Malatya

Introduction

You will find Malatya situated in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey as a metropolitan municipality and provincial capital. As a major regional center, the city serves as a focal point for healthcare, education, and industry.

The local economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, where you can experience the area's significance as a global hub for apricot production and export.

Before you go

Prepare for a journey through layers of history as you explore this city, which has occupied three distinct sites over millennia. You can trace its origins back to the Copper Age at Aslantepe before it became known as Malidiya under Hittite rule. Following the Roman era, the settlement moved to Melitene, and after the Ottoman Empire reclaimed the territory in the 1830s, the current site was established in the rural district of Aspuzu.

Pack for a variety of conditions depending on your arrival; while summers can be sweltering and spring is wet, early autumn offers a pleasant atmosphere. Be prepared for cold winters where the landscape is blanketed in snow. As you explore this hub of agriculture and textiles, you will find yourself where the rolling steppes of central Anatolia meet the eastern mountains.

Getting there

You can reach Malatya by air via Malatya Erhaç Airport, which hosts several daily flights from Istanbul as well as daily connections from Ankara and Izmir. Because the airport has low footfall, facilities are limited, but you can arrange a pre-booked car hire for your journey into the city. Since there is no bus service from the airport, you will need to take a taxi to reach the city center.

If you prefer rail travel, several options connect Malatya to major hubs like Ankara and Sivas. While the railway station currently has few facilities due to earthquake damage, local dolmuses and buses provide frequent transport from the station to the central square. For those traveling by road, the city sits on the D-300 highway, a toll-free route stretching toward the eastern border. Alternatively, you can reach the city by bus from nearby locations such as Gaziantep or Diyarbakır, though the local terminal currently offers only makeshift facilities.

Getting around

You can explore the main sights within a compact walkable area, but you will need to rely on public transportation to reach the railway and bus stations or to visit outlying locations. Look for the jaunty yellow city buses to navigate the sprawling layout of Malatya.

When navigating by transport, look for "Valilik" or "Vilayet" as these terms indicate the city center. You can also find your way using major thoroughfares such as Turgut Özal Blv (also known as Ankara Cd or Çevre Yolu) and İnönü Cd, which serves as a downtown street.

Where to stay

You can find several accommodation options located near central hubs and transportation links. For a stay in the heart of the city, you can choose from a cluster of hotels along İnönü Cd, including the Mövenpick, with the Aksaç Hotel and Royal Butik Hotel situated nearby. If you prefer to be close to the railway station, the Ramada Plaza offers a clean environment for your stay.

For those traveling by bus, Melid Hotel provides a modern atmosphere just east of the station, while MG Hill Residence offers self-catering apartments in the same vicinity. Other options include Pirlanta and Anatolia Otel located north across the main highway, or Anemon Otel on the western edge of the city, which serves as a convenient base for motorists.

Food & drink

You can experience the local flavors of the region by sampling apricots, which are grown in orchards throughout the surrounding countryside. During the harvest season in July, these fruits are abundant and even served as grilled kebabs.

Explore various dining options near the main square or along İnönü Cd to enjoy traditional fare in historic buildings, seafood dishes, or leaf-style döner. If you prefer a drink, many cafes serve alcohol, though there are no free-standing bars; for an evening stroll, head to Kanalboyu to hop between different cafes.

What to see and do

Explore the local history and architecture of the city center, where you can visit the late Ottoman-era clocktower on Kışla Caddesi. Nearby, you can see the Atatürk House, the mansion where Kemal Atatürk stayed during his visits to the area, and walk through Hürriyet Park. For a look at pre-history and local history, visit the City Museum. If you prefer nature, head to Turgut Özal Nature Park on the eastern edge of the city for walking and cycling paths or travel further north to Kırkgöz, a recreational area located on the shore of Karakaya Barrage Lake.

Experience local traditions by visiting traditional Turkish baths in the city center. Depending on your interests, you can visit the Photo Museum to see old cameras or explore the site of Aslantepe, a palace complex dating back thousands of years. If you are visiting during the harvest season in July, you can experience the Apricot Festival.

• Kernak Mosque: A mosque rebuilt to be quakeproof that sits near the canalized water of Şelale Parkı (Kanalboyu).
• Taşhoron Church: An Armenian church located east of the city center.
• Football: Watch local teams play at Yeni Malatya Stadyumu or Yeşiltepe Stadyumu.

When to go

You will experience a semi-arid continental climate when visiting Malatya. During the summer months, you can expect hot and dry conditions where extreme heat prevails and very little to no rain falls.

The winter season brings a different atmosphere as the weather becomes cold and snowy. You should prepare for freezing temperatures and snow, which is a regular feature of the winter landscape.

Three days in Malatya

Day one, you arrive in Malatya and begin your journey through the Eastern Anatolia Region. You can explore the historical layers of the land, from the Copper Age sites to the remnants of the Hittite and Roman periods.

Day two, you travel through the local area to see landmarks associated with the Ottoman Empire. You can walk along Turgut Özal Blv or Ankara Cd as you navigate the city's layout.

Day three, you explore the surrounding landscape of Anatolia. You can visit sites like Aslantepe, Malidiya, and Aspuzu to see the deep history of the region before your departure.