Hatay

Hatay (Antakya): The City of Tolerance & Civilizations

🌍 History & Culture

Hatay is a melting pot of civilizations, religions, and flavors. Historically known as Antioch, it was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. It is famous for being the place where the followers of Jesus were first called "Christians." The city is also another UNESCO Gastronomy City, celebrated for its incredible appetizers (meze) and the famous dessert, Künefe.

📍 Top Tourist Attractions

• Hatay Archaeology Museum: Houses one of the world's most extensive collections of Roman mosaics.

• Saint Peter's Cave Church: Considered by many to be the world's first cathedral carved into a mountainside.

• Titus Tunnel: An ancient Roman engineering marvel, a massive tunnel dug by hand to divert floodwaters.

• Vakıflı Village: Turkey's only remaining ethnic Armenian village, known for its organic agriculture.