Iskenderun, formerly Alexandretta, was founded by Alexander the Great after his victory over the Persians on the Plain of Issos. Today it is a busy commercial center and port with a fine harbor. Excellent hotels, restaurants and cafes line the sea front surrounded by parks and palm trees. The culinary specialty of Iskenderun is delicious prawns. Gourmets should also try kunefe, a hot dessert of sweetened shredded wheat filled with melted cheese, and humus, an appetizer of pureed chickpeas, garlic and paprika. Good souvenirs include hand carved wooden tables and chairs and other objects of wood. On the coast south of Iskenderun, the holiday town of Ulucinar (Arsuz) has good beaches, hotels, guest-houses and restaurants. On the way to Antakya, off the main road, is the mountain resort of Sogukoluk where you can retreat in the summer from the blazing sun. After you cross the Belen Pass, stop at Bagras Castle, held at various times by the Byzantines, Mamluks and Crusaders.