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.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Antakya Mosaic Museum Interior
Best time: 09:00–11:00 (opening hour; least crowded; consistent artificial lighting)
St. Pierre Church Cave Entrance
Best time: 08:00–09:30 (low-angle morning light enters the cave mouth; rich warm tones)
Harbiye Waterfalls
Best time: 08:00–10:00 (soft dappled light through laurel canopy) or overcast days (diffused light, no harsh shadows)
Uzun Çarşı Bazaar (Street Life)
Best time: 09:00–11:00 (vendors setting up, natural light entering bazaar) or 16:00–18:00 (golden afternoon shafts of light through gaps in the roof)
Titus Tunnel Inscriptions
Best time: 10:00–14:00 when overhead sun penetrates the open-cut sections
Samandağ Beach Sunset
Best time: 19:00–20:30 (sunset; golden hour over the Mediterranean)
İskenderun Bay from Corniche
Best time: 06:00–08:00 (sunrise over the bay; fishing boats heading out)
Antakya Castle Hill Panorama
Best time: Sunrise (06:00–08:00) or late afternoon (17:00–19:00) for low-angle light over the Asi River valley
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Shoot during golden hour (1 hour after sunrise, 1 hour before sunset) for warm, directional light.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in religious or cultural contexts.
Carry spare batteries and storage — opportunities for great shots appear unexpectedly.