Kilis is a small historic city in southeastern Turkey, situated just kilometres from the Syrian border and nestled among ancient olive groves. Long an important junction between Anatolia and the Levant, Kilis retains a distinctive Arab-influenced culture expressed in its unique cuisine, centuries-old bazaars, Ottoman mosques, and the olive oil traditions that have shaped life here for millennia. Visitors come for the unforgettable local gastronomy — especially kilis tarhana, şıllık flatbread, and kiraz kebabı — and for the rare experience of a historic Anatolian border city largely untouched by mass tourism.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Extra-virgin Kilis olive oil (250ml–1L bottles) — arguably Turkey's finest; buy in the Arasta Bazaar from 120 TRY (~$3.60)
Kilis tarhana (dried) — bags of the fermented grain mix to make the famous soup at home; from 40 TRY (~$1.20)
Cezerye — compressed carrot, pistachio, and walnut sweet; sold in gift boxes in the pastry shops from 60 TRY (~$1.80)
Kilis baharat (spice blend) — the local mixed spice sold by weight in the bazaar; 30–60 TRY per 100g
Dibek kahvesi (pestle-ground coffee blend) — the traditional local coffee style, sold ready-blended; 80–150 TRY per pack
Local honey — wildflower honey from the Amanos foothills; 100–200 TRY per jar from bazaar vendors
Hand-embroidered fabrics — traditional textile work sold in the Tekstil Çarşısı; priced by piece
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Kilis Old Bazaar (Eski Çarşı)
Hours: 08:00–19:00
Wednesday Rotating Market (Çarşamba Pazarı)
Hours: 07:00–14:00