Şanlıurfa.

When to go

Gaziantep has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. April, May, October and November are the best months for walking, and July and August bring highs above 35°C.

Source: Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM), Gaziantep station, 1940 to 2025.

Safety and the southeast

Gaziantep province borders Syria. The UK advises against all travel within 10 km of the Syrian border, and the city itself lies well outside that zone. Read your own government’s advice before you go, and see our safety guide.

Getting there and around

Gaziantep has an airport and long-distance bus links. The Mesopotamia Express train route is also promoted for the region. Within the city, most sights are in the old center and can be reached on foot or by short taxi rides. See our getting around guide.

Where to stay

The old center keeps you close to the bazaars, the castle and the best restaurants. See our where to stay guide.

Plan the wider trip

Gaziantep works as the start of a southeast route with Şanlıurfa, Mardin and Diyarbakır. See our itineraries guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is Gaziantep famous for?

Baklava, pistachios, a very strong food culture, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum and the Bakırcılar copper bazaar.

How many days do I need in Gaziantep?

Two days cover the main sights and several meals. Add a day if you want a day trip.

What should I eat in Gaziantep?

Baklava, beyran for breakfast, katmer, lahmacun, kebabs and Ali Nazik.

Is Gaziantep safe to visit?

Millions of people visit the southeast, but governments advise caution near the Syrian border. Read the current advice for your country before you plan.

What is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum?

A museum of mosaics from the ancient city of Zeugma, described as one of the most important of its kind in the world.

When is the best time to visit?

April, May, October and November. Summer is very hot.

Sources: Go Türkiye, UNESCO Creative Cities Network, MGM. Updated October 2026.