Ayhan Mortepe in Gaziantep, Şehitkamil: 1 Spot

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Gaziantep

Must-try foods in Gaziantep

• Gaziantep Baklavası
  Gaziantep BaklavasıThe city's most famous export, featuring up to 40-50 layers of paper-thin phyllo dough, clarified butter, and the vibrant green 'early harvest' Antep pistachios. Unlike versions in other regions, Gaziantep baklava is known for its distinct crunch and the perfect balance of light syrup that doesn't overwhelm the nut flavor.
• Beyran Çorbası
  Beyran ÇorbasıA powerful, spicy breakfast soup that is a ritual for locals. It consists of slow-cooked, shredded lamb neck and fat, rice, and a heavy dose of garlic and Aleppo pepper flakes, all assembled in individual copper bowls and flashed over a high-heat flame until bubbling.
• Katmer
  KatmerGaziantep's 'breakfast of champions,' this is a thin, flaky pastry filled with pistachios, sugar, and 'kaymak' (thick clotted cream). It is stretched by hand until translucent and baked until crispy, traditionally served to newlyweds the morning after their wedding to symbolize a sweet life.
• Küşleme
  KüşlemeThe gold standard of meat dishes in the city. It is a specific, tiny cut of lean, tender lamb meat from the back of the sheep. Usually served simply grilled with minimal seasoning to let the natural flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture take center stage.
• Yuvalama
  YuvalamaA festive and labor-intensive yogurt-based soup traditionally served during Eid. It contains hundreds of tiny, hand-rolled rice and meat pearls, chickpeas, and tender lamb chunks, all finished with a shimmering drizzle of dried mint and sizzling butter.
• Nohut Dürümü
  Nohut DürümüA trending street food favorite that locals swear by. It’s a hearty wrap (dürüm) filled with chickpeas that have been slow-cooked in a rich bone broth, then mashed and seasoned with fresh parsley, onions, and various spices. It’s a surprisingly filling and affordable vegan-friendly iconic snack.

Trip guide

• About Gaziantep
  About GaziantepGaziantep, located in southeastern Turkey, is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements, with archaeological evidence of activity dating back to the 4th millennium BCE. Historical Heritage and Architecture The city's landscape is defined by layers of historical occupation. At its center lies Gaziantep Castle, a fortification built on a 6,000-year-old mound.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Gaziantep is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October), when temperatures are pleasantly warm and ideal for exploring the historic Old City and outdoor markets. Summer can be oppressively hot with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), while winters are cold and occasionally snowy.
• Getting around
  Getting around Gaziantep

  • Air Travel (Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport) Gaziantep Oğuzeli International Airport (GZT) is located 20km from the city center, with frequent daily flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir via Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and AJet.
  • Havaş Airport Shuttles & Taxis Havaş shuttle buses coordinate with flight arrivals to transport passengers to the city center in approximately 30-40 minutes; alternatively, local taxis are available 24/7 outside the terminal.
  • Local Tram (Gaziulaş) and Buses The city features an efficient light rail (tram) system and extensive municipal bus network; travelers can use the 'Gaziantep Kart' or contactless credit cards for easy fare payment across all public transit.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees to respect the city's conservative local culture and ensure smoother social interactions.
  • Always accept a small glass of tea when offered by shopkeepers or locals, as declining can be perceived as a rejection of their hospitality.
  • Use your right hand exclusively for eating, passing dishes, or shaking hands, as the left hand is traditionally considered less clean.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Gaziantep

  • 3 Million Tourists Goal: Following a record-breaking 2025, the city is heavily promoting its new '3 million visitors' target for 2026.
  • Dutch-Turkish 400th Anniversary Exhibition: A major new exhibition opened in February 2026 at the Gaziantep Arts and Culture Center.
• Visit Gaziantep↗
  Visit GaziantepThe official tourism portal for Gaziantep, providing comprehensive guides on the city's rich gastronomy, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage.