Antakya I can count more than 10 reasons for you to go on a trip to Hatay.. But in this article, I wanted to bring together the best reasons for the Hatay Antakya tour.. Because getting lost in the old Antakya streets made me love the town of Antakya more. When I toured the Hatay Archeology Museum, the world’s largest mosaic museum, I realized how special Antakya is.. Because in this region, there are many firsts and greats about the world and our country.. I’ll list them all below, don’t worry. I will also talk about Saint Pierre Church, Antakya Uzun Çarşı and the famous Haytali, which I was very impressed with.. Suggestions for Hatay places to visit will also be helpful.. Let’s get started right away :
Hatay Why to go to Antakya & Places to Visit in Antakya
First of all, I would like to start by making the following statement in order not to confuse Antakya with Hatay:
Friends Antakya, one of the 15 districts of Hatay. Many in Turkey call the province of Hatay Antakya.
In fact, Antakya is the most important district of Hatay in terms of history and cultural richness.. That’s why I’m gathering together dozens of reasons to go to Antakya.
You will understand this better when you take the Antakya tour.. Because you are witnessing many principles here.. Let me list these firsts below:
The peaceful courtyard of Habibi Neccar Mosque, the first mosque built in Anatolia
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- The first mosque built in Anatolia : Habib-i Neccar
- The world’s largest mosaic museum : Hatay Archeology Museum
- The world’s first cave church : Saint Pierre Church
- The world’s first street illuminated by torches : Kurtuluş Caddesi
- The first and only plant museum in Turkey : Museum of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
- The world’s first 6 fruit trees : The Tree of Friendship, Brotherhood Tolerance
Other than that, of course, there are many firsts in Hatay.. I want to write them down right below:
- The world’s largest hand-made tunnel : Titus Tunnel
- The world’s longest tunnel one of the beaches : Samandag Cevlik Beach
- Turkey’s only Armenian Village : Vakıflı Village
After these beautiful times, Hatay Antakya Let’s talk about the best reasons to go to the district of Antalya :
Be sure to read all my Hatay articles before you go to Antakya: HATAY
one. Getting Lost in the Streets of Old Antakya
Old Antakya streets are one of the places I love to visit in Hatay.
It is incredibly enjoyable to tour these beautiful streets both day and night.
But now, “where did you go, how did you go?” If you ask, believe me, I can not tell. Because the part where the Old Antakya Houses are located is like a labyrinth.
In fact, only one person can pass through some of its streets.. Do you know what the most beautiful part of these narrow and old streets is?
It offers a cultural accumulation where you can see all the characteristic features of the city together and witness the customs and traditions of the people…
Getting lost in the streets of old Antakya is different both day and night
For this reason, this area is considered a protected area and it is forbidden to make renovations. I mean, these streets are very precious.
I want to tell you about a feature that makes the streets valuable.. Because it caught my attention. Namely:
Normally, you will encounter people living in narrow streets when you leave the house.. But in the streets of Antakya, the doors of the houses do not open directly to the street.
The reason is hidden in a very fine detail: Since home life is a private space, the outer doors are either closed to a dead end street or to a dead end. Connecting to the street by passing through a narrow passage…
So there are not only streets connected to each other here.. There is a story of keeping the culture alive by designing everything in fine detail.
And the most beautiful part; Being able to sit and chat in the authentic designed old Antakya houses cafes, not only during the day but also at night…
I want to be closer to the streets of Antakya at night at Çankaya Mansions. I also recommend you. You can reach many places on foot.
2. Witnessing the Cultural Past of Antakya Uzun Çarşı
After the streets of Antakya, Uzun Çarşı is one of the places where you will spend the most time.
Because as I said in the title, this is one of the places where you can witness the cultural past of Hatay. .
The reason why I said “cultural background”; The fact that different professions have been handed down from generation to generation and brought the bazaar to life so far…
Another element is to be able to see inns, baths and many historical mosques together…
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Also, many tradesmen from different religions work in harmony in this bazaar. Some give life to the bazaar with their copper work, some with künefe, and some with the making of laurel soap.
This is why I say don’t go back to the bazaar before you eat künefe, buy laurel soap, and leave yourself to the bazaar if you feel like it.
