Hatay is Turkey's southernmost province, a slender finger of land bordering Syria and the Mediterranean Sea. Its capital, Antakya—the ancient Antioch on the Orontes—was one of the great cities of the Roman and early Christian world. Hatay's layered history, distinctive Arab-influenced cuisine, and multicultural society (Turkish, Arabic, Alevi, Armenian, and Greek Orthodox communities have coexisted here for centuries) make it unlike anywhere else in Turkey. Note: a magnitude-7.8 earthquake on 6 February 2023 severely damaged Antakya; many historic structures collapsed and rebuilding is ongoing. Travellers will find a city in resilient reconstruction rather than a fully restored old town.
Historical sites
Places where Hatay's past comes alive.
Antakya Mosaic Museum (Hatay Arkeoloji Müzesi)
Where: Antakya
Admission: ₺80 (~$2.35) adults
St. Pierre Church (Sen Piyer Kilisesi)
Where: Antakya
Admission: ₺60 (~$1.75) adults
Titus and Vespasianus Tunnel
Where: Çevlik, Samandağ
Admission: ₺60 (~$1.75) adults
Antakya Castle Ruins (Haçlılar Kalesi)
Where: Habib-i Neccar Mountain, Antakya
Admission: Free; hike up Habib-i Neccar Mountain
Habib-i Neccar Mosque
Where: Central Antakya
Admission: Free