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Hatay: Home to numerous civilizations throughout history

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Hatay has been home to numerous civilizations throughout history and possesses an incredible culinary culture that fasciantes its visitors. There is so much to write about HATAY as far as history is concerned. For instance the first great cultural confrontation between East and West, the Battle of Issus between Alexander the Great and Darius of Persia was fought in what is now Hatay.

One can observe that Hatay has been home to the rising of art, culture and civilization ever since that day and has survived to the present so much by preserving and merging plenty of different shades of color.This “most” unique spot in Anatolia can offer its visitors a new world to explore with its cultural richness and diversity.

Hatay, home to numerous civilizations throughout history

A beautfiul article about this place says following:

“When you arrive in Antakya (ancient Antioch), the capital of Hatay, you are met by narrow streets and intriguing buildings. In the city center you will find Uzun Çarşı (Long Market) with everything from skillfully handmade shoes to the myriad herbs. And when you need a break, escape to the shade of a stately chenar and order a “Künefe” (aka Kunafa). Hatay is famous for it, and it tastes best under a chenar. What makes the kunafa here different is that it’s baked over glowing embers. Everything raised on this land, which yields up to three crops a year, is available in the market: bay leaves, olives, grapes, bergamot, and lots, lots more.”

Some people also refer to Hatay as  “Melting pot of civilizations, religions and cultures”. One should not be surprised to see a church, a mosque and a synagogue standing side by side.

On the other hand there are worth-seeing  museums to visit such as the Museum of Medicinal and Aromatic Herbs and the Archaeological Museum, the world’s largest in its field etc.

This city is very well known for its culinary culture. An abundance of mezze (starters) unique to Hatay and its environs grace the city’s menus, which combine the best examples of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Anatolian cooking. You can try the tasty meat dishes special to the region such as tepsi kebab and kağıt kebab.

Then again a visitor should also see Harbiye, aka the famous ancient city of Daphne that attracts visitors with its pleasant conversation under the waterfall, which according to legend arose from the tears of Daphne fleeing Apollo. The area is literally teeming with cafes and restaurants. (15 Oct 2017)

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