Things To Do
in İslahiye

The town’s market day shows the best local produce—fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, olives and breads; great for sampling fruit, gözleme (stuffed flatbread) and pastries from market stalls.

Small bakeries sell warm simit, pide and börek; ideal for grabbing a cheap, tasty snack while walking through town.

Use polite greetings (Merhaba, Selamün aleyküm) and show respect to elders; a handshake or nod is common—wait for a woman to offer her hand before initiating physical contact.

Dress modestly in conservative areas—cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or rural communities; women may prefer a scarf in smaller towns when visiting religious sites.

If invited to a home, remove shoes at the door and accept offered tea or food; small gifts like pastries or sweets are appreciated.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and in conservative settings; avoid taking photos of military or sensitive infrastructure.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, round up taxi fares, and give small change to hotel porters or cleaners.

Turkish lira (TRY) is the local currency; credit and debit cards are accepted in larger shops and restaurants, but cash is useful for markets, rural businesses and small purchases.

Mild temperatures, blooming orchards and active farming make spring an excellent time to visit; expect occasional rain and comfortable hiking conditions.

Hot and dry on the plain—days can be very warm—so plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings and carry water and sun protection.

Harvest time—vineyards and orchards are busiest; mild temperatures and golden light make it a pleasant season for outdoor exploration and photography.

Winters are cool to cold with potential snowfall in the higher foothills; mountain roads may be slippery and some rural services slower—pack warm layers.

Football is the dominant sport—local amateur clubs, youth teams and community matches are common and draw local interest.

Hiking, running and informal village sports are popular; organized traditional sports appear at local festivals and events.

Vegetarian options exist—mezes, vegetable stews, dolma, lentil soup and breads—but meat is central to many dishes; communicate clearly (‘Ben vejeteryanım’) and ask for vegetable-based plates.

Vegan choices are more limited but possible: ask for simple salads, grilled vegetables, rice dishes and some mezes; clarify ingredients as dairy and butter are commonly used.

Bread and wheat-based items are common; rice, grilled meats, salads and many meze items may be safe, but cross-contamination and bulgur usage are frequent—explain needs clearly.

Most restaurants and butcher shops serve halal meat by default given the local population; you can dine confidently in the majority of establishments.