Let’s go: History of Hatay
Set along the banks of the Orontes (Asi) river and at the foot of Mount Musa, Hatay is an ancient city with evidence of settlements dating from the Bronze Age. The city served as the capital of the Seleucid Empire and was an important trade center during the Roman Empire.
Hatay came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire during the Egyptian campaign of Yavuz Sultan Selim. In 1937, Hatay declared its independence and in 1939 joined the Republic of Türkiye. From that time, it has been known as one of Türkiye’s most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities; it is also known as the “capital of tolerance” as it is an important address for three monotheistic religions!
Explore to the fullest: Places to visit in Hatay
Before we move on to our list, it must be noted that summers in Hatay are extraordinarily hot. During the rest of the year, the weather in the area is pleasant, and even the winter season is relatively mild.
Now, let’s embark on our three-day exploration, starting from Hatay’s historical sites and meandering towards its natural beauties and delicious cuisine.
Historical sites of Hatay
Every step in Hatay brings you across a piece of history. Mosques, temples and monasteries…This multicultural structure is the foundation of the city’s authentic profile.
Habib-i Neccar Mosque
The first mosque built in Hatay, the lovely Habib-i Neccar Mosque was erected in 636 and is believed to have been named after a martyred Antiochian carpenter who defended the disciples of Jesus. It is considered the oldest mosque built within the borders of the Republic of Türkiye and in Anatolia. It was renovated in the 17th century, under the Ottomans.
St. Pierre Church
About two kilometers from the city center on the Antakya-Reyhanlı Road, the St. Pierre Church, carved into a cave, “played a significant role in the period of the early Christianity and expansion of the belief.” It is considered by some to have been the first church of Christianity. In the Church are mosaic remains from the fourth and fifth centuries, as well as an altar and a small marble sculpture of St. Pierre. In addition, the Church features a tunnel – used by early Christians to escape attackers. In 1963, the Pope declared St. Pierre Church a place of pilgrimage for Christians.
Titus Tunnel
Set into a mountain overlooking the sea, the Titus Tunnel is in Çevik, in Hatay’s Samandağ district. Believed to have taken one hundred years to carve and intended to protect the port from flood waters, it was completed by the emperor Titus, the son of Vespasian. This ancient engineering marvel is 1,380 meters long, seven meters high and six meters wide.
The Beşikli Cave is about 100 meters from the Titus Tunnel, so you can easily visit both sites together.
Beşikli Cave (Graves of the Kings)
Believed to date to the Roman period, the Beşikli Cave houses rock-carved tombs allegedly belonging to a noble ruler and his family. These striking caves are well worth a visit.
Monastery of Saint Simeon
Built in the sixth century, the hilltop Monastery featured three churches, an octagonal courtyard, and a baptistery. It was named for Simon Stylites the Younger, who allegedly lived there on a pillar of stone for 52 years. While the complex was destroyed in the 13th century, its ruins are one of the most important faith tourism destinations in the area. It is about a 30-minute drive from Samandağ and 46 kilometers from the Hatay Airport.
Hatay museums
On Atatürk Street in Antakya, the Hatay Archeological Museum is known as “the largest mosaic museum in the world” with 19 exhibition halls. It features a world-renowned collection of Roman and Byzantine mosaics.
The Hatay City Museum, also in the Antakya center, exhibits objects considered sacred to Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, as well as models of historical shops in the Antakya Uzun Çarşı (Long Bazaar) and exhibitions on daily life in the city.
Natural Beauties of Hatay
In addition to its rich history as a crossroads for cultures and religion, Hatay has numerous natural beauties worth exploring.
Orontes (Asi) River
A stroll through Antakya will take you to the lovely Orontes (Asi) River, which divides the city. The river’s source is the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon and it is 98 kilometers long within the borders of Türkiye.
Damlataş Cave
At an altitude of 540 meters in Antakya’s central Payas district is the 120-million-year-old Damlataş Cave. After climbing 190 steps, you’ll reach the cave and it’s striking stalagmites and stalactites.
The Damlataş Cave is accessible via public transportation from all parts of Hatay province.
Tree of Musa
About six kilometers from Hatay’s Samandağ district is the monumental Tree of Musa, an ancient plane tree alleged to have grown from a staff set by Moses into ground along a stream. The Tree of Musa can be visited throughout the week and is under protection. Adjacent to it is the aforementioned stream. Believed to have been the source of water for the monumental tree, it is called Ab-ı Hayat, “the water of immortality”.
Samandağ Beach
Just 13 kilometers from the Tree of Musa is the 25-kilometer-long Samandağ Beach. Accessible via public transportation as well as taxis, this gorgeous stretch is considered one of the world’s longest beaches.
Dining: What to eat in Hatay
We don’t even know where to start! Hatay is famous for its food, with at least 200 local and regional dishes, with hummus, kağıt kebab, künefe, and kömbe just a few of the scrumptious selections awaiting you. Since we cannot name all of them, we’ve listed a few below:
- Künefe
- Hummus
- Tepsi kebab
- Kömbe
- Kağıt kebab
- Belen tava
- Oruk
- Hatay döner
- Şişperek soup
- Zahter salad
- Hatay lahmacun
- Spinach borani
- Sour chef’s soup
- Bread with pepper
- Muhammara
- Mutabbal (eggplant dip)
- Fellah meatballs
This list goes on. At the famous Uzun Çarşı, known as the heart of commerce in Hatay, you can sample some of these dishes in their authentic setting. The künefe here is particularly notable. For more details on eating in Hatay, check out our blog: Culinary routes: Dining in Gaziantep, Hatay and Adana.
Once you’ve dined, walk through the Uzun Çarşı and see the shops in this historical bazaar, which was an important stop on the Silk Road.
Important Hatay notes
The history and cuisine of Hatay is exceptionally alluring…if you’re ready to visit, you can click here to investigate tickets to Hatay. Meanwhile, we’ll share some brief notes on transportation and accommodation in the area.
Staying in Hatay
Most of the hotels in Hatay are in the city centers of Antakya and İskenderun hotels. For more information on the flights and hotels in Hatay most suitable for you, we recommend that you take a look at Turkish Airlines Holidays and review the holiday packages!
Transportation in Hatay
In urban areas, buses, minibuses, or taxis are available; the public buses use the Kent Kart. If you prefer to travel via public transportation, we recommend that you purchase a Kent Card and load it with credit.
Transportation from Hatay Airport to the city center
Hatay Airport is 25 kilometers from Antakya and 45 kilometers from İskenderun. To reach the city center, you can use the HAVAŞ buses departing from Hatay Airport or rent a car. Taxis to the city center are also available.
