Reasons to travel to southeast Türkiye – and why you absolutely should!

On February 6, 2023, Türkiye experienced one of its most catastrophic events in recent history: a series of earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.5 on the Richter scale devastated the southeastern region, resulting in over 50,000 fatalities across 11 provinces. With more than 160,000 structures severely impacted or destroyed, 100,000 individuals injured, and 3 million displaced, the repercussions of this disaster continue to resonate throughout the country.

More than a year later, while some cities, particularly the historic center of Antakya in Hatay province, remain too damaged for visitors, many other parts of this ancient and captivating region are as rewarding as ever – and they desperately need the economic uplift that tourism can provide.

'It’s always challenging for those who depend on tourism, from drivers to hotel proprietors and guides, when tragedies like this occur, as it may take years for travelers to return,' shares Berry Vos from Mithra Travel, an Antalya-based tour agency that offers trips throughout Türkiye.

'However, the eastern region of Türkiye is vast; it’s not solely Hatay and Kahramanmaraş,' Vos emphasizes, noting two of the provinces hardest hit by the earthquake. 'Many of these stunning destinations are open and ready to welcome visitors.'

Which attractions in Türkiye are open to travelers again?

Many of the region's most notable sites remained untouched by the earthquake, including Göbeklitepe, the Neolithic religious site that has revolutionized our understanding of human cultural evolution since its rediscovery in 1994. Nearby in Şanlıurfa, the exceptional Archaeological Museum, Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, and vibrant bazaar are all operating again.

Although past earthquakes partially damaged the colossal statues on Nemrut Dağı, the remote site suffered no additional harm in 2023 and is now accessible to visitors.

Home to some of the finest Roman-era mosaics in Türkiye, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep reopened shortly after the earthquake, having been deemed undamaged. The city’s vibrant culinary scene also provides a compelling reason to visit, especially to support local restaurants that offered free meals to those in need after the disaster, despite their own financial struggles.

In Diyarbakır, the impressive Seljuk-era Ulu Cami (Great Mosque), which provided shelter to displaced individuals following the earthquake, is now welcoming worshippers and visitors once again. Additionally, museums, mosques, and historic sites in Adana are also open.

The charming, winding old town of Mardin and the surrounding monasteries and Roman ruins were largely unaffected by the earthquake’s main impact.

What remains under restoration after the earthquake?

The city of Antakya and the broader Hatay province, along with Kahramanmaraş and Adıyaman, experienced some of the most severe destruction during the disaster and are still in the recovery process, with many displaced residents living in temporary accommodations. The magnificent Hatay Archaeological Museum is among the numerous structures in downtown Antakya that require repair before it can reopen.

In Adıyaman province, the ancient ruins of Arsameia and Yenikale in the mountainous Nemrut Dağı area remain off-limits to visitors due to safety concerns following the earthquake.

In Gaziantep, the historic castle in the heart of the old city suffered partial collapse during the earthquake. Restoration efforts are currently underway and are reportedly more than halfway finished, with hopes to reopen the site to the public by the end of 2024.

Generally, travelers in Türkiye’s southeastern region should call ahead or check with local tourism offices before heading to more remote attractions to ensure they are open.

How travelers can contribute to recovery efforts

One of the most effective ways to assist those in the affected provinces is by spending money in places that have reopened for tourism. Consider hiring local guides or drivers, and choose local eateries and shops instead of international chains.

Nearby provinces like Mardin and Mersin played a significant role in emergency relief right after the earthquake and have experienced an influx of displaced individuals, making them in need of economic support as well.

In Mardin, for instance, renowned chef Ebru Baybara Demir, who owns the restaurant Cercis Murat Konağı and started the Topraktan Tabağa cooperative shop, has led various food relief efforts following February 6.

Due to Türkiye’s high level of internal migration, many individuals from the earthquake-affected region were already residing throughout the country, particularly in Istanbul. Even if you can’t travel to the southeastern area, consider dining at restaurants in Istanbul or other cities that specialize in the cuisines of Hatay, Gaziantep, and other impacted regions. These restaurant owners are likely supporting families back home, and especially with Hatay cuisine, dining at these places helps preserve rich culinary traditions during their (hopefully temporary) displacement.

Chefs from renowned Istanbul restaurants like Basta Street Food Bar, Yeni Lokanta, Mabou, and Develi have also joined in the post-disaster relief efforts, while the Local Makers boutique and Postane café-shop have supported small businesses in the earthquake-affected region. Consider a meal or purchase as a way to express your gratitude.

The Abraham Path Initiative, a US-based NGO focused on developing walking trails in Türkiye and the Middle East, has offered micro-grants to assist small tourism businesses, such as homestays along the path in Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe, and nearby Harran, in their recovery after the earthquake.

'It’s a very welcoming community. You can’t truly grasp the culture of hospitality in that area unless you experience it firsthand,' says executive director Christopher McLaurin. 'It’s been a challenging journey, but witnessing these communities heal from the earthquake's trauma and contributing to that recovery gives me a hopeful outlook on the future.'