Some properties in the old quarter are being refurbished, many of these are now restaurants and cafes.

We really like an old Arab house that the three Yogurtcu brothers have spent the last two years refurbishing, and which was recently opened as a restaurant called Leban.

One of the owners assured us the oldest part of this building is at least 800 years old and, at the back, is a courtyard around which the property rises to three storeys.

Thus, the brothers and their families now have plenty of room to live here and run their business in the rooms on the street side.

The restaurant is full of local antiques and they serve regional specialities.

They are now planning to turn one of the rooms off the courtyard into a shop selling local ingredients so you can eat one of their dishes and then buy the bits to make it yourself at home.

If enough people follow the lead of the Yogurtcu brothers, the old quarter of Antakya can look forward to the future.