Şahinbey is one of the three central districts of Gaziantep, the largest city in the Southeastern Anatolia Region and Türkiye's 9th largest city. With its War of Independence memories, rich historical and cultural environment, highway, international airport, train station, delicious cuisine, unique handicrafts, mosques, castles, inns, kastels, Turkish baths, tombs, churches, plateaus, excursion and picnic areas, it holds a leading position in industry and trade in the region. The district covers an area of 960 km² and has 181 neighborhoods. It was established by Law No. 3398, published in the Official Gazette dated 4 July 1987, No. 19597, and officially began its activities on 19 September 1988. As of 2022, its population is 941,055, making it Türkiye's 4th largest district.
The district is named after Mehmet Sait, known as Şahinbey, who was appointed as the Commander of the Kuva-yi Milliye on the Kilis Road during the Defense of Antep. Şahinbey fought alone against the French army, declaring, "The enemy cannot enter Antep without trampling my corpse," and became an example to the Turkish nation with his courage. Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was registered in the population of Şahinbey (Bey Mahallesi) by the decision of the Gaziantep Municipality Council on 27 January 1933. Its climate is under the influence of the Mediterranean; summers are hot and dry, winters are cold and rainy. The annual average temperature is 14.5°C, and precipitation is 558.9 mm³. The hottest months are June-September, and the wettest months are December-February. The temperature difference varies between 42.8°C and -17.5°C.
Population
According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) for 2023, the population of Şahinbey is 939,497, making it Türkiye's second-largest district. The population, which was 936,351 in 2022, increased by 3,146 people in one year. The female population ratio in the district is 49.67% (465,062 people), and the male population ratio is 50.33% (471,289 people). Şahinbey has surpassed 57 provinces such as Eskişehir, Mardin, Trabzon, Malatya, Ordu, Erzurum, and Sivas, and also has a larger population than 69 provincial centers and 18 metropolitan provincial centers. Şahinbey, the most populous district of Gaziantep, has a metropolitan structure.
Transportation
Gaziantep can be reached by road and air. While there are bus services from many cities, private car travel distances 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). Since Şahinbey is located in the city center, it is easily accessible with urban transportation options.
Economy
Gaziantep is the most developed province in Southeastern Anatolia; 40% of its income comes from agriculture, 25% from industry, and 60% of the active population works in agriculture. Şahinbey's economy is based on small-scale industry; there are many workshops in the fields of food, textile, and cleaning materials. Due to its proximity to the city center, it serves as a shopping hub. In agriculture, Antep pistachios and grapes stand out; wheat, barley, chickpeas, lentils, garlic, onions, plums, pomegranates, figs, walnuts, and apricots are also produced.
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Tourism
Şahinbey is rich in tourism with its monumental structures and museums. Burç Forests, with an area of 350 hectares, offer picnic and sport opportunities and are 2 km from the city center. Gaziantep Castle, built as a watchtower during the Roman period, was repaired by Kanuni Sultan Süleyman and is now a tourist area. Other important places include Dülük Ancient City, Kendirli Church, Historical Millet Han, Ömeriye Mosque, Karkamış Ruins, Zeugma Ancient City, Pişirici Kastel, Kozluca Kastel, Şıh Kastel, Mecidiye Han, Gümrük Han, National Struggle Museum, Museum of the History of Islamic Science and Technology, and Yeşilvadi Park.
History
Gaziantep's history has been shaped by its location between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean and its position on the Silk Road. It spans from the Chalcolithic, Paleolithic, and Neolithic periods to the Bronze Age, Hittite, Median, Assyrian, Persian, Alexander, Seleucid, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic-Arab, and Islamic-Turkish eras. The old name of the city, Ayıntap, is located between the villages of Dülük and Karahöyük. Dülük, the religious center of the Hittites, stands out. It remained under Hittite rule in 1700 BCE, Assyrian, Median, and Persian rule from 700-546 BCE, Roman rule after Alexander the Great, and Byzantine rule until 636 CE. It was conquered by the Islamic army during the period of Hz. Omar, and Islam was adopted in 639 CE. In 1071, it came under Seljuk rule, in 1270, it was invaded by the Mongols, followed by the Dulkadirids and Mamluks. In 1516, with Yavuz Sultan Selim's victory at Mercidabık, it became part of the Ottoman Empire, developing with mosques, madrasahs, inns, and Turkish baths. After World War I, the city was occupied by the British and French, and its struggle for liberation made history.
Places to Visit
Hasan Süzer Ethnography Museum
This museum, located in Bey Mahallesi, is housed in a building constructed at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1985, it was purchased and restored by Hasan Süzer and donated to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It is a three-story building constructed on a cellar carved into the rock. It reflects local life with sections such as the hayat (courtyard), selamlık, hearth area, bath, 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 tobacco trade, as a British headquarters, a prison, and a cinema hall. In 2009, it was converted into a city museum by the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality. The two-story building exhibits handicrafts, local culture, and history. Arts such as traditional shoemaking (yemenicilik), mother-of-pearl inlay (sedefçilik), and kutnu fabric weaving are brought to life with mannequins. Visiting hours: 08:00-17:00 (except Mondays).
Geographical Structure
Şahinbey is one of the central districts of Gaziantep and has an area of 960 km². Its altitude from the sea is 850 m; the Sof Mountains (1496 m) are within its borders. It is located between 38°38’ west-37°32’ east latitudes and 36°28’ west-38°01’ east longitudes. It is under the influence of the Mediterranean climate; summers are hot and dry, winters are cold and rainy. The average temperature is 14.5°C, and precipitation is 558.9 mm³. The temperature difference, with a range of 60.3°C, indicates a transition to a desert climate.
Şahinbey Mansions
Antep Houses are structures with high walls, facing the hayat (courtyard). Two-story houses are common; upper floors feature kiosks, which are console protrusions. The hayat is adorned with ornate stones, flowerbeds, and a pool (gane). Rooms are multi-functional (eating, sleeping, sitting); they contain wooden niches like döşeklik and kübbiye. Windows feature kuştağası (bird's nests); ground floors do not have windows facing the street. Stone (splinter, havara, karataş) structures keep interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. Cellars (hazna) are used as pantries.
Gastronomy
Gaziantep cuisine is exceptional in Turkish and world cuisines. Dishes, enriched with carefully selected ingredients, spices, and sauces, are served in authentic restaurants. Festivals for Antep pistachios, grapes, peppers, and sour pomegranate sauce are organized. With organizations like Backstreet Gastronomy and the works of food writer Paula Wolfert, it has gained international renown. Supported by the municipality, governorship, and universities, gastronomy tourism has developed, and flights have increased.
