GAZIANTEP

Gaziantep used to be known as Aintab. This historic city was conquered by the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Romans, the Byzantines, and finally, the Arabs in 638 AD. In 1070 Seljuk Turks took over and it remained under Turkish rule until the Ottoman empire in 1516. The city used to have a large population of Armenian Christians. The French tried to capture the city in 1920, but the local army held on to the city, forcing French forces to surrender in 1921. Aintab became Antep and Gazi was added to the front end, which means War Hero, as a way to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending the city in the war against the French. 

Antep in Turkish is a Pistachio! This area produces, you guessed it, pistachios. Because of this, you will find a plethora of treats made with pistachios around the city. As the locals say, Afiyet Olsun (Bon Apetite)! 

Famous Local Sites: Zeugma Mosaic Museum, Gaziantep Castle, Caravan Saray

Must Try Local Eats: Antep Baklava