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6 places to visit in the Dörtyol district of Hatay: Nur Mountains, İlk Kurşun Anıtı (First Bullet Monument) and Dörtyol Coast. Plan your trip to Dörtyol with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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General Information

Dörtyol is one of the districts of Hatay. It covers 342 km², its elevation is 60 m and its population is 132,987. It was taken from Seyhan province in 1939 and given to Hatay province.

Geography

The district lies between the Nur Mountains, an extension of the Eastern Taurus Mountains, and the Gulf of İskenderun of the Mediterranean. The elevation of the district centre is 61 m above sea level. The district’s main rivers are the Deli Çay, Özerli Stream and Rabat Stream.

Climate

The district has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. It is one of the centres receiving the most rainfall in Türkiye after Rize province.

Social and Economic Situation

The district has an iron and steel factory, an oil pipeline and gas filling facilities. There are many private-sector rolling mills, flour mills, and fruit juice and fruit packaging facilities.

History and Culture

Dörtyol was taken from Seyhan province in 1939 and given to Hatay province. The first school in the district opened in Özerli Neighbourhood in 1911; its present name is Nurettin Baransel Primary School. After the First World War, Dörtyol was among the first places occupied by the victorious powers. According to one source, the first armed resistance in Hatay began on 19 December 1918 in Karakese Village in Dörtyol district.

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Places to Visit in Dörtyol

  • 2 Historic
  • 1 Museum
  • 3 Nature
Nature

Nur Mountains

A mountain range east of the district, an extension of the Eastern Taurus Mountains.

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İlk Kurşun Anıtı - Dörtyol Photo: BSRF (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source
Historic

İlk Kurşun Anıtı (First Bullet Monument)

The first bullet fired at the enemy during the War of Independence is said to have been fired in Dörtyol. This resistance against the French occupation on 19 December 1918 is immortalised by the monument.

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Nature

Dörtyol Coast

The Dörtyol coast on the Gulf of İskenderun is a suitable beach for those who want to swim and sunbathe in the summer months.

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Nature

Amanos Mountain Foothills

The foothills of the Amanos Mountains rising west of Dörtyol offer suitable routes for nature walks, with citrus gardens and green nature.

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Historic

Sokollu Mehmet Paşa Complex (Payas)

Located in Payas town, attached to Dörtyol. It consists of a caravanserai, market, hammam, mosque and madrasa, and is an example of Ottoman architecture; the complex was commissioned from Mimar Sinan in 1574.

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Museum

Dörtyol First Bullet Museum

The museum in Özerli Neighbourhood contains wax figures made with the wax technique of Atatürk and figures from the War of Independence period, historic paintings and Independence Medals.

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Places to Visit Around Hatay Province

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While you are in Dörtyol, you can also see the highlights of Hatay province. These places are in other districts.

  • Hatay Archaeology Museum — One of the largest mosaic collections in the world, with Roman and Byzantine mosaics excavated from ancient Antioch and its surroundings; founded in the 1930s, the museum moved into its new building in 2014. It is famous for works such as Oceanus and Tethys, the Abandoned Ariadne and the skeleton mosaic.
  • Church of St Peter — A cave church carved into the rock on the western slope of Mount Stauris, 13 metres deep; according to Christian tradition it is where the first Christians of Antioch met in secret, and it is counted among the oldest churches in the world.
  • Habib-i Neccar Mosque — One of the oldest mosques in Antakya; it is believed to have been built on the site of an old temple and church after the Arab conquest of the 7th century.
  • Titus Tunnel — A water tunnel and channel cut into the rock in the Çevlik neighbourhood of Samandağ in the time of the Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus (1st century AD) to protect the harbour of ancient Seleucia Pieria from floodwater; it is about 1.4 km long.
  • Harbiye (Daphne) Waterfalls — Small waterfalls and springs flowing among laurel trees at Harbiye, south of Antakya; in antiquity this was Daphne, the sacred grove of the cult of Apollo.
  • Bakras Castle — A medieval castle on a steep hill at Belen, controlling the pass that links Antakya with Cilicia; in the Crusader period it was one of the Knights Templar's important bases.

Practical Information for Visiting Dörtyol

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Spring months (March–May)
Places to visit
6 places

What to Eat in Dörtyol

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  • Dörtyol Kebabı

    A regional kebab made by preparing lamb with special spices and grilling it over charcoal. It is the traditional flavour of Dörtyol.

  • Humus

    Hummus, made by mashing chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice and olive oil, is an essential part of Dörtyol's meze tables.

  • Künefe

    Künefe, made with fresh cheese placed between thin kadayıf strands, baked and sweetened with syrup, is also Dörtyol's most loved dessert.

  • Dörtyol mandarin

    The mandarin associated with Dörtyol; according to the source, it is mentioned in work carried out to extend Hatay's list of geographical indications.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Dörtyol

  • First Bullet Heritage

    Dörtyol is recorded in history as the place where the first bullet was fired at the enemy during the War of Independence. This event is accepted as one of the starting points of the Turkish national struggle.

  • Citrus Culture

    Dörtyol is one of the important centres of citrus farming. Orange and lemon gardens shape the district's landscape and economy.

Local Products

  • Dörtyol Mandarini — Dörtyol Mandarini was registered as a designation of origin on 31 October 2019 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 468). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits, vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Dörtyol Citrus Growers' Union.
  • Dörtyol Portakalı — Dörtyol orange, grown under the influence of the Mediterranean climate, is known for its juicy and sweet character.
  • Zeytinyağı — Olive oil obtained from the olive gardens at the foot of the Amanos Mountains, an important agricultural product of the district.

Economy

Dörtyol's economy is based on citrus farming, industry and trade. Orange, lemon and olive production are the main sources of income. Industrial facilities on the Gulf of İskenderun also contribute to the district's economy.

How to Get to Dörtyol

Dörtyol is 80 km from Antakya and 20 km from İskenderun. It lies on the Adana–Hatay highway. Hatay Airport is about 60 km away.

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Dörtyol: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Dörtyol?

The 6 main places in Dörtyol are Nur Mountains, İlk Kurşun Anıtı, Dörtyol Coast, Amanos Mountain Foothills, Sokollu Mehmet Paşa Complex (Payas) and Dörtyol First Bullet Museum.

What is there to eat in Dörtyol?

Dörtyol Kebabı, Humus, Künefe and Dörtyol mandarin are the flavours that stand out at Dörtyol's tables.

What is Dörtyol famous for?

Dörtyol is known for Dörtyol Mandarini and its First Bullet heritage. It is a protected designation of origin registered with TÜRKPATENT.

How do I get to Dörtyol?

Dörtyol is 80 km from Antakya and 20 km from İskenderun. It lies on the Adana–Hatay highway. Hatay Airport is about 60 km away.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Dörtyol?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring months (March–May).

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