It feels very good to wander through the cultural history of Antakya Uzun Çarşı
In fact, for your convenience, let me write what you can do in the bazaar:
- Eating kunefe from the Asi Kunefes inside Kursunlu Han (1 whole, 9 TL)
- Or eating künefe at the centuries-old Çınaraltı Yusuf Usta (half pistachio 7 TL, half ice cream) 10 TL, full 13 TL.)
- Tape Kebab special to Hatay at Aydın Butcher (200 grams 18 TL)
- Or Hatay Paper at Pöç Butcher Eating Kebab (200 grams 18 TL)
- Buying Hatay’s famous products such as surk, zahter, pomegranate syrup, bay soap
- Antakya Simidi, which is cooked in big ovens and eaten dipped in thyme and salt’ get it from mak (1,25 TL)
- Watching the künefe making live, which you can see step by step
Antakya dishes that I wrote above, Hatay Dishes: What to Eat in Hatay I explained much more in my article. Make sure to read it.
By the way, since I went in February, the bazaar was quiet, but the shopkeepers say that it is incredibly crowded in the summer months, so keep in mind.
3. Tasting Hatay Tray Kebab and Kagit Kebab
I can say that I went to Hatay with excitement for the food as well as the places to visit.. Why?
Because in 2017, it was named 26 by UNESCO. This is a city that has opened its flavors to the world by taking the title of Gastronomy City.
In 2016, our Gaziantep city was declared a gastronomy city. I think both of them deserve this title with their hundreds of different dishes.
One of these delicious delicacies is the tray and paper kebab, which you can taste while walking around Uzun Çarşı…
The good thing is that you are going to the town, not to the restaurant, to eat these kebabs. Yes, there is a wonderful tradition in Hatay called the butcher culture.. It’s like :
You go to the town and order what you want to eat.. The masters prepare your order right there, send it to the oven and have it cooked.
Paper Kebab and appetizers of Pöç Butcher and Kebab Shop
Of course, don’t think of the environment as just a tiny butcher.. Since this tradition is very common in Hatay, the butchers have expanded their places and turned them into shabby places.
As a lover of shabby places, I loved this situation.. While you are eating your meal, the sounds coming from Uzun Çarşı, the butcher’s preparation of your meat and sending the tray to the oven are very traditional.
By the way, tray kebabs and paper kebabs are the most common in such places. preferred. The difference between them is that the tray kebab is with sauce and the paper kebab is without sauce.
I suggest that those who say “I just want to taste the meat” should prefer paper kebab, and those who say “no sauce” should prefer tray kebab.. But both are light and delicious.
Let’s see where you can eat these delicious delicacies.. Since I ate both flavors in Antakya Uzun Çarşı, I will only make 2 suggestions:
- Aydin Butcher : Tray Kebab (200 grams 18 TL)
- Pöç Butcher: Paper Kebab (200 grams 18 TL, appetizers individually 10 TL)
Aside from the paper kebab and tray kebab, another legendary taste is available in the following items: i will tell. But first, let’s talk about Hatay’s religious brotherhood :
4. Fitting the Bell and the Minaret in the Same Square in Hatay
One of the things I was most impressed with in Hatay was the fraternal coexistence of all religions for years.
And I encountered many situations that set an example for this.. For example, let me talk about a beauty that I came across in Antakya:
While walking on Kurtulus Avenue, I saw Sarimiye Mosque and the Turkish Catholic Church at the bottom of a street that leads down to the bazaar.
A shopkeeper who saw that I was trying to photograph this image said that I could take a better photo from the terrace of the church and directed me to the church.
The magnificent photograph of the Antakya Turkish Catholic Church and Sarımiye Mosque in a single frame
When I went to the terrace of the church, I encountered a truly magnificent view.. Habib-i Neccar Mountain at the back and the view of the bell and minaret adorning its front…
This is officially a summary of Hatay culture… And this religious brotherhood that fits in one frame, I think it should be an example not only to Turkey but to the world.
By the way, if you were to visit the church and photograph this beautiful view from its terrace, I will write the hours of the church below:
Antakya Turkish Catholic Church Opening-Closing Hours :
- Morning : 10:00 – 12:00 (12:00-15:00 CLOSED)
- Afternoon : 15:00 – 17:00
- Sundays : CLOSED until 3 pm
- Visiting Hours for Summer Period (April-October): 08.30 – 19.00
- Winter Period (November-March) Visiting Hours: 08.30 – 17.00
- St. Pierre Church Entrance Fee : 20 TL
- Free for museum card holders.
- Mosaics over 3000 square meters
- Sculptures, many works in the showcase,
- Field animations,
- Columns, inscriptions,
- I can count models that cover large areas.
- Summer Period (April-October) Visiting Hours: 09.00 – 19.00
- Winter Period (November-March) Visiting Hours: 08.30 – 16.30
- Hatay Museum Entrance Fee: 20 TL (Free for museum holders)
- Phone : 0326 225 10 60-66
- Address : Maşuklu Mahallesi, Atatürk Cad.. Antakya/Hatay
- Sabri Usta’nın Yeri – Onur Künefe : 1 full plate 10 TL. (You can eat it for 2 people, it’s very satisfying)
- Çınaraltı Künefe Yusuf Usta : 7 TL with half pistachio, 10 TL with half ice cream, 13 TL full.
- Long Bazaar Rebel Kunefes : 9 TL. They also serve milk with it.
- This is from south to north i.e. a river flowing in the opposite direction. That’s why he was given the name “Rebel.” this beautiful river starts from Lebanon and passes through Syria and flows into the Mediterranean from Hatay province.
As I said at the beginning, if you go to the Asi River at sunset, you will see that it looks much more beautiful.
Also, if you have time, it would be great to take a walk in the park after crossing the river and have a nice cup of tea among the bookstores around the corner.
By the way If you want to know where is Hatay and how to go to Hatay, be sure to read it: Where is Hatay, In Which Region & How To Get There
9. Meal with Haytali at Historical Affan Coffee
Let me tell you from the beginning, some of you may not like Haytali dessert.. Because it is not a dessert that appeals to every palate.
But even if you don’t like it, I recommend you to try it, to sit and chat in the backyard of the traditional Historical Affan Coffeehouse.
Because this coffee has a different atmosphere. Actually, this is the cafeteria.. It already says “Inci Kıraathanesi” on its sign.
But as I said, it has a beautiful garden at the back.. I sat in the backyard and ordered 1 Haytali and 2 black coffees.
Coffee comes with an unfamiliar presentation, namely in a tea glass.. The taste is very good.
Hatay food – what to eat in Hatay – where to eat in Hatay – Haytali dessert Historical Affan Kahvesi
I can say that Haytalı also has a different flavor. Frankly, I like rose water and its smell, so it was nice.
By the way, let me tell you about the content of Haytali dessert for those who are wondering:
- Haytali is actually a Lebanese dessert.. In fact, its name comes from the Haytalia Village of Lebanon.
- Corn starch and milk are used in its preparation.
- Special milk ice cream is added to the pudding.
- Finally. It is also served by pouring rose water.
In order not to confuse it with the ‘Bici Bici’ dessert, a photo of both desserts has been placed in the garden.
Because Bici Bici Adana. And its construction is different from Haytali.. The price of Haytali and coffee at Affan Kahvesi is as follows:
- Haytali 7 TL, coffee served in a tea glass is 4 TL.
By the way, before you go, I recommend you to rent a car by reviewing this link. I think you will be pleased as it offers you the best price by comparing 900 companies at more than 53,000 points.
10. Accommodating in Historical Antakya Houses
Let’s come to the most important issue. It is an important issue for me, because if I am going to a historically rich place, the place I will stay is very important to me.
I want to see that old texture where I stay.. Here you can feel this in Hatay by staying in old mansions in Antakya region.
Besides staying in such a historical texture, it is a big plus to stay in the heart of places to visit.
Another beauty is that you can walk to the streets of Old Antakya at night and return to your hotel on foot at any time.
In short, Antakya is one of the most beautiful districts to stay in Hatay and one of the most comfortable in terms of transportation.
In short.
Antakya Çankaya Konakları Hotel has a nice environment where you can feel the old historical texture
For example, I am on Kurtuluş StreetÇankaya Konakları Hotel. Long Bazaar, Asi River, Habib-i Neccar and many other places that I can’t count were within walking distance.
I can say that I am incredibly comfortable.. That’s why I can recommend you both Çankaya Konakları and the hotels in the Antakya Region with peace of mind.
