Photo: Ben Bender (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 5 places to visit in the Şehitkamil district of Gaziantep: Gaziantep Castle, Dülük Ancient City (Doliche) and Gaziantep University Campus. Plan your trip to Şehitkamil with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Şehitkamil is a district of Gaziantep province and, together with Şahinbey, one of the central districts of the city. It lies at the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Southeastern Anatolia regions, and has a Mediterranean climate.
The district takes its name from Mehmet Kâmil, who was 14 years old when he was killed during the Defence of Antep on 21 January 1920.
Şehitkamil has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Mediterranean crops such as olive, vine, lemon and citrus fruits are suited to the climate; olive and pistachio cultivation is widespread.
Şehitkamil was founded in 1987 and began operating in 1988 with the district governorship.
Şehitkamil was founded in 1987 and began operating in 1988. The district takes its name from Mehmet Kâmil, who was killed during the Defence of Antep in 1920.
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Photo: Ben Bender (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source Rising in the centre of the city, Gaziantep Castle was built in Roman times as a watchtower and was extended in the 6th century under Justinian. The 36-tower castle is a symbol of the struggle against the French during the War of Independence.
View on mapDülük, within Şehitkamil's boundaries, holds the remains of the ancient city of Doliche. In the Roman period it was the centre of the cult of Jupiter Dolichenus, and the site has archaeological significance with its temple remains and rock tombs.
View on mapGaziantep University, founded in 1987, has a large campus within Şehitkamil's boundaries. It offers open areas for visitors, with a botanical garden and cultural events.
View on mapThe Yeşilce area, north of Şehitkamil, with its pistachio gardens and green spaces, is a recreation area that city residents choose for weekend picnics and nature outings.
View on mapWhile you are in Şehitkamil, you can also see the highlights of Gaziantep province. These places are in other districts.
A hot soup made with lamb, rice and garlic. It is Gaziantep's most famous morning dish, served from 5:00 am in the historic beyran halls of Şehitkamil.
Prepared by mixing charred aubergine with yoghurt and topping it with bite-sized pieces of lamb. Ali Nazik, one of Gaziantep's world-famous kebabs, is one of the most ordered dishes in Şehitkamil's restaurants.
Prepared by filling thin dough with Antep pistachios and cream and cooking it on a griddle. In Şehitkamil's traditional katmer shops it is an essential part of breakfast.
Gaziantep baklava, made by spreading Antep pistachios between thin layers of dough, baking it and sweetening it with syrup, is a traditional delicacy listed under UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Şehitkamil takes its name from Mehmet Kâmil Ocak, who was martyred while fighting against the French during the War of Independence. The defence that earned Gaziantep the title 'Gazi' is the most important historical event in the city's history.
The Dülük Baba Tomb in Dülük and its surroundings have for centuries been the centre of popular beliefs. Built on top of the ancient Doliche temple, the tomb is a special place where different layers of belief coexist.
Şehitkamil is the most populous district of Gaziantep and the centre of its industry, trade and service sectors. Organised industrial zones, textile factories and food processing plants form the basis of the district's economy. Gaziantep University makes an important contribution to the education sector.
Şehitkamil is the northern central district of Gaziantep. Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport is 25 km away. The intercity bus terminal is within the district boundaries. Air and road connections to Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities are available.
The 5 highlights in Şehitkamil are: Gaziantep Castle, Dülük Ancient City (Doliche), Gaziantep University Campus, Yeşilce Recreation Area and 15 July Democracy Museum.
Beyran Çorbası, Ali Nazik Kebabı, Katmer and Baklava are the standout dishes on Şehitkamil's tables.
Şehitkamil is known for Antep Pistachio and the Gaziantep Defence Heritage. Antep pistachio, Gaziantep's geographical indication product, is grown in gardens around Şehitkamil. It is the basic raw material of baklava, katmer and many other products.
Şehitkamil is the northern central district of Gaziantep. Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport is 25 km away. The intercity bus terminal is within the district boundaries. Air and road connections to Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities are available.
Suggested visit length: 2-3 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn (April-May, September-November).