Zeugma, Nemrut, Halfeti, Gobeklitepe and More

ABOUT GAZIANTEP CITY TOUR

Kendirli Gaziantep City Museum Kendirli Church was originally opened in the 1800’s with the financial backing of Napoleon III. As the number of Christians dwindled it was repurposed and eventually became Teachers lodgings. Now the church serves as a cultural centre, which includes a variety of ways that information is put across, including a unique option of anatomical depictions of Ataturk and other Turkish heroes.
Bayazhan Gaziantep City Museum Originally built by a wealthy tobacco merchant as a ranch for his product, the project to comparison from buildings in Aleppo, however, it took 5-6 years to build. Through the lifetime of the build, it has been used as headquarters of invading armies and as a prison building during the defence of the city.
Kurtulus Mosque Originally an Armenian Church that remained empty for many years following the departure of Armenians from Turkey. The mosque now has very little Christian influences due to it being an active place of worships of those in the Islamic faith. In keeping with both Armenian and Islamic places of worship, the building is in the shape of a cross with large windows, inside is decorated in a rich style with influences from the religion.
Zeugma Mosaic Museum Zeugma Mosaics went unnoticed until 2000 when these relics were taken and given to museums. Many of the mosaic and artefacts would have permanently damaged possible lost if not recovered before the creation of new dams.
Gaziantep Castle Gaziantep castle was originally built during the Hittite Kingdom era, later it was improved by the defence of the castle of the city. It was again renovated in 2000 to buy the Turkish, which gave the castle the shape it is now. Throughout the castle and ground, you will see some of the changes made, in differences between the different styles.
Kitchen Museum Close to Gaziantep Castle this house used to belong to a prominent figure in the local community. He gave his family home over to the tourism board to create a museum that displayed the traditions of family life, however, it focused on the side of food and the making of the utensils. Traditionally women grew up learning to cook from a young age and continue to be the food producers in their lives, this museum shows this and praises these culinary masters.
Elmaci Bazaar A modern take on a traditional bazaar, however unlike most marketplaces, here you will be able to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, spices and nuts but you will also be able to witness new items being made. As you make your way around you will see different masters of their craft making items that might be sold even that day.
Coppersmith Bazaar These narrow-cobbled streets offer a look into the work of master craftsmen. As you walk through you will see all manner and sizes of copper items, from simple kitchen utensils to pans and pots so large you would think of the brewing potions and not making food.
Ataturk Dam This wonder in modern building has created a wonderful well-irrigated landscape below with a stunning reservoir lake that has been a relaxation and recreation destination for people both visitors and locals, the lake has also become a great place to fish. On your way to Sanliurfa City, you will stop by the monumental Ataturk Dam which is on the way, in order to take in the scenic views from this huge site.
Sanliurfa is a beautiful ancient city with traditions and history dating back generations with their stories being told in religious texts. The Sanliurfa pool is told the story of God saving Abraham from a jealous king who attempted to throw Abraham into a large fire pit, however, just as he would have started to burn the fire was turned to water and the burning logs turned to fish. Today you can still see fish living in the pool. Nearby is the cave that Abraham was built, today a museum has been erected around for its preservation, visitors still stream to see the simple life his family lived before God sent him out into the world.
Harran once a prosperous and important city during the era of Mesopotamia with its own history in the Northern part being dated back as far as the 3rd Millennium. As the region passed into the different culture it became a hub for trade routes between the Mediterranean and the Tigris Plains. As time moved on it was a focal point for different battles and wars, which included with being ruled by the Persian Empire, Alexander the Great, the Seleucid Empire, Roman Empire, and the Muslim Arabs. The region saw fighting once again during the Crusades and the Mongol invasions of Syria. Today the modern city is a unique blend of an ancient building nestled and protected among current style buildings. The traditional and unique beehive buildings have been protected for their uniqueness across the world for being as tall in this shape with no extra supports.
Gobekli Tepe is a high hill that has been excavated which revealed deep ruins that date back to different time periods. Only discovered in 1996 it is believed to be a sanctuary as opposed to a settlement, as it was revealed and documented they found the statues, monuments and general building date back ranging between 6,000 and 12,000 years which at the oldest place it 6000 years before the pyramids.