Davud Akhundzada in Gaziantep, Şahinbey: 5 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Gaziantep

Must-try foods in Gaziantep

• Gaziantep Baklavası
  Gaziantep BaklavasıThe city's most famous export, this world-renowned pastry consists of 40 layers of paper-thin phyllo dough filled with premium 'boz' pistachios and clarified butter (sade yağ). In 2026, look for 'Kuru Baklava' versions which have less syrup for a more intense pistachio flavor.
• Beyran Çorbası
  Beyran ÇorbasıA powerful, spicy breakfast soup made from lamb neck, rice, and plenty of garlic. The broth is boiled over high flames until it reaches a rich, marrow-infused consistency, seasoned heavily with Aleppo pepper flakes.
• Antep Lahmacun
  Antep LahmacunDistinct from other regional varieties, the Gaziantep version of this 'Turkish pizza' is characterized by its thin, crispy dough and a topping that prioritizes garlic and fresh parsley over onions, giving it a sharp, aromatic profile.
• Katmer
  KatmerThe quintessential Gaziantep breakfast dessert. It is a crisp, square pastry filled with 'kaymak' (clotted cream), sugar, and a generous amount of bright green ground pistachios, traditionally eaten alongside a glass of cold milk.
• Yuvalama
  YuvalamaA festive yogurt-based soup traditionally prepared for Eid. It contains hundreds of tiny, hand-rolled meatballs made of rice and minced meat, served in a tangy yogurt broth with chickpeas and drizzled with dried mint oil.
• Küşleme
  KüşlemeConsidered the 'filet mignon' of Gaziantep, this is a small, sinew-free strip of meat found along the lamb's spine. It is incredibly tender and typically served minimally seasoned to highlight the natural flavor of the meat.

Trip guide

• About Gaziantep
  About GaziantepGaziantep is a city in southeastern Turkey with a settlement history dating to the 4th millennium BC. Situated at a strategic intersection of ancient trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean, it has been governed by the Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman Empires. Historical Heritage and Architecture The city’s urban core is centered on a hill featuring Gaziantep Castle.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Gaziantep is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when temperatures are comfortably mild for exploring the city's famous culinary scene and museums. Summers are extremely hot and arid, often exceeding 35°C (95°F), while winters can be quite cold with occasional snowfall and the highest rainfall of the year. Peak tourist activity occurs during the pleasant spring and autumn months.
• Getting around
  Getting around Gaziantep

  • Air Travel (Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport) Gaziantep Oğuzeli International Airport (GZT) is located 20km from the city. It offers frequent direct flights from Istanbul and Ankara. Upon arrival, travelers can use Havaş shuttle buses, municipal buses.
  • Intercity Bus (Otobüs) The Gaziantep Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali is a major hub located 6km north of the city center. Extensive bus networks connect Gaziantep to Istanbul (14-17 hours), Ankara (10 hours).
  • Local Public Transit (Tram and Gaziray) The city features an efficient light rail system with three tram lines (T1, T2, T3) and the Gaziray commuter train. The T1 (Red Line) is most useful for tourists.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Carry cash in Turkish Lira for small purchases in the historic bazaars, as many local artisans and copper shops do not accept credit cards.
  • Dress conservatively by covering your shoulders and knees to respect the local culture, which is more traditional than in western Turkish cities.
  • Visit baklava shops before noon to ensure you experience the pastry at its freshest and crispest state before the bottom layers soften.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Gaziantep

  • UNESCO inclusion of 'Antep İşi' (Drawn Thread Embroidery) in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
  • The 2026 Tourism Surge, with the city targeting 3 million visitors following record-breaking numbers in 2025.
• Visit Gaziantep↗
  Visit GaziantepThe official tourism portal for Gaziantep, providing comprehensive guides on the city's rich gastronomy, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage.