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.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Hatay is more religiously conservative than Istanbul or coastal resorts; dress modestly in markets and near religious sites
Arabic is widely spoken in Antakya's older quarters; a few Arabic words go a long way with older residents
The concept of misafirperverlik (hospitality) is taken seriously; accepting tea or coffee when offered is a gesture of respect
Religious sites (mosques, churches) require covered shoulders and knees; women should carry a scarf
Friday noon prayer is the main weekly observance; markets may be quieter on Friday 12:00–13:30
Hatay's Christian communities (Syriac Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Greek Orthodox) hold Sunday services in active churches; visitors are welcome to attend respectfully
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet shopkeepers and hosts with 'Merhaba' (Hello) or 'Günaydın' (Good morning)
- Accept an invitation to tea even if just for a few minutes
- Learn a few Turkish phrases—locals appreciate the effort
- Remove footwear when entering homes or mosques
- Carry cash; many bazaar vendors and smaller establishments are cash-only
- Visit the Mosaic Museum; it represents Hatay's Hellenistic and Roman multicultural past
Don't
- Do not photograph military installations, police checkpoints, or border areas
- Do not enter cordoned earthquake-damaged buildings
- Do not eat or drink publicly in a way that draws attention during Ramadan daylight hours in conservative neighbourhoods
- Do not point the sole of your shoe toward someone (considered disrespectful in Turkish/Arab culture)
- Do not make jokes about Atatürk or the Turkish state (legally and culturally sensitive)
- Do not try to cross or approach the Syrian border
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Merhaba
Hello
mehr-HAH-bah
Teşekkür ederim
Thank you
teh-shek-KEUR eh-deh-REEM
Lütfen
Please
LEWT-fen
Ne kadar?
How much?
neh kah-DAHR
Çok güzel
Very beautiful / very nice
CHOK gew-ZEL
Aferin
Bravo / well done (expressing appreciation)
ah-feh-REEN
Buyrun
Here you go / please (offering something)
BOO-yrun
Hayır / Evet
No / Yes
hah-YER / EH-vet
Şifalı olsun
Get well soon (said to someone ill)
shee-FAH-luh ol-SOUN
Afiyet olsun
Enjoy your meal
ah-fee-YET ol-SOUN
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Hatay.
Items:
- Faith
- Sunni Islam
- Notes
- The dominant religion. The call to prayer (ezan) is broadcast five times daily from minarets. Habib-i Neccar Mosque is the main historic mosque.
- Faith
- Alevi Islam
- Notes
- A significant minority in Hatay; Alevi communities have different practices (no mosque attendance, cemevi gathering places). Visitors are unlikely to interact with Alevi practice directly.
- Faith
- Syriac Christianity
- Notes
- Active Syriac Catholic community with a church in Antakya; Sunday services draw the small congregation. Sunday mass approx 09:30.
- Faith
- Armenian Catholicism
- Notes
- Small Armenian Catholic community; their church in central Antakya survived earthquake damage. Visiting hours by knock on side door.
- Faith
- Greek Orthodoxy
- Notes
- Tiny remaining community; some historic Greek Orthodox churches in the region date to Byzantine era.