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.
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Uzun Çarşı Pazarı
Spices, olive oil soaps, copperware, dried herbs, local food
Where: Uzun Çarşı, Antakya
Hours: Mon–Sat 09:00–19:00
Antakya Saturday Market (Cumartesi Pazarı)
Fresh produce, mountain herbs, farm eggs, seasonal fruit
Where: Near Atatürk Square, Antakya
Hours: Saturday 07:00–14:00