Şahinbey (District)

Şahinbey, the largest city in the Southeastern Anatolia Region and Türkiye’s ninth largest city, is one of three districts of Gaziantep. It holds a leading position in the region due to its memories of the War of Independence, rich historical and cultural environment, highway, international airport, train station, delicious cuisine, unique handicrafts, mosques, castles, caravanserais, fortresses, baths, tombs, churches, highland pastures, and numerous sites for tourism and picnics. The district covers an area of 960 km² and comprises 181 neighborhoods. It was established by Law No. 3398, published in the Official Gazette No. 19597 on 4 April 1987, and began operational activities on 19 September 1988. As of 2022, its population was 941,055, making it the fourth largest district in Türkiye.

The district derives its name from Mehmet Sait, known as Şahinbey, who was appointed commander of the National Forces on the Kilis Road during the Defense of Antep. He famously declared, “You cannot enter Antep without trampling over my corpse,” and fought alone against the French army, becoming an example of courage to the nation. In 1933, by decision of the Gaziantep Municipal Council, the population of Şahinbey (then a neighborhood) was officially recognized. The climate is influenced by the Mediterranean; summers are hot and dry, winters are cold and rainy. The annual average temperature is 14.5°C and annual precipitation is 558.9 mm. The hottest months are July–September, and the wettest months are December–February. Temperature variations range from 42.8°C to -17.5°C.

Population

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) 2023 data, the population of Şahinbey is 939,497, making it the second largest district in Türkiye. The population increased by 3,146 from 936,351 in 2022. The female population constitutes 49.67% (465,062 persons) and the male population 50.33% (471,289 persons). Şahinbey has surpassed the populations of 57 provinces including Eskişehir, Mardin, Trabzon, Malatya, Army, Erzurum and Sivas, and has a larger population than 69 provincial centers and 18 metropolitan centers. As the most populous district of Gaziantep, Şahinbey has a metropolitan structure.

Transportation

Access to Gaziantep is possible by road and air. Numerous bus services operate from many cities, and distances by private vehicle are as follows: Adana-Gaziantep 225 km (2 hours 15 minutes), Diyarbakır-Gaziantep 320 km (4 hours), Mersin-Gaziantep 300 km (3 hours 15 minutes), İstanbul-Gaziantep 1150 km (13 hours), Bursa-Gaziantep 1050 km (12.5 hours), Ankara-Gaziantep 700 km (8.5 hours). Şahinbey, located within the district center, is easily accessible through intra-city transportation facilities.

Economy

Gaziantep is the most developed province in Southeastern Anatolia; 40% of its income comes from agriculture and 25% from industry, with 60% of the active population employed in agriculture. Şahinbey’s economy is industry-based, with numerous enterprises in food, weaving and cleaning products. Its proximity to the provincial center positions it as a commercial hub. Agriculture is dominated by Antep pistachios and grape; wheat, barley, chickpea, lentil, garlic, onion, plum, pomegranate, fig, walnut and quince are also produced.

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Tourism

Şahinbey is rich in tourism due to its monumental structures and museums. Burç Forests, covering an area of 350 hectares, offer picnic and recreation opportunities and are located 2 km from the city center. Gaziantep Castle was originally built as an observation tower during the Roman period, restored by Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, and is now a tourist site. Other notable sites include Dülük Ancient City, Kendirli Church, Historical Millet Han, Ömeriye Camii, Karkamış Ruins, Zeugma Ancient City, Pişirici Castle, Kozluca Castle, Şıh Castle, Mecidiye Inn, Customs Han, National Struggle Museum, Islamic History Museum, and Yeşilvadi Park.

History

The history of Gaziantep has been shaped by its location between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean and its position on the Silk Road. It spans the Chalcolithic, Paleolithic, Neolithic periods through the Bronze Age, Hittite, Med, Assyrian, Persian, Alexander, Seleucid, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic-Arab, and Islamic-Turkic eras. The ancient name Ayıntap lies between the villages of Dülük and Karahöyük. Dülük was a religious center of the Hittites. From around 1700 BCE, it was under Hittite rule; from 700–546 BCE, under Assyrian, Median and Persian control; after Alexander, it came under Roman rule and remained under Byzantine control until 636 CE. It was conquered by Islamic forces during the time of Hz. Omar and embraced Islam in 639. In 1071, it came under Seljuk rule, followed by Mongol invasion in 1270, then the Dulkadiroğulları and Mamluks. In 1516, it was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire following the Battle of Marj Dabiq and developed with the construction of mosques, madrasa, caravanserais and baths. After World War I, the city suffered British and French occupation and became historically significant through its War of Independence struggle.

Places to Visit

Hasan Süzer Ethnography Museum

This museum, located in Bey Mahallesi, is housed in a building constructed in the early 20th century. It was purchased, restored, and donated to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism by Hasan Süzer in 1985. The three-story structure is carved into the rock. It reflects local life through sections such as the Life (courtyard), selamlık, ocaklık, bathhouse and rooms. It underwent restoration in 2017 and is currently closed to visitors. Address: Eyüboğlu Mah. Hanifioğlu Sok. No: 64, Şahinbey.

Bayazhan Gaziantep City Museum

The han, built in 1909 by Bayaz Ahmet Ağa, was used for trade, as a British headquarters, prison and as a cinema hall. In 2009, it was converted into a city museum by Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality. The two-story building displays local handicrafts, culture and history. Art forms such as Yemenicilik, mother-of-pearl inlay, and kutnu weaving are brought to life with mannequins. Opening hours: 08:00–17:00 (closed on Mondays).

Geographical Structure

Şahinbey is one of the central districts of Gaziantep and covers an area of 960 km². Its elevation is 850 meters above sea level; the Sof Dağları (1496 m) lie within its boundaries. It is located between latitudes 38°38’ west and 37°32’ east and longitudes 36°28’ W and 38°01’ E. It is under Mediterranean climatic influence; summers are hot and dry, winters are cold and rainy. The average temperature is 14.5°C and precipitation is 558.9 mm. A temperature variation of 60.3°C indicates a transition toward a desert climate.

Şahinbey Mansions

Antep Houses are high-walled structures oriented toward the interior courtyard. Two-story houses are common; upper floors feature protruding structures called pavilion. The courtyard is decorated with carved stone, flowerpots and a pool (gane). Rooms are multifunctional (for eating, sleeping, sitting) and include niches such as döşeklik and kübbiye. Windows feature kuştağası; no windows open onto the street on the ground floor. Stone (kıymık, havara, karataş) constructions remain cool in summer and warm in winter. Storage rooms (hazna) are used as pantries.

Gastronomy

Gaziantep cuisine holds a distinguished place in Turkish and world gastronomy. Dishes enriched by ingredient selection, spices and sauces are served in local restaurants. Festivals are held for Antep pistachios, grapes, peppers and pomegranate vinegar. International recognition has been achieved through organizations like Backstreet Gastronomi and the works of food writer Paula Wolfert. Supported by the municipality, provincial administration and universities, gastronomy tourism has grown significantly, leading to increased flights.