Gaziantep history

Gaziantep, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, boasts a rich history spanning more than five millennia. Its past is a kaleidoscope of civilizations, each leaving its mark on the city's culture and appearance. Situated at the crossroads of ancient routes, it has always played a pivotal role in the history of the region.

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of settlements on the site of modern Gaziantep dates back to the 4th millennium BC. The first fortifications on the hill, where the famous fortress now stands, appeared during the Hittite Empire era. In antiquity, the city was known as Antiochia ad Taurum, linking it to the Hellenistic era following the campaigns of Alexander the Great. Later, with the arrival of Arab conquerors in the 7th century, the city received the name Ayntab, meaning "good spring," which eventually transformed into Antep.

Key Factors of Formation

The prosperity of the city over the centuries was driven by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Gaziantep is located at a strategic intersection of routes connecting Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean. This made it a vital frontier and trading point for numerous empires, including the Roman, Byzantine, and later the Ottoman.
• Trade: The city was one of the key nodes on the western branch of the Great Silk Road. Trade in spices, fabrics, and other goods flourished here, as evidenced by the numerous historical caravanserais (khans) that have survived to this day.
• Political Significance: In various eras, Gaziantep was an important military outpost. The Romans used it as a lookout point, and the Byzantine Emperor Justinian significantly strengthened its fortress in the 6th century. Under the Ottoman Empire, the city became a major center for craftsmanship and commerce.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, Gaziantep has been a melting pot of cultures. Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Armenians, and Arabs have all left their traces here. This diversity is reflected in crafts, architecture, and, of course, the famous local cuisine. During the Ottoman period, the city was renowned for its workshops producing carpets, textiles, and leather goods. Developed agriculture, especially the cultivation of pistachios and peppers, also played a significant role in its economy. Numerous mosques, baths, and souqs built during that period still define the historical appearance of Gaziantep.

Chronology: Key Dates in the History of Gaziantep

• 4th millennium BC — The first settlements appear in the vicinity of the modern city, particularly in ancient Doliche, laying the foundation for the region's future civilization.
• 64 BC — The region comes under the rule of the Roman Empire, transforming into a strategically important border hub.
• 639 AD — Arab forces conquer the city, and the name Ayntab, meaning "Good Spring," is established in the chronicles.
• 1183 — Sultan Saladin (Salah al-Din) takes control of the city, significantly strengthening its fortress for defense against the Crusaders.
• 1516 — Ottoman Sultan Selim I incorporates the city into his empire following the victory at the Battle of Marj Dabiq, ushering in an era of commercial prosperity.
• 1918 — Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, the city is temporarily occupied by British forces.
• 1919 — Control of the region passes to the French administration, leading to growing discontent and the organization of local resistance.
• April 1, 1920 — Residents of the city begin the heroic defense of Antep against French forces, which lasts for nearly a year.
• February 8, 1921 — The Grand National Assembly awards the city the honorary title "Gazi" (Veteran/Victor), officially renaming it Gaziantep.
• December 25, 1921 — The city celebrates its final liberation following the withdrawal of occupying forces under the Treaty of Ankara.
• 1923 — Gaziantep becomes part of the proclaimed Republic of Turkey (modern Turkey), becoming the administrative center of the province of the same name.
• 1987 — Establishment of an organized industrial zone, giving a powerful impetus to the city's transformation into an industrial giant of the region.
• 2011 — The famous Zeugma Mosaic Museum opens, becoming the largest in the world and drawing tourist attention to the region's antique heritage.
• 2015 — UNESCO includes the city in its Creative Cities Network in the gastronomy category, recognizing its culinary traditions as a world heritage.
• February 6, 2023 — A devastating earthquake causes damage to the region and the city's historical monuments, after which a large-scale restoration process begins.

Stages of Development: From Ancient Crossroads to Modern Metropolis

The development of Gaziantep is a story of impressive transformations. The city has journeyed from being a vital point on ancient trade routes to becoming one of the key industrial, cultural, and gastronomic centers of modern Turkey.

• Trade Hub on the Silk Road. In the Ottoman era, the city, then known as Antep, achieved prosperity due to its strategic position at the intersection of routes from Mesopotamia to the Mediterranean. This facilitated the construction of numerous caravanserais, markets, and baths, which form the historical character of the city center today.
• Center of Crafts and Manufacturing. For centuries, Gaziantep was famous for its workshops. The production of carpets, fabrics, leather goods, and copperware laid the foundation for the city's future industrial power.
• Industrial Revolution of the 20th Century. In the 20th century, the city transformed into one of the main industrial centers of Turkey. Today, it leads in the production of machine-made carpets, textiles, and polypropylene yarn, and possesses developed food and chemical industries.
• Agricultural Capital of the Region. The surroundings of Gaziantep are the center for growing the world-famous Antep pistachios (Antep fıstığı), which have become a symbol of the city and a vital part of its economy. The region is also renowned for olives and its famous red pepper.
• Global Gastronomic Recognition. In 2015, Gaziantep was included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the "Gastronomy" category. This status officially cemented its title as a culinary capital, whose cuisine, featuring hundreds of unique dishes, is the result of a blend of many cultures.
• Modern Urban Growth. In the 21st century, Gaziantep has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the country with a population of over two million. The creation of modern industrial zones and infrastructure development have strengthened its status as the economic leader of Southeastern Anatolia.
• Preserving Heritage through Museums. The city actively invests in preserving its rich history. Numerous thematic museums have been opened, including the world's largest Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the Culinary Museum, the Pistachio Museum, and others, turning cultural heritage into a significant tourism asset.

