Gaziantep sees record-breaking tourist influx during Eid al-Fitr
Tourism is experiencing a surge in Gaziantep, one of the leading cities in southeastern Turkey, known for its historical sites and rich gastronomy. (AA Photo)
Gaziantep, one of Türkiye’s most significant historical and tourism hubs, experienced an unprecedented surge in visitors during Ramadan Bayram, also known as Eid al-Fitr. Both domestic and international tourists flocked to the city’s cultural and historical landmarks, making the three-day holiday a record-breaking period for tourism in the region.
Known as the cultural, faith, and gastronomy capital of southeastern Türkiye, Gaziantep saw an extraordinary number of visitors during Eid al-Fitr. The city, which ranks among the world’s 10 oldest continuously inhabited settlements, welcomed thousands to its Ottoman-era mosques, caravanserais, Turkish baths, bazaars, and traditional mansions.
Tourist hotspots experience unparalleled crowds
Major attractions such as the iconic Gaziantep Castle, Almaci Bazaar, Coppersmiths’ Bazaar, Kaleoglu Cave, and the inns along the Cultural Route were flooded with visitors. Tourists explored the historic marketplaces, captured moments with photographs, and indulged in local shopping. In addition to soaking in the city’s rich atmosphere, many visitors took the opportunity to visit must-see sites like the Hamam Museum, Zeugma Mosaic Museum, December 25 Panorama Museum, and the historic Tahmis Coffeehouse.
Eid travelers embraced the chance to delve into the deep-rooted heritage of Gaziantep, experiencing its storied past and vibrant present firsthand.
Booming tourism brings joy to local businesses
Gaziantep, which draws millions of tourists annually with its natural beauty, historical significance, and renowned culinary scene, once again proved to be a major holiday destination.
The influx of visitors provided a significant boost to local businesses, particularly shopkeepers and artisans who benefited from increased trade during the festivities.
Zeugma Mosaic Museum breaks all-time visitor record
One of Gaziantep’s cultural gems, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, made history over the holiday. On the third day of Eid, the museum hosted 8,060 visitors, setting a new all-time daily attendance record. Over the course of the three-day celebration, a total of 23,654 people visited the museum, surpassing previous years’ figures by a remarkable margin.
Traditionally, the museum receives an average of 13,000 visitors during the Eid holidays. However, this year’s numbers soared past expectations, reaffirming the Zeugma Mosaic Museum’s position as one of Türkiye’s most treasured cultural institutions.
Many visitors, particularly domestic tourists, expressed awe at the museum’s collection, with the famous Gypsy Girl Mosaic and other Roman-era artifacts receiving widespread admiration.
As Gaziantep continues to solidify its reputation as a top-tier cultural and tourism destination, the record-breaking visitor numbers during Eid al-Fitr highlight its enduring appeal to travelers from around the world.
