Previously, it was known as Sandjak of Alexandretta and was a part of the French Mandate of Syria between 1920 and 1938. However, in 1938 it was established as an independent State of Hatay and officially joined Turkey the next year.
Hatay is distinguishable on maps due to its southern border, which stretches significantly southwards along a west-east line.
As for its location, Hatay lies at the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea and hosts beautiful sandy beaches along the Levant coast that run north to south.
In contrast to the beaches, the traditional hub of the region, Antakya/Antioch, is an inland city.
