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Gaziantep, historically Aintab and still informally called Antep, is a major city in south-central Turkey. It is the capital of the Gaziantep Province, in the westernmost part of Turkey's Southeastern Anatolia Region and partially in the Mediterranean Region. It is located approximately 185 km (115 mi) east of Adana and 97 km (60 mi) north of Aleppo, Syria and situated on the Sajur River. The city is thought to be located on the site of ancient Antiochia ad Taurum and is near ancient Zeugma.
As of the 2021 census, the Gaziantep province (Metropolitan municipality) was home to 2,130,432 inhabitants, of whom 1,775,904 lived in the metropolitan area made of two (out of three) urban districts of ?ahinbey and ?ehitkamil, as O?uzeli is not conurbation. It is the sixth-most populous city in Turkey. Gaziantep is a diverse city inhabited mostly by ethnic Turks and a significant minority of Kurds and Syrian refugees. It was historically populated by Turkmen, Armenians, Jews, and a plethora of other ethnic groups. In February 2023, the city was heavily damaged by the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake.
As a metropolitan area with a population of over two million people, the effective administration of Gaziantep is crucial for the city's development and growth. The local government in Gaziantep operates under a decentralized system, with power divided between the central government and the city's Metropolitan Municipality. The Metropolitan Municipality oversees the city's infrastructure, public services, and social services, among other responsibilities. Additionally, there are 25 district municipalities that operate within the city's boundaries, each with its own mayor and council.
One of the key initiatives taken by the local government in Gaziantep is its focus on sustainable development. The city has invested in a range of projects aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, including the construction of green spaces, the use of renewable energy, and the implementation of recycling programs. In addition, the city has taken measures to reduce air pollution, such as the introduction of low-emission buses and the promotion of cycling as a mode of transportation.
Another area of focus for administration in Gaziantep is social welfare. The city has a well-developed social assistance system, providing support to those in need, including low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The city also provides support for education, health, and cultural initiatives, with a particular focus on promoting the city's rich cultural heritage.
The local government in Gaziantep has also implemented various measures aimed at promoting economic growth and entrepreneurship. The city has established several industrial zones, including the Gaziantep Organized Industrial Zone and the Gaziantep Free Zone, which have attracted foreign investment and contributed to the city's economy. Additionally, the city has invested in developing its tourism industry, promoting its historical and cultural landmarks to attract visitors and generate revenue.
Gaziantep is an important economic centre in Turkey, known for its dynamic manufacturing and industrial sectors, as well as its rich cultural heritage. One of the most important contributors to the economy in Gaziantep is the manufacturing sector, which is dominated by the textile industry. The city is one of the largest textile production centres in Turkey, with a significant proportion of its exports being textile products. Gaziantep is also home to many other manufacturing industries, including food processing, machinery, and plastics. The city's strategic location at the intersection of important trade routes has also contributed to its success in the manufacturing sector.
Another important aspect of the economy in Gaziantep is its agricultural sector. The city is known for its production of crops such as cotton, pistachios, and olives, as well as its traditional farming practices. Agriculture plays an important role in the city's economy, with many small-scale farmers and producers contributing to the local market and exports.
In recent years, the city has invested in developing its tourism industry, which has emerged as an important contributor to the economy in Gaziantep. The city's rich cultural heritage, with its well-preserved old town and numerous historical landmarks, has attracted visitors from all over the world. The city has also become known for its production of traditional Turkish sweets, particularly baklava, which is exported to many countries.
The Gaziantep Free Zone, established in 1998, has also contributed to the city's economy by attracting foreign investors. The Free Zone offers a range of incentives to companies, including tax breaks and streamlined administrative processes. Many companies in the textile and clothing industries have established operations in the Free Zone, contributing to the city's economic growth.
In 2020, Gaziantep's gross domestic product (GDP) was 124.7 billion Turkish lira (approximately 16.6 billion US dollars). The city's economy has continued to grow in recent years, with an average annual growth rate of 5.5% between 2014 and 2019. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy in Gaziantep has remained resilient, with the city continuing to attract investment and generate revenue.
Transportation: The city is served by a modern public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and a light rail system. In recent years, the city has invested in improving its transportation infrastructure, including the construction of new roads and the expansion of its airport. The city's airport, Gaziantep Oguzeli International Airport, has direct flights to many international destinations, making it a gateway to the region.
Water supply and sanitation systems: The city's water supply is managed by the Gaziantep Water and Sewerage Administration (GASKI), which has invested in modernizing the city's water infrastructure to ensure a reliable and safe water supply. Additionally, the city has implemented a range of measures to improve sanitation, including the construction of new wastewater treatment plants and the introduction of a recycling program.
Energy: Gaziantep has a well-developed electricity grid, with power supplied by the national electricity company, TEIAS. The city has also invested in renewable energy, particularly solar power, with several solar power plants in operation.
Digital infrastructure: The city has invested in expanding its broadband network, and providing high-speed internet access to residents and businesses. Additionally, the city has implemented a range of initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital sector, such as the establishment of a technology park.
The city's public facilities, including schools, hospitals, and public spaces, are also an important aspect of the infrastructure in Gaziantep. The city has invested in the construction of new schools and the renovation of existing facilities, ensuring that residents have access to quality education. Additionally, the city has several modern hospitals and medical centres, providing residents with access to quality healthcare. The city has also invested in the construction of public spaces, such as parks and cultural centres, which contribute to the city's livability and cultural vibrancy.