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 souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Zeytinyağı Sabunu (Olive Oil Soap)
Traditional handmade soap from Antakya—a famous regional product. Look for the 'natural' (doğal) label. Sold in bazaar stalls.
Price: ₺30–80 (~$0.88–2.35) per bar
Where: Uzun Çarşı bazaar stalls
Antakya Bakır İşi (Copperware)
Handmade copper trays (particularly künefe-sized serving trays), bowls, and coffee pots. Engraved on request.
Price: ₺150–1,500 (~$4.41–44.12) depending on size
Where: Uzun Çarşı copperware shops
Baharatlı Karışım (Spice Mixes)
Local spice blends: sumac, isot (smoky Urfa chilli), za'atar, cumin. Vacuum-packed for travel.
Price: ₺40–120 (~$1.18–3.53) per bag
Where: Uzun Çarşı spice stalls
Kil Kalıplar (Mosaic Motif Ceramics)
Plates and tiles printed with motifs from the Antakya Mosaic Museum—geometric and mythological patterns. Made locally.
Price: ₺80–400 (~$2.35–11.76)
Where: Museum gift shop and bazaar craft stalls
Antakya Nar Ekşisi (Pomegranate Molasses)
Thick, tart pomegranate molasses—a Hatay kitchen staple. Excellent to take home for cooking.
Price: ₺40–80 (~$1.18–2.35) per bottle
Where: Bazaar food stalls and local supermarkets
El Dokuması (Hand-woven Textiles)
Traditional hand-woven table runners and cushion covers with Anatolian geometric patterns; some dyed with natural pigments.
Price: ₺150–500 (~$4.41–14.71)
Where: Craft shops on and near Uzun Çarşı
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