Daily life
Antakya, the provincial capital of Hatay, rises over the site of ancient Antioch, founded around 300 BC by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals. Set on the Orontes River about 22 kilometres inland from the Mediterranean, the city grew into one of the Roman Empire's largest urban centres and capital of the province of Syria; according to the New Testament, the name "Christian" was first used here. That layered history is still visible today: the Habib-i Neccar Mosque, originally a pagan temple and later a church, was rebuilt as a mosque in the late 13th century, while the rock-cut Church of St Peter (St Pierre) is regarded as one of the oldest Christian meeting places. The Hatay Archaeology Museum holds one of the world's most significant collections of Roman-era mosaics unearthed around Antioch and Daphne. The local kitchen carries the same layered heritage: künefe, hummus, muhammara and dishes finished with pomegranate syrup reflect centuries of exchange between Turkish and Arab cooking. The earthquakes of 6 February 2023 struck Antakya hard, damaging much of its historic fabric and displacing part of the population; reconstruction is still under way. The museum, mosque and church remain accessible, though it is worth checking current conditions before a visit.
Transport
Hatay Airport sits about 25 kilometres from central Antakya; Turkish Airlines flies to Istanbul, Pegasus to Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen and Ercan, and AJet to Ankara and Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen. Its runway was badly damaged in the 6 February 2023 earthquake and closed for a time; passenger numbers remain below pre-earthquake levels, so it is worth confirming schedules in advance. By road, Hatay borders Adana and Gaziantep provinces to the north, and buses from both cities' terminals reach Antakya in a few hours; direct services from Istanbul via Adana take roughly 14 hours. The city centre itself is walkable, while dolmuş minibuses or taxis are the practical way to reach Harbiye or Samandağ.
Safety notes
For Antakya, current safety advisories, opening hours, prices and booking details are not verified in this pilot pack; the correct answer is.
FAQ
Is it possible to visit Antakya after the 2023 earthquake?
Yes, Antakya is open to visitors, although the effects of the 6 February 2023 earthquake are still visible and reconstruction continues across much of the city. Main sights such as the Hatay Archaeology Museum, the Habib-i Neccar Mosque and the Church of St Peter can be visited, though the bus terminal currently operates from temporary facilities. Because accommodation and services remain limited in places, it is worth checking current conditions before travelling.
What is künefe and where is it best eaten in Hatay?
Künefe is a dessert made from fine shredded kadayıf pastry layered around unsalted cheese and soaked in sugar syrup, and it counts among the best-known dishes of Hatay's cuisine. Pastry shops in Antakya's old market district and restaurants in Harbiye are known for serving künefe hot, straight from the pan. Its exact origin is debated, but the dish has been prepared in the region for a long time and is now recognised across Turkey as a Hatay classic.
How do you reach the Titus Tunnel and Harbiye from Antakya?
The Vespasian-Titus Tunnel lies about 35 kilometres from central Antakya near the village of Çevlik, close to Samandağ; construction began under the Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus and was completed in the 2nd century under Antoninus Pius. Harbiye, ancient Daphne, is much closer, only around 7 kilometres south of the centre, and has been known since antiquity for its waterfalls and laurel trees. Both sites can be reached by taxi, dolmuş or rental car.