Gaziantep's historical Bey Neighborhood, described by Evliya Çelebi in his Seyahatname with the words, "There are castle-like gates at the beginning of every street in the city. Every night, lamps are lit in its streets," has been opened to tourism with a comprehensive restoration and transformation project. The neighborhood, which has hosted different cultures for centuries, draws attention with its rich history and architectural texture.
There are important religious buildings in Bey Neighborhood such as St. Mary Church (Kurtuluş Mosque), Aziz Bedros Church (Ömer Ersoy Cultural Center), Kendirli Church, Bey Mosque, Kozanlı Mosque and Eyüboğlu Mosque. While the neighborhood contains unique examples of Gaziantep's traditional stonework and civil architecture, it preserves a unique urban texture with narrow streets and dead-ends specific to the Ottoman period.
THE FACADES OF NEARLY 200 HOUSES WERE RENEWED WHILE PRESERVING THE ORIGINAL STRUCTURE
With the Street Rehabilitation Project initiated by the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, the facades of nearly 200 houses in the neighborhood were renewed. In the project where reinforced concrete structures were removed, the original stone texture was restored and the stones and wooden joinery on the facades were renewed. In addition, roofs were repaired, infrastructure systems (water and sewage) were renewed, streets were paved with cut basalt stones and the neighborhood gained an aesthetic appearance with modern lighting systems.
NEIGHBORHOOD BECAME A CULTURAL CENTER
Hanifioğlu and Noter Streets in the neighborhood were organized as “Art Streets.” While sculptures and three-dimensional designs bearing traces of local culture adorned the streets, the blank walls were enlivened with decorative patterns. Additionally, areas were created in the neighborhood where art courses could be organized and local artists could exhibit their works. The neighborhood was turned into a cultural center with activities such as traditional handicrafts, painting, music, theater and folk dances.
FIVE HISTORICAL MANSIONS RESTORED
Within the scope of the project, the restoration of 5 registered stone mansions from the Ottoman period was completed. With the restorations carried out by preserving the original details, these mansions will contribute to the promotion of the traditional life culture of Gaziantep and will serve tourism. The mansions were reorganized to suit today's needs and opened their doors to visitors.
GASTRONOMY AND LOCAL TASTES WILL BE PROMOTED
Gaziantep cuisine, which is the only cuisine in the world known by the name of a city, also has an important place in Bey Mahallesi. Within the scope of the project, dining venues and library cafes were established in the neighborhood where local flavors will be served. The areas where tourists as well as local residents can spend time with pleasure aim to promote Gaziantep cuisine.
IT WILL CREATE EMPLOYMENT AND PROVIDE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGIONAL ECONOMY
The project aims to add value to Gaziantep's historical identity and increase the city's tourism potential. This transformation, which will support a new tourist flow, will also create employment and contribute to the economic development of the region.
This comprehensive project, led by Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Fatma Şahin, ensures the preservation of cultural heritage by integrating historical structures into contemporary life. Bey Neighborhood continues to add value to the city with its cultural and tourism infrastructure.
