Gaziantep is a significant industrial hub in Turkey, famous for its pistachio nut plantations, olive groves, and vineyards.
Aintap, an ancient city located 12 kilometers north of present-day Gaziantep, has a rich history. It has been continuously inhabited since the Paleolithic age and has witnessed the rule of various powers like Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Abbasids, and Ottomans. The Ottoman era is characterized by the construction of many mosques, inns, baths, and madrasas. The Yesemek Open Air Museum in the village of Islahiye near Islahiye District offers a visual journey into sculpturing.
Rumkale, believed to date back to 840 BC and built by the Hittites, has also witnessed the rule of Assyrians, Medians, Persians, Romans, and Arabs. St. John's remains are said to be spread throughout Rumkale during its different periods in history, making it a significant fortress and base for Christianity with many other relics dating back centuries.
Karkamis, a town in the Gaziantep region, has a rich trading history dating back to antiquity when it was called Cerabulus and located on the Syrian border. Currently, only the citadel and inner town remain in Turkey, while the outer fortress and town remain in Syria.
The remains of the ancient city of Belkis (Zeugma) can be found in Kavunlu village, located 10 kilometers away from Nizip district. The Gaziantep mosaic museum, which opened in June 2005, displays numerous pieces of unearthed mosaics and the Mars statue from Zeugma.