Hatay

Hatay, centred on the historic city of Antakya, is Turkey's southernmost province and one of its most distinctive destinations. Ancient Antioch was a major Roman and Byzantine city, and today the region blends Mediterranean, Anatolian and Middle Eastern influences in its streets, cuisine and religious heritage.

The province's landmarks include St. Peter's Church, an early Christian cave church on Mount Staurin, and the Habib-i Neccar Mosque, regarded as one of the first mosques built in Anatolia. The Hatay Archaeology Museum and Necmi Asfuroğlu Archaeology Museum hold important Roman mosaics, while the Harbiye waterfalls and the Roman-era Titus Tunnel in Samandağ show the area's natural and ancient engineering heritage.

Antakya's old town has long been known for its mix of communities and faiths, and local life still revolves around bazaars, courtyards and shared food traditions. İskenderun, the other main centre, is a busy Mediterranean port with a more industrial and commercial character.

Hatay is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, famous for dishes such as künefe, hummus, tepsi kebabı and mezes made with local herbs, olive oil and spices. This food culture is central to visits, from specialist restaurants and künefe shops to the Antakya Gastronomi Çarşısı.

The February 2023 earthquakes caused major damage across the province, and rebuilding continues, but many sites, hotels and restaurants have reopened. For travellers, Hatay offers a compact mix of ancient history, religious landmarks, coastal scenery and one of Turkey's most celebrated regional cuisines, with links to business centres around the Gulf of İskenderun.