Gaziantep Province is known for the famously syrupy pistachio baklava. The city of Gaziantep has an inviting cafe culture and numerous pastry shops, along with a mosaic museum and an ancient citadel.

Things to do

Gaziantep is home to almost 200 pastry shops, so devouring freshly-baked treats is a rite of passage. Don't miss the pistachio baklava at Orkide, celebrated as the city's finest patisserie. It also serves a mouth-watering array of local flatbreads, cheeses, jams and coffee. Katmerci Murat is another local favourite, known for its cream-filled "katmer" pistachio pancakes.

The Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum showcases an incredible mosaic collection excavated from Belkis-Zeugma, a 6th-century Roman site. Admire the iconic Birth of Venus, which depicts the sultry goddess emerging from a giant scallop shell.

The 6th-century Kale citadel was raised by the Romans and commands sweeping views over the city. Today it houses the Gaziantep Defence and Heroism Panoramic Museum, which honours the troops who defended the city against French invasion in 1920.

Historians can visit Yesemek Quarry and Sculpture Workshop, an open-air museum tucked away in the south-east corner of Gaziantep Province. It dates back to Hittite times and offers fascinating ruins and ancient stonemasonry.

Things to do

Gaziantep Province is easy to navigate using local buses, while "dolmus" minibuses and taxis are also available. Regional flights arrive at Oguzeli Airport, 20 minutes from the city of Gaziantep.