In fact, I want to write my Antakya hotel suggestions below:
Hotels above their names. you can view it by clicking.
- Çankaya Konakları Hotel : First of all, let me talk about the hotel I stayed at.. This is a historic building converted into a hotel.. The designs of the rooms are very nice.. The breakfast menu is quite adequate and the employees are very attentive.. Also has a parking lot. And the most beautiful thing is that it is located in the center of Antakya.. Accommodation price for 2 people for 1 night is 340 TL including breakfast.
- Jasmin Konak Hotel : Jasmin Hotel is a business located in the narrow streets of Antakya. It has an authentic feel, turned from an old mansion. It has 10 rooms in total and the price of 1 night accommodation for 2 people is 362 TL including breakfast.. An authentically designed charming hotel. Some rooms have terraces and balconies. Price for 1 night accommodation for 2 people is 320 TL including breakfast.
- Tarbuş Hotel : I wanted to add this place in case you want to stay somewhere close to Antak.. A hotel close to Harbiye Waterfall. It is 15 minutes from Antakya. Accommodation price for 2 persons for 1 night is 208 TL including breakfast.
Other than these suggestions, you can find all Antakya hotels from this link to your own budget. You can view accordingly.
BONUS: Visiting the Districts Around Antakya & Places to Visit in Hatay
I tried to summarize my article briefly for you, 10 reasons to go to Antakya.. Of course, all Antakya is not limited to what I have explained above.
Therefore, I recommend you to read my Antakya attractions and other Hatay articles that I will add to the bottom.
Antakya’ At the end of this special article, I would like to write down where you can visit in the surrounding districts one by one.
Because the province of Hatay does not end when you visit the Antakya region.. There are also legendary places around it.
The magnificent view of Samandağ Titus Tunnel
Especially on the Samandag side, it took me away from you. Titus Tunnel, one of the most important works of Turkish-Islamic history, Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Complex, Vakıflı Village, which I admire for its cleanliness and tranquility, are just a few of them. >
1. Day : Antakya and Harbiye Region
- Turkish Catholic Church and Sarimiye Mosque
- Hatay Gazi House
- Antakya Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Museum
- Habib-i Neccar Mosque
- Old Antakya Houses
- Antakya Long Bazaar
- Asi River
- Antakya Castle
- St. Pierre Church
- Hatay Archeology Museum
- Harbiye Waterfall
2. Day : Samandag and Villages
- Yesilyazı Village and Iron Bridge
- St. Simeon Monastery
- Foundational Armenian Village
- Musa Tree & Hıdırbey Village
- Titus Tunnel
- Beşikli Cave
- Çevlik Beach
The historical passage leading to the large courtyard of the Payas Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Complex
3. Day : Iskenderun and Payas
- Iskenderun Maritime Museum
- Iskenderun Beach and Monument
- Payas Castle
- Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Complex
Don’t worry, you can find all these beautiful places I wrote above one by one in my Hatay articles.. I explained all of them as a route with care.
By the way, I have often mentioned the following situation in my other Hatay articles: If you want to visit Hatay without fuss, 4 days is enough.
But 2-3 days definitely. low income. Also, your trip will be a bit hectic.. My advice :
If you are going to make a 2-3 day trip to Hatay, prioritize the Antakya, Harbiye and Samandağ Regions mentioned above.. If you ask why :
Iskenderun and Payas are far from the central regions.. And places to visit in Iskenderun are not as productive as Antakya and Samandag.
So if you don’t have time, don’t force it.. On your next trip, you will have completed all of them by going to Iskenderun and Payas first.
By the way, whether you have little or plenty of time, I would definitely recommend renting a car.. You are definitely much more comfortable.
“Where can I rent a car for cheap?” If you are saying, let me suggest a place that offers you the best by comparing 900 companies at more than 53,000 points: I say click this link to do a review.
