As a city full of history and natural beauty, Hatay is home to many attractions. Firstly, the Hatay Archaeological Museum, located in the city center of Antakya, has one of the largest mosaic collections in the world, showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. The museum also contains sculptures, coins and other archaeological finds from various periods.
Another place to visit to feel the spiritual atmosphere of Hatay is Habib-i Neccar Mosque. This mosque, which played an important role in the spread of Islam in Turkey, is considered to be the gateway of Islam to Anatolia and is notable for its rich history. In addition to the mosque, the many churches and synagogues in the city show Hatay's religious diversity and rich social fabric, where different cultures have lived together throughout history.
If we talk about the natural beauties of Hatay, Harbiye Waterfall is one of the must-visit places. Located about 7 kilometers from Antakya, this waterfall is an ideal place to cool off and have a picnic, especially in summer. The surroundings of the waterfall have a favorable atmosphere especially for nature walks and photography.
Samandağ coast, another one of the natural beauties of Hatay, is known for its long sandy beaches and clean sea. Many visitors flock to this region, especially in the summer months. Samandağ is also famous for having the second longest beach in the world. Restaurants along the coast offer seafood and local delicacies to visitors, allowing them to enjoy this beautiful view.
Finally, the Church of St. Pierre is a building of great importance in the history of Christianity. The church is considered one of the first churches in the world and is an important pilgrimage center for Christians. The building itself and the historic frescoes inside offer visitors valuable information about early Christianity.
These rich historical and natural beauties make Hatay attractive not only for locals but also for tourists from all over the world. These places, each with its own story, offer the opportunity to get to know Hatay's unique cultural mosaic more closely.
Another important place that reflects the history and culture of Hatay is the Titus Tunnel. Located in the ancient city of Seleukeia Pieria, this structure belongs to the Roman period and is an engineering marvel built to direct flood waters to the sea. This tunnel offers an impressive experience for visitors with both its historical structure and the natural beauties around it.
In addition, the ancient city of Issos, which is located within the borders of Hatay and has hosted various civilizations throughout history, is also worth seeing. Excavations in this area have revealed the rich history of the region and unearthed many valuable artifacts. Issos is also an important historical site that hosted the battles of Alexander the Great with the Persian king Darius III, which changed the course of history.
Hatay's Beşikli Cave and Rock Tombs are also important archaeological sites that shed light on the history of the region. Located on the road from Antakya to Samandağ, these caves and rock tombs date from the Hellenistic period and provide information about the beliefs and burial rituals of the period. Such structures provide important clues about the social and religious life of the region in ancient times.
In addition, complementing Hatay's cultural heritage are the synagogues and churches in the city. These religious buildings reflect the multi-religious and multi-cultural nature of the region, building bridges between different faith groups. Synagogues and churches, especially in Antakya, are some of the most obvious examples of this religious diversity.
These sites reflect Hatay's rich history, cultural diversity and natural beauty, offering visitors both a visual and emotional experience. Each of them creates unforgettable moments for visitors to Hatay and allows them to get to know the city's unique heritage more closely. In this way, Hatay maintains its importance as a valuable cultural and historical center for both locals and tourists.