population: 1.64 million

extension: 5,524 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Hatay and interested in museums, I would suggest visiting the Antakya Archaeological Museum, which is home to an impressive collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Antioch. If you're looking for similar places to visit, you might also want to check out the Hatay Archaeological Museum and the Samandağ Museum, both of which are located nearby.

Food

Hatay is renowned for its rich and diverse cuisine, which draws influences from Turkish, Arabic, and Mediterranean culinary traditions. Some of the most popular and typical dishes to try in Hatay include:

1. Hummus: A creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice.

2. Künefe: A dessert made from shredded phyllo pastry, cheese, syrup, and pistachios.

3. Oruk: A type of meatball made from ground beef or lamb, bulgur, and spices.

4. Lahmacun: A thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and herbs.

5. Antakya Tepsi Kebabı: A grilled meat dish served on a large platter with roasted vegetables, rice, and bread.

6. Muhammara: A spicy dip made from red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and pomegranate molasses.

7. Dolma: Stuffed vegetables such as grape leaves, eggplant, and zucchini filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat.

8. Cevizli Ekmek: A type of flatbread topped with a mixture of walnuts, parsley, and spices.

9. Zahter Salad: A salad made of zahter (wild thyme), parsley, onion, tomato, and sumac.

10. Haytalı: A traditional Hatay dessert made from semolina, milk, sugar, and rosewater.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes you can enjoy in Hatay!

Activities

Some fun activities that locals in Hatay enjoy include:

1. Exploring the historic sites and ruins in the region, such as the ancient city of Antioch and the St. Pierre Church.
2. Trying delicious local cuisine, which is influenced by Turkish and Arabic flavors. Some popular dishes include hummus, künefe, and muhammara.
3. Attending cultural festivals, such as the International Antakya Film Festival or the Künefe Festival in Payas.
4. Visiting the bustling bazaars and markets to shop for spices, textiles, and other local products.
5. Taking a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Orontes River or enjoying a picnic in one of Hatay's many parks and gardens.