Nazaretian House

The guest room. Kemal Can (atlas obscura user)

Built in the mid-1800s, the Nazaretian House is the former residence of a wealthy Armenian family. It’s located in the oldest neighborhood of Gaziantep, currently known as Bey Mahallesi. In the 17th and 18th centuries this part of Gaziantep was known as Ayntab and was home to an affluent Armenian community, the Nazaretians being one of the wealthiest families.

Today, part of the Nazaretian House has been restored and serves as a cafe, with tables in the courtyard. But the left side has been left untouched, preserving all the beautiful details of the 150-year-old manse, despite being in a state of disrepair. Located above an unassuming cafe, this place is not found in most tourist guides, making it a hidden gem of the city.

Inside the building, you’ll find the old Armenian script welcoming visitors, who are free to explore the three different rooms upstairs. One room has a huge dome decorated with angels, and portrait photos hang on the walls, while the most beautiful room is decorated with stunning paintings and four angels at every corner.

Know Before You Go

The house is located in the Bey Mahallesi district of Gaziantep. Make sure to first enjoy a cup of "zahter" in the cafe before moving upstairs to explore inside the building.