Elvira Kadyrova, Gaziantep, Türkiye
A group of Turkmen journalists, including a representative of News Central Asia, arrived in the Turkish city of Gaziantep on 28 September. The purpose of the press tour is to attend the opening of TEKNOFEST 2026, the largest aviation, aerospace and technology festival, which will take place from 30 September to 4 October at GAP Airport in Şanlıurfa.
The programme will give us the opportunity not only to experience the technology showcase but also to visit some of the historical landmarks of two cities in southeastern Türkiye — Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa.
For now, our journey begins in Gaziantep, a city with a centuries-old history, a distinctive culture and culinary traditions renowned far beyond Türkiye’s borders.
Gaziantep: A City Steeped in History
One of the most important chapters in the city’s history is reflected in its very name.
The word Gazi is an honorary title that can be translated as “hero” or “warrior”. In 1921, the city was granted this title in recognition of the courage and resistance of its inhabitants during the French siege in the Turkish War of Independence. Its former name, Antep, has ancient historical roots.
Gaziantep is one of the oldest settlements in the region. Its history spans millennia, while its location at the crossroads of trade routes has contributed to the city’s development and the interaction of different cultures and civilisations.
Over the centuries, successive states and peoples have left their mark on the city’s beliefs, architecture and traditions. The legacy of these different eras remains an integral part of Gaziantep’s cultural identity today.
A City Reborn
After several hours of air travel from Ashgabat, with a connection in Istanbul, we finally arrived in Gaziantep.
There is a special sense of anticipation when setting foot in a city for the first time. The fatigue of the journey seems to disappear, replaced by an eagerness to explore, experience the rhythm of the streets, see the city’s character for ourselves and breathe in its atmosphere.
In February 2023, Gaziantep was among the Turkish cities affected by the devastating earthquake measuring magnitude 7.8. The disaster claimed thousands of lives in Türkiye and neighbouring Syria, destroyed residential buildings and caused extensive damage to the region’s historical heritage.
Today, the city has quite literally risen from the ashes—a transformation evident in the newly built residential complexes and modernized social infrastructure. We witnessed this recovery firsthand during a walk through the neighborhood around our hotel.
Daily life has reclaimed its rhythm: traffic moves steadily along the streets, locals go about their day, and shops and cafés are bustling once again.
Gaziantep’s Culinary Calling Card
No visit to Gaziantep is complete without experiencing its world-famous cuisine, which forms a vital part of the region’s cultural identity.
On the first evening, the delegation sampled two classic dishes that capture the true essence of southern Turkish gastronomy: küşleme kebab and Adana kebab.
Küşleme kebab is prepared from a rare, tender lamb cut prized for its natural flavor and delicate texture. Unlike many meat dishes, it relies on minimal preparation—lightly brushed with olive oil, seasoned with salt, and grilled over hot coals without heavy marination or overpowering spices.
In contrast, Adana kebab offers a bold, spicy profile. Originating from the nearby city of Adana, it is made from hand-minced lamb combined with tail fat, salt, and spicy red pepper. The mixture is shaped onto wide flat skewers by hand to create its signature ribbed texture before being seared over glowing embers.
Dinner concluded with authentic Gaziantep baklava—perfectly balanced in sweetness, featuring paper-thin, crispy layers of pastry generously filled with rich local pistachios.
Thus ended the first day in Gaziantep—a city revealing itself step by step through its streets, history, and flavors. Up next: exploring Şanlıurfa and attending the main event of the tour, TEKNOFEST 2026. /// nCa, 29 September 2026
Here are some photos from the first Day in Gaziantep:
