Antalya

Categorized | Antalya, Featured, The Mediterranean Region

Tags | Antalya, antalya hotels, antalya turkey

Posted on 02 June 2009 by admin

Attaleia, the ancient name of Antalya, is derived from that of the Pergamene king Attalos II Philadelphus, who founded the city on the Pamphylian seacoast around 150 B.C. Settlement of Antalya and its environs stretches back to the dawn of humanity however as attested by Paleolithic finds discovered in the nearby Karain and Beldibi caves and Early Bronze Age finds discovered at Semahöyük.

Today it is part on Turkey’s “Golden Coast”, an exquisite land of sun, sea, and history. In 133 B.C. Antalya, together Pergamon’s other possessions in Asia Minor, were taken over by Rome. Antalya ( or “Attalia” as the Bible calls it) is where Paul set sail from together with Barnabas on his first missionary journey: ” They passed through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia. Then after proclaiming the word at Perge they went down to Attalia and from there sailed for Antioch…” In 130 A.D., Hadrian visited the city during his peregrinations of his empire and to this we owe the monumental arch built in his honor. During Byzantine times Antalya was an archdiocese.

Following the Seljuk capture of the city, Antalya continued to be an important commercial and military port. Because the modern city sits atop the remains of its predecessors, very little remains of old Antalya. Of the fortifications that once surrounded the city, only Hıdırlık tower is still standing. Hadrian’s Gate, as we have said, was originally constructed as a victory arch. Kesik (“cut-off”) Minaret and Yivli (“fluted” or “grooved”) Minaret are works from the reign of Alaeddin Keykubad I (1219-1236) The former is located on the site of a temple from the 2nd century A.D. while the latter has become a symbol of modern Antalya.

Another of the architectural works of importance in Antalya is the Karatay Medresse, built during the reign of the same sultan. The ancient castle overlooking the ancient harbor with its old houses nestled inside is worth exploring and the Antalya Museum is a must for anyone interrested in this region’s art and history.

The area around Antalya is full of places from which one-day trips may be made to ancient Lycian, Pisidian and Pamphylian sites: Termessos, located amidst the lofty peaks above Antalya; Perge located 17 kilometers, Aspendos located 49 kilometers, and Side located 80 kilometers along the road to Alanya; and cities like Selge and Sillyon located somewhat inland are but a few examples. In the direction of Kemer is Phaselis, a marvelous archaelogical site where one may enjoy the ruins in the atmosphere of a seaside pine forest. In addiction there are a number of scenic spots of natural beauty such as the waterfalls at Düden, Kurşunlu and Manavgat, which are a delight to visit on a hot, Mediterranean summer day.

An important Seljuk seaport, Antalya was connected by a number of trade routes leading into the hinterland and up- country. As a result, there are many Seljuk caravanserais in the vicinity. Some of the many that are worth a look are Alarahan, built in 1231 by Alaeddin Keykubad I; Şarapsahan and Kırkgözhan, both built during the reign of Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev II (1236-1245); Evdirhan, built by İzzeddin Keykavus. All of these are located on the roadside. Two others- Yusufhan and Incirlihan- today stand a short distance from the modern road as one approaches Antalya from the direction of Burdur.

ANTALYA

Once a small and isolated Mediterranean city, Antalya is now the capital of Turkey’s tourism industry. It has all you could want for those seeking entertainment or who love shopping. It is the best to start your visit of Antalya from its centre, known as Kaleiçi (the inner castle) Here you can visit old houses, now mostly turned into pensions, with shops selling souvenirs on their ground floors. It is pleasurable to have a relaxing drink in the cafes, sitting in the shade provided by orange trees in their gardens. When the sun begins to slowl set it is time to move from the narrow streets of Kaleiçi to quay.

The quay is lively throughout the night, a place where locals wander with ice creams or paper bags full of seeds in their hands, where tourists enjoy nights stretching into the mornings in the clubs and discos, and where the moon reflects on the black satin sheet of the sea.

Among the sites that are essential on any visitor’s itinerary in Antalya’s centre are the city’s symbol, the Yivli Minare (Fluted Minaret), the Hadrianus Gate and one of the richest museums in the world, the Antalya Museum. You can take your choice of the many beaches, each more beautiful than the other, with transport to Konyaaltı or Lara beaches making them easily accessible.

Konyaaltı, with its recently opened multipurpose entertainment complex, is an delightful town where there is year round activity.

Vicinity of Antalya

You can take a day trip and visit the natural beauties of Düzler Çamı, the Termossos National Park and Karain Cave. Another side trip you can take from Antalya is to Isparta, a city famed for its roses, located in a region known as the “Lakes District”. Nearby is connected to Lake Kovada by the Aksu Stream, Lake Burdur and Lake Salda. Burdur and Lake Salda. In thes picturesque region, apart from wonderful trips through nature, you can enjoy water sports such as sailing and surfing and outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, hunting, horse riding, cycling and skiing.

ANTALYA HOTELS