My other articles about Hatay that may interest you :
- Places To Visit In Hatay
- Places To Visit In Antakya
- Hatay Dishes: What to Eat in Hatay
- Where is Hatay, In Which Region & How to Go
Antakya In this article, I tried to gather many reasons to go on a trip to Hatay.. Antakya Region is incredibly rich in terms of historical wealth, as it is one of the most important settlements of Hatay. You feel it from the moment you start wandering the Old Antakya Streets. Believe me, the Hatay Paper Kebab you eat at Antakya Uzun Çarşı is something else.. And of course, seeing all the historical accumulation together, such as the Antakya Archeology Museum, is also very impressive.. That’s why we need to discover the beauties of our country one by one without wasting time.. I hope my Antakya travel guide articles will help you when you go to this beautiful city.. If you still have something on your mind, don’t forget to send your questions by following us on the social media accounts below.. Imagine, think after…
5. Fascinated by the Saint Pierre Church
Let’s come to the legendary building, which is 5-10 minutes away from the center of Antakya by car…
I call it a “legend” because it is the world’s first cave church. .
Imagine, a huge rock was carved into such an important place in ancient times.. So much so that this first cave church is the oldest church of Christianity…
Even though the interior of the Saint Pierre Church is small, it definitely has an impressive atmosphere.. It is also very enjoyable to watch the view of Antakya from its garden.
The magnificent view of the world’s first cave church, Saint Pierre Church
Even though I went in a time when the weather was very cold, one of the places I loved to visit in Antakya was St.. Pierre Church.
It should definitely be at the top of your list of places to visit.. If I mention the fee and hours of the church:
St.. Pierre Church Opening/Closing Hours – Fee
By the way, before you set off on the Antakya tour, you can review the hotels that can be canceled and refunded at link below and plan accordingly. you can.
6. Wandering around the Hatay Archeology Museum for Hours
As I said at the beginning, “Firsts never end in Hatay”. Here is the most enjoyable place to visit among those firsts, Antakya Archaeological Museum.. Do you know why?
Because this museum will soon be the world’s largest mosaic museum.. More than 60% of the work has been completed. Previously, the museum was in another place.
But since Hatay is one of the cities where the most ancient artifacts were unearthed in the world, another museum was built to hold the rich collection.
I can say that I was impressed even by the unfinished state of the museum.. (2019 February) It’s big enough to be lost inside, and it’s obvious that it’s been worked very carefully.
So in order not to get confused; Before visiting the museum, I suggest you watch the 3D cinema screening and the general introduction about the museum.
The world’s largest mosaic museum, Hatay Archeology Museum artifacts
Shows for 12 minutes every hour. “And what will we see in the museum?” If you say :
Of course, these counts are very insufficient.. Because it was really studied extensively in the museum.. That’s why I say you should take a tour without haste.
In fact, if you spare at least 2 hours for the museum, it will be a very useful and enjoyable trip for you.
Hatay Archeology Museum Introduction Fee – Visiting Hours – Contact Information
In addition to these firsts in Antakya, Hayat also has many firsts in general.. I explained all of them in my Places to Visit in Hatay article. Must be read.
7. Eating the King of Kunefe to Your Heart
Did you know that you will encounter a künefe maker every step of the way while you are wandering around Antakya?
Let me put it this way: Even if you don’t like kunefe, you have to sit down and taste one of them.
Because the most precious flavor of Hatay, künefe. And they really know this business well.
Even though I’m not good with künefe, on the way back, “Can we catch up to the airport if we eat it for the last time?” Think about it.
The taste of künefe in Hatay is different at Harbiye Sabri Usta’nın Yeri
It was Sabri Usta who made me say this. When everyone says Hatay künefe, they recommend Yusuf Usta in Uzun Çarşı.
I ate künefe at Yusuf Usta and at a few different places, but I could not find the flavor I found in Sabri Usta in any of them.
“Why?” If you say, because there is a great demand for künefe in Antakya Uzun Çarşı, it is cooked on large trays and on embers.. On the other hand, Sabri Usta cooks it in its own small oven on a special plate only for you.
It adjusts its ingredients and consistency so well that you pass out while you eat it.
Therefore, I can recommend it to you with peace of mind.. By the way, I want to write down where you can eat künefe with prices:
8. Taking Photos at the Antakya Asi River at Sunset
If we toured the places to visit in Antakya and ate the Hatay künefe with pleasure, let’s walk towards the Asi River at sunset to see the city again. After spending time in the Bazaar, the Asi River, which flows right next to the square, becomes another beautiful sight at sunset, as you can see in the photo.
All of you may wonder, “Why was such a beautiful river named Asi?” a question can be. Here is:
Sunset view of Hatay Antakya Asi River
