Spectacular Sculptures of Yesemek and Antioch

Today you will begin your tour at 9:00 am, you will head to Yesemek first.

Yesemek is an ancient quarry and open-air sculpture workshop. Since 1890 when the first statues were partially unearthed there has been roughly 300 statues excavated from the site. The open-air workshop dates all the way back to the Hittite period, after the collapse of this empire work would have halted. When the Aramaic Kingdom included Yesemek work continued again until the Assyrians took control the worker mysteriously stopped even with plenty of material left.

These statues are unusual as each one was carved from one large piece of rock. Carved down to almost perfection, it is thought that the last touches would have been done by local artisans upon delivery. Throughout the workshop, you will see a wide variety of depictions, Sphinxes with female heads, feline bodies and a few have wings or mountain gods as well as a variety of hunting scenes. There are also statues that show each stage of production as they were left unfinished.

Following this unusual this open-air workshop you will drive to Antakya, this city was once known as Antioch. This city was known in the bible as well as playing an important role in the region. The bible says that the Christians from Jerusalem fled to Antioch with more joining from Cyprus. The city was involved in 5 different crusades.

While in this history-filled city, you will visit the second largest mosaic museum. You will also get a chance to visit the church of St. Pierre church was carved out of a pre-existing cave with an ornate facade. This church was thought to have been used by early Christian to the region.

Following your time in this famous city, you will have free time to explore the local bazaar and shops before returning to Gaziantep.