The invaluable heritage in the provinces affected by the earthquakes is not only housed in sites but in the traditions passed down from generation to the next. The people in the region have benefitted from centuries of cultural cross-fertilization that has led to a large corpus of knowledge, customs, and crafts. Artisans have preserved …
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Arsameia Archaeological Site, Adıyaman
Arsameia, the ancient summer capital of the Commagene Kingdom, contains a relief of a handshake that represents the fusion of diverse cultures. Its Acropolis provides sweeping views and a peaceful perch to contemplate this sliver of lost time. The settlement, founded in the 2nd century BC is located in the province of Adıyaman in …
Gaziantep Castle
Banner Photo: Mustafa Umut Dulun The ancient castle has stood guard over Gaziantep for nearly 2000 years and remains the sentinel of the evolving city, renowned as much for its location along the Silk Road as its pistachio orchards and baklava shops today. Originally built in the second century as a watchtower in Roman times, …
Mar Yuhanna Greek Orthodox Church, Hatay
Hatay province and its ancient capital city of Antakya—known to Christians as Antioch—has a particularly rich legacy, where Christians were first called by that name. Several sects of Christianity today consider themselves the successors to the Christian community there founded by the Apostles Peter and Paul. The 16th century Mar Yuhanna Greek Orthodox Church …
Sarımiye Mosque, Hatay
On Antakya’s Kurtuluş Avenue, which locals cite as the world’s first illuminated street, Sarımiye Mosque and its iconic minaret once framed the cityscape. Antakya, renowned for its tapestry of religions and cultures, was often featured in photos with both the minaret of the mosque and the belltower of the nearby Catholic Church. The Antakya …
Hatay Archaeology Museum
Hatay Archaeology Museum, whose modesty belies the splendors of its contents, is second to none as a repository of irreplaceable heritage spanning 13 of the region’s earliest civilizations dating back to the third century B.C. It is the world’s largest mosaic museum, displaying mosaic art at its most expressive. Realistic scenes depict Roman gods …
Historical Maraş Bazaar
The covered bazaar of Maraş has acted as a hub of economic activity since the 1500s. It expanded to contain nine entrances and hundreds of shops. A walk through the market offers customers with master artisanry, from copperware to saddlebags to silk products, sourced from the surrounding area. Maraş was at the epicenter of …
