Hatay Antioch

Hatay: Turkey’s Southernmost Cultural and Historical Gem

📍 Location: Southern Turkey, bordering Syria
🏺 Famous for: Rich history, diverse culture, world-renowned cuisine, and ancient sites
🍽️ Best for: History lovers, food enthusiasts, religious travelers, and nature explorers

🏛️ Historical & Cultural Attractions in Hatay

1️⃣ Hatay Archaeology Museum – A World-Class Collection
Ranked 2nd globally for mosaics and 3rd for coin collections
Houses Hittite, Assyrian, Roman, and Byzantine artifacts
Famous mosaics: The “Drunken Dionysus” and “Oceanus & Tethys”
Interactive exhibits showcasing ancient civilizations

2️⃣ St. Peter’s Church – One of the Oldest Christian Sites
UNESCO Tentative Site
An ancient cave church where St. Peter is said to have preached
A pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide

3️⃣ Habib-i Neccar Mosque – A Symbol of Religious Harmony
One of Turkey’s oldest mosques (built in the 7th century)
Blends Islamic and Christian architectural styles
Named after Habib-i Neccar, a Christian martyr mentioned in the Quran

4️⃣ Uzun Carsi (Long Bazaar) – Hatay’s Traditional Market
Authentic Turkish market experience
Famous for spices, handcrafted goods, and traditional sweets
Try Hatay’s famous olive oil soaps, spices, and copper handicrafts

5️⃣ Titus Tunnel & Besikli Cave Tombs
A Roman-era flood prevention tunnel
Carved into the mountains by Roman engineers
Nearby rock-cut tombs with fascinating carvings

6️⃣ Antakya’s Old Town – A Journey Through Time
A blend of Ottoman, French, and Arabic influences
Colorful narrow streets, traditional houses, and historic inns
Small coffee shops & restaurants serving local delights

🌿 Nature & Outdoor Attractions in Hatay

1️⃣ Harbiye Waterfalls – A Serene Escape
Lush forested area with natural waterfalls
Restaurants with tables placed in the water for a unique dining experience
A perfect spot for relaxation and photography

2️⃣ Samandag & Musa Mountain (Moses Mountain)
Believed to be where Moses’ staff touched the ground
Offers stunning views of the Mediterranean
Samandag Beach – One of Turkey’s longest beaches

3️⃣ Yesemek Open-Air Museum – The Hittite Sculpture Workshop
Turkey’s largest open-air sculpture workshop
Once a Hittite stone quarry and workshop (~1200 BC)
Displays unfinished Hittite statues and carvings

🍽️ Hatay’s World-Famous Cuisine
Hatay is Turkey’s food capital, officially recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

🥩 Hatay Kebabı – A spiced grilled meat kebab, cooked on large skewers
🧀 Kunefe – The famous Hatay dessert, made with crispy shredded pastry, cheese, and syrup
🥗 Tepsi Kebabı – A baked minced meat dish, served in a round tray
🥖 Fellah Koftesi – Small bulgur meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce
🥄 Humus & Muhammara – Rich and flavorful Middle Eastern dips

🍽️ Where to eat?

Poc Kasabi & Kebap Salonu – Best place for authentic Hatay kebabs
Kule Restaurant – Great for local mezes and seafood
Konak Restaurant – A must-visit for Kunefe and Turkish breakfast

🚗 How to Get to Hatay?
✈️ By Air:

Hatay Airport (HTY) – Direct flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and Northern Cyprus
🚍 By Bus:

Frequent buses from Istanbul, Ankara, Adana, and Gaziantep
🚗 By Car:

From Adana: ~2.5-hour drive
From Gaziantep: ~3-hour drive
From Istanbul: ~12-hour drive
🚢 By Sea:

Iskenderun Port offers sea connections

🏆 Why Visit Hatay?
✔️ One of Turkey’s most culturally diverse cities
✔️ A blend of Turkish, Arabic, and Mediterranean influences
✔️ Home to UNESCO-listed mosaics, ancient cities, and religious sites
✔️ Hatay’s cuisine is world-famous and a must-try for foodies
✔️ A perfect mix of history, nature, and vibrant city life

✨ Hatay is where history, flavors, and cultures come together! ✨