Antakya (Hatay) is note for its locally-made olive oil-and-laurel soap and silks, among other items.
The bazaar district (çarşı) in the city center starting at the Ulu Cami (Great Mosque) is good for wandering, browsing and buying. Lots of shops sell the local laurel soap, many others are loaded with foods particular to the region.
Long skeins of shredded wheat are on display for purchase to make künefe.
Local cheeses, flavored with herbs, are worth a try.
If you’re looking for silks, combine your shopping with a visit to Harbiye (Daphne), which is where many of the silk shops are.
—by Tom Brosnahan
What to See & Do |