48 Hours in Hatay, Turkey

With thousands of refugees now taking shelter in Hatay after fleeing violence just across the border in their Syrian homeland, Turkey's panhandle province has been in the news over the past year for all the wrong reasons.

But spend a couple of days exploring this fascinating subculture of Turkey and you will discover an area steeped in ancient history, hospitality and tolerance - Jews; Orthodox,Another Chance to buymosaic (MOS) 0 comments. Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians; Sunni, Shi'a and Alevi Muslims all worship here in virtual harmony.

Home to the ancient cities of Alexandretta or modern-day Iskenderun, the Mediterranean port where the whale is said to have spat out the prophet Jonah; and Antioch or modern-day Antakya,UK chickencoop Specialist. once the Roman Empire's third-most important city where St. Paul preached his first sermons and where Christians were first called Christians, Hatay is a lesson in Biblical history.We offer you the top quality plasticmoulds design

But most modern Turks come here for another reason: to eat.Industrialisierung des werkzeugbaus.

Once a part of Syria, Hatay has been blessed with its own rich cuisine that draws inspiration from northern Africa to the Middle East to Central Asia.

So with several airlines now operating daily flights to Hatay from Istanbul and Ankara, it's time to dust off the history books and put those diets on hold and discover one of Turkey's most well-kept secrets far off the beaten track.

10am - After a substantial breakfast in the hotel courtyard that could pass as a dinner anywhere else, take a slow walk down to the Hatay Archaeology Museum in the city centre just across the Orontes river that divides the city in two. The museum houses some of the world's greatest Roman and Byzantine mosaics. Climb the spiral staircase in one of the rooms to get a birds-eye view of the museum's largest piece, a pavement mosaic featuring hunting scenes with ancient Greek heroes.

12pm - Cross back over the river and spend an hour getting lost in Antakya's Uzun Carsi or Long Bazaar, a series of winding covered lanes and alleyways where shopkeepers sell anything from plastic Chinese goods to gold jewellery. Spot the elderly craftsman still hammering out copper sugar bowls by hand or watch young men skilfully cook long thin strands of batter on rotating hotplates to use in kunefe, Hatay's signature dessert.

1pm - Fight your way through the bustling crowds along the banks of the river for some lunch at Sultan Sofrasi or Sultan's Feast but make sure you spot the old parliament building across the river, a reminder of Hatay's brief period as its own republic just before World War Two.

Sultan Sofrasi offers some of Antakya's best lunch specials that change from day to day so forget the menu and walk straight up to the kitchen to see what's on offer. Try the yoghurt-based soup with bulgur covered meatballs, and for dessert how about some preserved walnut jam or crunchy stewed and sweetened pumpkin, drizzled with tahini and crushed walnuts.

2pm - After all that food, it's time to take a walk around Antakya's winding cobblestone backstreets, taking in some of the city's religious sites. Make sure you see the Orthodox church which contains some striking icons as well as the Roman Catholic church whose Italian priest has been leading his small congregation for more than two decades.Home ownership options with buy mosaic. Several beautiful mosques are dotted around the old town too. Don't miss the Habib Neccar mosque which dates back to the 7th century and the Sermaye mosque with its lavish balcony around the minaret. Back on Kurtulus Street you'll also find a synagogue.

4pm - Head back to the hotel to freshen up or grab a glass of tea or freshly squeezed juice at one of the street-side eateries in the town centre and people watch. Antakya's diverse make-up sets it apart from other more conservative cities in eastern Turkey. Most women will appear in public uncovered and young men and women can be seen strolling hand in hand.