Hatay

Hatay Province juts southward from Turkey's Mediterranean coast, forming a distinctive finger of territory that extends deep into what would otherwise be Syrian land. This geopolitical oddity — the only piece of territory Turkey acquired after its modern boundaries were defined — gives the province a uniquely multicultural character blending Turkish, Arab, and Levantine traditions. The provincial capital Antakya (ancient Antioch) sits on the Orontes River, once one of the great cities of the Roman world and a cradle of early Christianity.

The province's cultural richness reflects its complex history: roughly half ethnic Turks, half Arabs (divided among Sunni, Alawite, and Orthodox Christian communities), plus Turkey's only remaining rural Armenian community and Maronite Catholics of Lebanese descent. In February 2023, devastating earthquakes struck the region, causing catastrophic damage to Antakya and surrounding areas. Recovery is ongoing, with road infrastructure and some tourism facilities restored, though many historic buildings remain damaged. The Mediterranean coastline offers beaches from İskenderun's palm-lined waterfront to the quieter shores near Arsuz and Samandağ.

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring Antakya's archaeological sites and the countryside. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid along the coast but manageable in the mountain areas. Winter (December–February) is mild in the lowlands with occasional rain. The Hatay Culture and Arts Festival typically takes place in summer, celebrating the province's diverse heritage. Travelers should check current conditions regarding earthquake recovery and any security concerns near the Syrian border.

Hatay Airport offers domestic flights between Antakya and İskenderun, while Adana airport (200 km north) provides broader connections. The O-53 toll motorway connects the province to the rest of Turkey. Trains run three times daily from İskenderun to Mersin and Adana. Inter-city buses and dolmuşes connect the main towns. Within Antakya, the old town and museum area are walkable, though the city spread along the river requires transport for outlying sites. A rental car is useful for exploring the coast, early Christian sites in the countryside, and the villages near the Syrian border. The bike path along the coast from Arsuz to Çevlik is the longest uninterrupted cycle lane in Turkey.

• Antakya — the ancient Antioch, with an outstanding Archaeological Museum and early Christian churches
• İskenderun — a major Mediterranean port with a palm-lined waterfront and French colonial architecture
• Samandağ — a coastal town with a long beach and the ancient port of Seleucia Pieria
• Dörtyol — a town near the coast with agricultural surroundings
• Reyhanlı — a border town with Syrian cultural influences
• Kırıkhan — a settlement near the Amanus Mountains
• Erzin — a town known for its mandarin oranges
• Payas — a coastal settlement with Ottoman-era buildings
• Belen — a mountain town in the Amanus Pass
• Altınözü — a village in the province's interior
• Hassa — a town near the Syrian border
• Yayladağı — a border town in the mountainous south
• Kumlu — a small settlement in the eastern part of the province
• Arsuz — a coastal resort town with beaches

Hatay's cuisine is celebrated as one of Turkey's finest, forming a delicious continuum between Turkish and Middle Eastern traditions. The signature dish is künefe — shredded pastry layered with melted cheese and soaked in sweet syrup, best eaten hot when the cheese is molten. Antakya is also famous for its kebabs, particularly tepsi kebabı (tray kebab) and şiş kebab. The hummus here is considered among the best in Turkey, reflecting the Arab culinary influence. Samandağ is known for its fish restaurants and fresh seafood. The region produces excellent olive oil, citrus fruits, and pistachios. Dietary options are diverse, with many naturally vegetarian Levantine dishes including falafel, tabbouleh, and various mezze. The multicultural food scene means you can find Turkish, Arab, and Armenian culinary traditions side by side.

Hatay's cultural heritage spans millennia — Antioch was one of the Roman Empire's greatest cities and an early center of Christianity. The Archaeological Museum houses exceptional Roman mosaics, among the finest in the world. The city's early Christian churches, including the Church of St. Peter (a cave church), mark important sites in Christian history. The province's multicultural fabric is visible in its mosques, churches, and Armenian churches coexisting in close proximity. French colonial architecture from the mandate period (1920–1938) appears in Antakya and İskenderun. Local festivals celebrate the diverse traditions with music, dance, and food from Turkish, Arab, and Armenian cultures. Traditional crafts include copperwork, embroidery, and mosaic-making inspired by the region's Roman heritage.

• Admiring the mosaics at Antakya's Archaeological Museum — viewing some of the finest Roman mosaics ever discovered, including the famous "Gypsy Girl"
• Walking the early Christian sites of Antioch — visiting the Church of St. Peter and the caves where the first followers of Christ gathered
• Cycling the Arsuz-Çevlik coastal path — riding Turkey's longest uninterrupted bike lane along the Mediterranean shore
• Eating künefe in Antakya — savoring the province's most famous dessert at a traditional shop in the old town
• Exploring İskenderun's waterfront — strolling the palm-lined promenade of this cosmopolitan Mediterranean port city