Mark Wiens in Şahinbey, Gaziantep: 9 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Şehitkamil

Must-try foods in Şehitkamil

• Gaziantep Baklavası
  Gaziantep BaklavasıThe crown jewel of the city's gastronomy, this EU-protected pastry consists of 40-50 layers of paper-thin phyllo dough filled with vibrant green Antep pistachios and clarified butter. It is distinct for its bright color and light syrup, often enjoyed at legendary spots like İmam Çağdaş or Güllüoğlu.
• Beyran Çorbası
  Beyran ÇorbasıA powerful, spicy breakfast soup that is a ritual for locals. It is made by slow-cooking lamb neck and marrow for hours, then assembling each bowl with rice, shredded meat, and a heavy dose of garlic and red pepper flakes before being blasted over a high-heat flame.
• Katmer
  KatmerA traditional breakfast pastry that is a sensory explosion. A thin dough is stretched until transparent, then folded with 'kaymak' (clotted cream), sugar, and a generous amount of ground pistachios before being baked or fried until crispy.
• Antep Lahmacun
  Antep LahmacunUnlike the versions found elsewhere, Antep lahmacun is incredibly thin and crispy, characterized by the use of garlic rather than onion in the meat topping. It features a rich mixture of ground lamb, tomatoes, peppers, and local spices, baked in a stone oven.
• Küşleme
  KüşlemeConsidered the most elite meat cut in the city, küşleme is a small, tender strip of lamb tenderloin. It is typically grilled over charcoal with minimal seasoning—often just salt and a bit of local pepper—to highlight the natural quality of the meat.
• Patlıcan Kebabı
  Patlıcan KebabıA visually striking dish where thick slices of eggplant are alternated with seasoned meatballs (köfte) on a long skewer and grilled. The eggplant absorbs the juices of the meat, creating a smoky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Trip guide

• About Şehitkamil
  About ŞehitkamilBatıkent is a residential neighborhood located in the Şehitkamil district of Gaziantep, Turkey. As of 2026, it functions as a primary hub for modern urban living, characterized by planned residential blocks and wide boulevards.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Batıkent is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October), when temperatures are mild and ideal for exploring the city's famous culinary scene. Summer months (July and August) can be intensely hot with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F), while winters are cold and occasionally snowy. To experience the region's food culture at its peak.
• Getting around
  Getting around Şehitkamil

  • Gaziantep Tram (Light Rail) The T2 (Blue) and T3 (Green) tram lines serve the Batıkent area, with the 'Ali İhsan Göğüş' station being the primary stop for the neighborhood. This system connects Batıkent to the Gaziantep Railway Station (Gar) and.
  • Municipal and Public Buses Numerous bus lines operated by Gaziulaş and Gaziantep ÖHO, including routes B01, B40, S11, and B53.
  • Taxi and Ride-Hailing Local yellow taxis are widely available throughout Şehitkamil and can be hailed on the street or via the Uber app.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Use the Gaziulaş bus network or the T1 tram line for efficient travel, as Batıkent is well-connected to central Şehitkamil and the university area.
  • Always accept an offer of tea from local shopkeepers or residents, as declining can be seen as dismissive of their hospitality.
  • Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees to align with the conservative social norms of the Gaziantep region.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Şehitkamil

  • Türkiye's Gastrodiplomacy Summit: A major international culinary event (May 2026) showcasing Gaziantep's heritage to global chefs and media.
  • Baklava Trail App: A new digital guide launched in 2026 mapping over 50 local workshops and pistachio farms for interactive culinary tours.
• Şahinbey Belediyesi Turizm↗
  Şahinbey Belediyesi TurizmThe official tourism portal of the Şahinbey Municipality, providing information on historical sites, museums, and cultural attractions in the district.