🏙️ Kahramanmaraş 2026: Reconstruction, Castle, Bazaars and Ice Cream

حكايات تركية · Sep 20, 2026

A hilltop castle surrounded by city roads and neighbourhoods.

A covered market passage lined with shops and merchandise.

A vendor stretching ice cream between a serving tool and a cone in his hand.

Greater Kahramanmaraş 2026
A city rebuilding its centre and renewing its identity

Kahramanmaraş is rebuilding its urban centre after the February 2023 earthquakes, with new neighbourhoods and buildings, restoration of historic markets and landmarks, and changes to roads and public squares.

The city centre spans two districts: the relatively modern Onikişubat and Dulkadiroğlu, which includes the historic heart, castle and old markets.

Construction and diversions continue in some areas. Treat the city as a place changing rapidly, and check the condition of roads and individual sites close to your visit.

Two administrative districts, one city

Onikişubat includes newer residential areas, shopping centres, universities and services, extending towards the city's west and north.

Dulkadiroğlu contains the castle, Ulu Cami, historic market and older neighbourhoods closely associated with Maraş's identity.

Visitors may barely notice the administrative boundary between them. Knowing the district is nevertheless useful when choosing accommodation and estimating journeys across the city.

Rebuilding the centre in 2026

Reconstruction includes housing, commercial premises and public buildings, alongside roads, water and sewerage infrastructure and historic restoration.

Central projects must accommodate residents' needs while retaining the character of traditional markets and neighbourhoods. A reopened shop may stand beside a new building, an active work site or an area where access remains restricted.

Use recent maps and local updates rather than relying on photographs or accounts published before the earthquakes.

Kahramanmaraş Castle

The castle occupies a hill in the city centre and is one of Kahramanmaraş's defining landmarks. Its history spans several periods, reflecting the site's defensive role and oversight of surrounding routes.

Its setting offers views across parts of the city and the mountains beyond. However, entrance arrangements can change during maintenance or restoration, so confirm access before making it the centrepiece of your day.

Even if entry is restricted, the surrounding area helps explain the old city's layout and the close relationship between its principal landmarks. Stay within areas officially open to visitors.

Ulu Cami and the historic square

Near the castle and market, Ulu Cami, the Great Mosque, dates to the Dulkadir principality, for which Maraş was an important centre.

The mosque, castle and market form the historic heart of the city and can be combined on foot where streets and paths are open. On 13 August 2026, the provincial family and social services directorate documented a visit to the restored mosque following its reopening for worship, and to traders back in business in the covered market.

Other religious or historic buildings may still be undergoing work. Respect barriers and do not enter sites that have not officially reopened.

The historic covered market

Tarihi Kapalı Çarşı is central to Kahramanmaraş's trading life. In and around it, shops sell spices, copperware, textiles, footwear, sweets and regional gifts.

The market suffered earthquake damage before restoration and the return of traders. Its renewed activity is evident in 2026, although surrounding works and individual opening arrangements can still vary.

Look for:

Red pepper and other spices.
Local scarves and textiles.
Copper products.
Walnuts and dried fruit.
Maraş tarhana.
Sweets and ice cream.

Maraş ice cream: part of the city's identity

Maraş dondurması is traditionally made with goat's milk and salep, producing its characteristic dense, elastic texture. The long-handled serving paddle and playful performances have also become part of its visitor appeal.

Quality varies between products. Try an established shop making it locally rather than assuming that every industrial product carrying the Maraş name offers the same experience.

Central shops can be busy in the evening and during summer holidays.

Kahramanmaraş cuisine

The city's food extends well beyond ice cream, with meat, bulgur, pepper and walnuts prominent in local cooking.

Eli böğründe: Meat and vegetables cooked alongside one another.
Sömelek köfte: A regional köfte dish.
Maraş tarhana soup.
Kebabs and other meat dishes.
Rice with meat and nuts.
Walnut and grape-molasses sweets.

Check restaurants' current addresses in 2026: some businesses have moved or reopened branches in different locations.

Textiles and local crafts

Kahramanmaraş has strong textile and craft traditions, including scarves, fabrics, copperwork and leather goods. The historic market and specialist shops offer a range of products, with considerable differences in quality and price.

Before buying:

Inspect the material and finish.
Ask whether the item was made locally.
Compare prices in several shops.
Request suitable packaging for copperware or food products.

A city remembered for its resistance

Maraş received the title “Kahraman”, meaning heroic, in recognition of its inhabitants' resistance during the Turkish War of Independence.

The Sütçü İmam incident and popular resistance to French occupation remain important elements of local memory. Museums, monuments, street names and annual commemorations reflect this history: it is central to the city's identity rather than simply an addition to its name.

Nature near the city

Mountains, valleys and recreation areas surround Kahramanmaraş, with several outings possible by car:

Picnic and recreation areas around Ahır Dağı.
Yedikuyular ski resort in winter, subject to operating conditions.
Springs and parks north of the city.
Reservoirs and rural landscapes.

Give nature a separate day if possible. The castle area, market and city restaurants deserve time without a rushed mountain excursion added afterwards.

Getting there and around in 2026

Kahramanmaraş has an airport and road connections with Gaziantep, Kayseri, Adana, Malatya and Hatay. Check current flights and road conditions when planning your route.

A car provides flexibility, but parking and diversions can complicate visits to the historic centre.

Use an established car park and continue on foot where practical.
Check diversions before entering central Dulkadiroğlu.
Avoid peak traffic periods.
Choose a hotel according to current access routes, not distance alone.
Telephone ahead to confirm the entrance and parking arrangements.

Where to stay

Onikişubat suits visitors seeking newer neighbourhoods, shopping and services, convenient access to the west and north, and hotels with easier parking in some locations.

Dulkadiroğlu suits those prioritising proximity to the castle, market and old centre.

The building's current condition matters more than the district name after the earthquakes. Recent guest reviews help assess services; use relevant official assessments for structural status rather than treating reviews as evidence of building safety.

A suggested day

Morning: Begin around the castle and Ulu Cami, depending on what is open.
Late morning: Explore the historic market and buy regional products.
Lunch: Try eli böğründe or another Maraş speciality.
Afternoon: Visit an open museum or a site associated with the city's national history.
Evening: Enjoy Maraş ice cream and explore one of the busier modern areas.

Practical notes

Confirm access to the castle and landmarks before arrival.
Keep out of closed buildings and construction areas.
Use current restaurant and hotel addresses.
Check recent accommodation information and relevant building assessments.
Allow for congestion and city-centre diversions.
Respect residents' experiences and the continuing memory of the earthquakes.

Kahramanmaraş in 2026

A visit combines the experience of a city rebuilding itself with an identity that has remained strong through profound change. The castle, markets, cuisine, ice cream and history of resistance together express its character.

As restoration and new neighbourhoods reshape the city, Kahramanmaraş offers a visit with far more depth than a brief stop for ice cream.

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🏙️ Kahramanmaraş 2026: Reconstruction, Castle, Bazaars and Ice Cream

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