Gaziantep's Architectural Landscape: From Antiquity to Present Day

The architecture of Gaziantep represents a multi-layered tapestry woven from the heritage of many civilizations. The cityscape harmoniously combines ancient fortifications, monumental Ottoman-era structures, and modern buildings, reflecting its continuous history and dynamic development. From the labyrinth of narrow streets in the old city to the wide avenues of new districts, every corner tells its own story.

Roman and Byzantine Eras: Foundations of Fortification

The urban core of Gaziantep formed around a massive hill upon which the Gaziantep Castle (Gaziantep Kalesi) was erected. Although the first fortifications on this site appeared during the time of the Hittites, it was the Roman Empire in the 2nd and 3rd centuries that turned it into a proper fortress. It acquired its monumental appearance in the 6th century under Byzantine Emperor Justinian, who significantly expanded and strengthened the walls to protect the empire's eastern borders. This citadel remained the heart of the city for centuries, around which it expanded.

Seljuk and Ottoman Periods: Flourishing Trade City

The Seljuks and Ottomans made the greatest contribution to shaping the historical appearance of Gaziantep. During this time, thanks to its location on the Great Silk Road, the city flourished as a major trade center. This period gifted the city its most recognizable architectural monuments:

• Caravanserais (Khans): To accommodate merchants and their goods, numerous guest courtyards were built, such as the Gümrük Han (Tarihi Gümrük Hanı), which remains a lively trading place today.
• Mosques and Bazaars: Iconic mosques appeared, such as one of the oldest in the city — the Şirvani Mosque (Şirvani Camii), as well as covered markets like the Coppersmith Bazaar (Bakırcılar Çarşısı), where copper masters still work.
• Stone Architecture: A characteristic feature of traditional architecture became the use of local hewn stone, which not only gave the buildings a distinct flair but also helped keep them cool in the heat.
• "Kastels": A unique feature of Gaziantep's water architecture is the "kastels" — underground structures for water supply, ablution, and even prayer, integrated into the urban fabric.

19th Century Architecture and Modern Times

In the 19th century, the city's architectural landscape was enriched by the Armenian community, which left behind entire neighborhoods of elegant mansions known as "Antepevi" (Antep Houses), particularly in the Bey neighborhood. A striking example of this period is the former Church of St. Mary (1892), which is known today as the Kurtuluş Mosque (Kurtuluş Camii).

Modern Gaziantep: Contrast of History and Growth

Today, Gaziantep is one of Turkey's fastest-growing metropolises and a major industrial and economic hub. This is reflected in its modern appearance: alongside the historical core, new districts have risen with high-rise buildings of glass and concrete, modern shopping centers, and developed infrastructure. This contrast between antiquity and modernity has become the city's calling card. It is important to note that some historical monuments, including Gaziantep Castle, suffered during the 2023 earthquake and are currently undergoing thorough restoration to preserve the city's unique heritage for future generations.

Distinguished Personalities of Gaziantep

Gaziantep, a city with a rich history and culture, has been the birthplace of many prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the history, politics, and arts of Turkey. Their names are inextricably linked to the spirit and heritage of this unique city.

• Şahinbey (real name Mehmet Sait) — National hero and symbol of resistance. One of the key commanders during the defense of Antep (1920-1921) during the Turkish War of Independence. His courage and self-sacrifice in the fight against French forces became legendary, and one of the central districts of modern Gaziantep — Şahinbey — was named in his honor.
• Fatma Şahin — Politician and the first female mayor of Gaziantep. Serving as mayor since 2014, she has become an influential figure in modern Turkish politics. Prior to this, she served as the Minister of Family and Social Policies. Her work focuses on the urban development of the city, addressing social issues, and strengthening its international status.
• Ahmet Ümit — Writer and author of detective novels. Born in Gaziantep in 1960, he is today one of the most widely read contemporary Turkish authors. His works, translated into dozens of languages, often weave intriguing plots with a deep immersion into the history and culture of Anatolia.
• Onat Kutlar — Writer, poet, and founder of the Turkish Cinematheque. Although born in Alanya, his childhood and youth were spent in Gaziantep, which was reflected in his work. Kutlar was a prominent intellectual of the 20th century, a co-founder of the Istanbul Film Festival, and made a huge contribution to the cultural life of Turkey.
• Ülkü Tamer — Poet, writer, and translator. Born in Gaziantep in 1937, he was one of the bright representatives of the "Second New" literary movement. Tamer inextricably linked his work with his hometown, drawing inspiration from it. He is also known for translating more than 70 works of world literature into Turkish.
• Cemil Cahit Güzelbey — Historian, lawyer, and folklorist. He dedicated his life to studying and preserving the history, culture, and folklore of Gaziantep. His works are an invaluable source of knowledge about the traditions, dialect, and past of the city, making him one of the key figures in preserving local heritage.