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6 places to visit in the Kırıkhan district of Hatay: Amik Plain, Kırıkhan Castle and Kırıkhan Bazaar. Plan your trip to Kırıkhan with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Flora and Fauna

The endangered Hatay mountain gazelle lives near the Syrian border of Kırıkhan. The population, estimated at 150 in 2008, reached approximately 900 by 2020. In 2013, Kırıkhan’s 13,288-hectare area was declared a conservation area, and in 2019 it was declared a protected area for the mountain gazelle.

Economy

The district’s economy is based on agriculture and industry: agriculture accounts for 50%, industry 28%, and other professions make up the rest. Over the last 15–20 years there has been significant development in the agriculture-based economy in Kırıkhan, and the number of cotton ginning and pressing factories has reached 29.

Culture and History

The tomb of the famous Islamic scholar Bayezid-i Bistami is in Kırıkhan and is visited by many pilgrims. For roughly two centuries, the district has been known in Türkiye for its dental technicians.

History and Culture

The name Kırıkhan has existed since early times and appears in a poem by the 17th-century poet Karacaoğlan. For roughly two centuries the district has been known for its dental technicians. The first library opened in 1965.

Highlights

Kırıkhan’s history stretches back 3,000 years before the birth of Christ. On the Kırıkhan Plain there are prehistoric mounds; in Alaybeyli village, 4 km away, there is Darbısak Castle and the Tomb of Bayezid-i Bestami. Gölbaşı Lake (Balık Gölü), Hatay’s only natural lake, lies within the borders of Kırıkhan.

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Places to Visit in Kırıkhan

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 2 Nature
  • 1 Attraction
  • 1 Cultural
Amik Plain - Kırıkhan
Nature

Amik Plain

A large agricultural plain on the southern border of Kırıkhan.

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Historic

Kırıkhan Castle

Castle remains on a hill overlooking the town centre, known for their Byzantine and Crusader-period structures.

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Attraction

Kırıkhan Bazaar

A traditional bazaar, a lively commercial centre where spices, olive oil and local products are sold.

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Nature

Hatay Mountain Gazelle Wildlife Development Area

A 13,288-hectare wildlife area in the district, declared in 2019 for the mountain gazelle.

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Cultural

N. Ulviye Civelek District Public Library

A public library with approximately 22,000 books and more than 3,000 active members.

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Religious

Tomb of Bayezid-i Bistami

The tomb of Bayezid-i Bistami, located in the district and visited by pilgrims.

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Places to Visit Around Hatay Province

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While you are in Kırıkhan, 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 Kırıkhan

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November)
Places to visit
6 places

What to Eat in Kırıkhan

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  • Kırıkhan Kebabı (spiced lamb kebab)

    A regional kebab made by seasoning lamb with special spices and grilling it over charcoal, Kırıkhan Kebabı is the traditional flavour of Kırıkhan.

  • Hummus

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

  • Künefe

    Künefe, made by placing fresh cheese between thin strands of kadayıf, baking it and sweetening it with syrup, is the most popular dessert in Kırıkhan too.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Kırıkhan

  • Amik Plain Farming Culture

    Kırıkhan is known for its farming tradition, which has continued for centuries on the fertile soils of the Amik Plain. The cultivation of olives, grain and vegetables shapes the way of life of the region.

Local Products

  • Kırıkhan Carrot — Kırıkhan Carrot was registered as a protected geographical indication on 17 February 2025 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1701). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Kırıkhan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  • Kırıkhan Melon — Kırıkhan Melon was registered as a protected designation of origin on 13 September 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 886). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Kırıkhan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  • Kırıkhan Black Carrot — Kırıkhan Black Carrot was registered as a protected designation of origin on 8 November 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1251). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Kırıkhan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Economy

Kırıkhan's economy is based on agriculture and trade. Olive, grain and vegetable production are the main sources of income. Its proximity to the Syrian border is important for trade.

How to Get to Kırıkhan

Kırıkhan is 40 km from Antakya. It lies on the Gaziantep-Hatay road. Hatay Airport is approximately 60 km away.

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Kırıkhan: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Kırıkhan?

There are 6 highlights in Kırıkhan: Amik Plain, Kırıkhan Castle, Kırıkhan Bazaar, Hatay Mountain Gazelle Wildlife Development Area, N. Ulviye Civelek District Public Library and the Tomb of Bayezid-i Bistami.

What is there to eat in Kırıkhan?

Kırıkhan Kebabı, Hummus and Künefe are the standout flavours on the tables of Kırıkhan.

What is Kırıkhan famous for?

Kırıkhan is known for Kırıkhan Carrot and the Amik Plain Farming Culture. It is a product registered as a protected geographical indication with TÜRKPATENT.

How do I get to Kırıkhan?

Kırıkhan is 40 km from Antakya. It lies on the Gaziantep-Hatay road. Hatay Airport is approximately 60 km away.

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

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn (March–May, September–November).

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