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“When it comes to describing this city, neither speech nor pen suffice. Broader than the face of the earth, with grand buildings, goods desired by all, many hamlets, abundance and fertility, limitless sources of food and drink, and its rivers; this is the ‘Şehr-i Ayıntab-ı Cihan’, in other words, the most highly-favoured city in the world.†Thus praised by the famous traveller, Evliya Çelebi, Gaziantep is situated at a point where different cultures have blended and enriched one another throughout the ages. Gaziantep's location at the intersection of one of the first inhabited areas in Anatolia, Mesopotamia-the cradle of civilizations, and the Mediterranean region make the city very special. Having been inhabited since pre-historic times, and situated on the historic Silk Road, it bears the traces of many different civilizations. At the intersection of roads linking the western and southern parts of Anatolia to east and south-east Anatolia, Gaziantep is a continually developing centre. The Turkish War of Independence and the struggle during this war known as the "Defence of Antep" are very important events in the city's recent history. Known as Ayıntap from 1516- when it became part of the Ottoman Empire, until the formation of the Republic of Turkey, the city was deemed worthy of the title of "Gazi" (meaning "war veteran") following the War of Independence. The title of "honorary war veteran" was bestowed on the people of Antep by the Turkish Grand National Assembly in recognition of their heroic struggle to defend their homeland. After receiving this title, the city was called Gazi Ayıntap until its name was changed to “Gaziantep†in 1928. In Arab sources from the 11th century, Antep is called "Ayıntab" or "Anthapt". According to one source, the city's old name was “Kal’a-i Füsus†meaning "Ring Castle". “Ayın†means the "eye" of the water source i.e. "spring". The word “Tab†means “strength and energy". The two words together give the meaning of beautiful and plentiful water. In different periods the city was known as Ayıntap, Hamptan or Antep. Gaziantep has the largest population of any city in the south-east Anatolian region. It has made important advances in industry and trade, becoming the most modern and developed city in the region. It has a well-developed transportation network, with an international airport, railway and roads connected to a fast motorway. Located at an important crossroads in regard to its history and geography, the city has become a centre for trade. The city's old inns, covered markets and passages, and the large modern shopping centres built in recent years have enhanced its commercial life. Gaziantep plays an important role in Turkey's trade with its neighbours in the Middle East. |
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