Osmaniye Travel Guide

Discover the top things to do, places to visit, and best time to go in Osmaniye, Turkey. Find out about local culture, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and how to get there.


Osmaniye is a small yet picturesque city located in the Cilician Plains, in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Filled with historical sites, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a rich culture, Osmaniye is the perfect destination for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience. In this comprehensive Osmaniye travel guide, we’ll introduce you to the best places to visit, top things to do, local food and drink, and share tips on getting around town.

Introduction to Osmaniye

Osmaniye is a bustling city with a population of approximately 275,000 residents. The city was named after Osman Bey, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, and its history spans over 5000 years with influence from Hittites, Persians, and Romans.

Osmaniye is home to several ancient ruins, historic mosques, and museums, including the Karatepe-Aslantaş Ancient City, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Natural wonders, such as the Cebelibereket Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea bordering the city, offers adventure lovers a feast of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and water sports.

List of Places to Visit in Osmaniye

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Karatepe-Aslantas Open Air Museum
  • Osmaniye Kastabala Antique City
  • Osmaniye Historical Bazaar
  • Hasanbeyli Ethnography Museum
  • Toprakkale Hellenistic City

Natural Attractions of Osmaniye: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cebelibereket Mountains
  • Kadirli Boğazı Forest Recreation Area
  • Emli Valley National Park
  • İsfendiyar Waterfall
  • Pyramidal Hill

Hiking/Biking Routes of Osmaniye

  • Cebelibereket Mountains Hiking Trail
  • Kadirli Boğazı Nature Trail
  • Emli Valley Off-Road Trail

Best Things to Do in Osmaniye: Activities and Tours

  • Picnic in the national parks
  • Sunbathing on the Mediterranean coast
  • Shopping at Historic Bazaar
  • Mosque tour around the city
  • Joining a bicycle tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Osmaniye

Day 1 Visit Karatepe-Aslantas Open Air Museum and Kadirli Boğazı Forest Recreation Area
Day 2 Explore the Osmaniye historical bazaar and Toprakkale Hellenistic city
Day 3 Take a trip to İsfendiyar Waterfall
Day 4 Enjoy a picnic at the Emli Valley National Park
Day 5 Mountain biking in Cebelibereket Mountains
Day 6 Visit Osmaniye Kastabala Antique City
Day 7 Visit the Hasanbeyli Ethnography Museum and Pyramidal Hill

Food and Drink Scene of Osmaniye

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cılız börek (a type of pastry made on hot coal)
  • İskender kebab (marinated and grilled meat served with pita bread, tomato sauce, and butter)
  • Yoğurtlu kebab (yoghurt covered meat skewers)
  • Şalgam (a traditional drink made with turnips, radishes, and carrots)

Local Beverages

  • Turkish coffee
  • Raki (an anise-flavored alcoholic drink)

Where to Stay in Osmaniye: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Osmaniye Heights Hotel
  • Kumkuyu Hotel
  • Hasanbeyli Uyku Sarayı

What to Buy in Osmaniye: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Authentic kilim rugs and carpets
  • Copper products and kitchenware
  • Olive oils
  • Turkish delight (lokum)

Local Culture and Customs of Osmaniye

Osmaniye is a blend of Turkish and Arabic cultures. Locals are hospitable, with most practicing Islam as their religion. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and bring a scarf to cover their head while visiting mosques.

Best Time to Visit Osmaniye

April-May and September-November are the best times to visit Osmaniye. Summer months, especially July and August, can be scorching, with temperatures often rising above 35 degrees Celsius.

Do’s and Don’ts of Osmaniye

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques
  • Greet locals with the phrase “Merhaba” (Hello)
  • Try the local cuisine

Don’t:

  • Drink tap water
  • Smoke in designated non-smoking areas
  • Ignore local customs and traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Osmaniye

Osmaniye is generally a safe city to travel to. However, visitors are advised to be cautious in crowded areas and tourist spots, where pickpocketing and theft may occur.

Health in Osmaniye

Visitors must have a valid medical insurance policy before entering Turkey. Mosquito borne diseases such as West Nile Virus and Malaria exist in rural parts of the city, so it is advised to use mosquito repellent and cover skin areas during evenings.

Getting to Osmaniye: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Osmaniye

  • Adana Sakirpasa International Airport, roughly 100 km from Osmaniye
  • Gaziantep Oğuzeli International Airport, roughly 180 km from Osmaniye

Bus Stations Near Osmaniye

  • Osmaniye Intercity Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Taxis and rental cars

How to Get Around in Osmaniye

Osmaniye is easily navigable with taxis, bus, and car rentals providing cheap and comfortable transportation options.

Where to Go Next from Osmaniye: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Gaziantep, known for its food and cultural experience
  • Adana, known for the Sabancı Central Mosque and Karaisalı Castle

Conclusion

Osmaniye has a rich history, friendly locals, and breathtaking natural landscapes, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience. Follow this guide, and you’ll undoubtedly have an unforgettable trip to Osmaniye.

Hemite Castle from across the Ceyhan River Hemite Castle from across the Ceyhan River Enverül Hamit Mosque Enverül Hamit Mosque Zorkun Zorkun Tarhunzas, the Luwian (Neo-Hittite) weather god, in Karatepe-Aslantaş Tarhunzas, the Luwian (Neo-Hittite) weather god, in Karatepe-Aslantaş