Gaziantep, in southeastern Turkey near the Syrian border, is one of Turkey's oldest continuously inhabited cities and its undisputed culinary capital. Famous worldwide for its baklava, pistachios, and complex spiced dishes, the city pairs 2,000 years of history with a thriving modern food culture. The Zeugma Mosaic Museum — one of the world's great mosaic collections — anchors a city packed with Ottoman bazaars, ancient hilltop citadels, and a copper-craft tradition that dates back centuries.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
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Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Remove shoes before entering mosques
- Cover head (women) and shoulders when entering religious sites
- Accept tea offers from shopkeepers — it is hospitality, not a sales tactic
- Learn a few Turkish phrases: 'Teşekkürler' (thank you), 'Lütfen' (please), 'Ne kadar?' (how much?)
- Greet shopkeepers and restaurant staff with 'Merhaba' (hello)
- Bargain politely in the bazaar — it is expected
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women in conservative dress
Don't
- Do not photograph military or police installations
- Avoid discussing Kurdish political issues or the Syrian conflict with locals
- Do not eat or drink in public during Ramadan daytime hours out of respect
- Do not use flash photography inside mosques
- Avoid short shorts or sleeveless tops in the old city and bazaars
- Do not point the soles of your feet toward people when sitting
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Merhaba
Hello
Teşekkürler
Thank you
Lütfen
Please
Evet / Hayır
Yes / No
Ne kadar?
How much?
Çok güzel
Very beautiful
Hesap lütfen
The bill please
Su lütfen
Water please
Baklava nerede?
Where is the baklava?
İngilizce biliyor musunuz?
Do you speak English?
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Gaziantep.
Items:
- Topic
- Islam
- Detail
- Gaziantep is predominantly Sunni Muslim. The call to prayer (ezan) sounds five times daily from city mosques — a striking audio experience. Friday midday (cuma namazı) is the main weekly prayer; some shops close briefly around 13:00 Friday.
- Topic
- Ramadan
- Detail
- During Ramadan, many restaurants close during daylight hours; lively iftar (evening breaking of fast) meals at sunset are an experience worth joining at a local restaurant
- Topic
- Mosque visits
- Detail
- Non-Muslims are welcome to visit mosques outside prayer times. Sirvani Mosque and Kurtuluş Mosque are most accessible to visitors. Modest dress and silence are required.