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 timeline
Key moments that shaped Hatay.
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1
Neolithic settlements in the Amuq Plain
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2
Hittite Empire dominates the region
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3
Alexander the Great defeats Persians at the Battle of Issus (near modern İskenderun)
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4
Seleucus I Nicator founds Antioch on the Orontes
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5
Roman general Pompey annexes Antioch; city becomes capital of Roman province of Syria
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6
Apostle Peter establishes one of the first Christian communities; term 'Christians' first used here
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7
Massive earthquake destroys much of Antioch (several major earthquakes afflicted the city)
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8
Arab Muslim forces under Umar capture Antioch
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9
Byzantine Empire recaptures the city
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10
Crusaders capture Antioch during the First Crusade; Crusader Principality of Antioch established
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11
Mamluk Sultan Baybars destroys Antioch, ending the Crusader principality
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12
Ottoman conquest under Selim I
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13
French Mandate period; Hatay was the State of Hatay within French Syria
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14
Referendum and annexation by Turkey (controversial, opposed by Syria)
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15
Mw 7.8 Kahramanmaraş earthquake devastates Antakya and Hatay province
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