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Antalya
The Antalya Region, offering all the mysticism of past in our day, is now called
the "Turkish Riviera" due to its archaeological and natural beauties. Antalya is
the place where sea, sun, history and nature constitute a perfect harmony and
which also includes the most beautiful and clearest coast along the
Medditerranean. The city still preserves its importance as a centre throughout
history in the south coast of the country, in addition to its wonderful natural
beauties. The mythological city which housed the Gods and Goddesses now exhibits
all its secrets and marvels to mankind.
Antalya is located in the west of the Medditerranean region. In ancient times it
covered all Pamphylia which means "the land of all tribes". The land really
deserves the name since it has witnessed many successive civilizations
throughout history. In 1st century BC the Pergamum king Attalus ordered his men
to find the most beautiful piece of land on earth; he wanted them to find "heaven
on earth". After a long search all over the world, they discovered this land and
said "This must be 'Heaven' " and King Attalus founded the city giving it the
name "Attaleia". From then on many nations kept their eyes on the city. When the
Romans took over the Pergamene Kingdom, Attaleia became an outstanding Roman
city which the great Roman Emperor Hadrian visited in 130 AD; an arch was built
in his honour which is now worth seeing. Then came the Byzantines, after which
the Seljuk Turks took over the city in 1207 and gave it a different name, Adalya,
and built the Yivli Minaret. The Ottomans followed the Seljuks and finally
within the Turkish Republic it became a Turkish city and an important port.
Antalya has been growing rapidly since 1960 and its population is 1,146,109
acccording to the 1990 census.
The climate of the province is typical Medditerranean: hot and dry in summers
and temperate and rainy in winters. Sunshine is guaranteed from April to October
and the winters are pleasantly mild. The humidity is a little bit high, about
64%, and the average water temperature is 21.5 °C. Antalya is really a heavenly
place where the summer season is about 8-9 months long.
Transportation
You may reach Antalya from almost every city of the country, and even from
little towns, coach companies going to Antalya are available.
Antalya has an international airport which may connect you to major cities. It
has modern facilities including waiting rooms, restaurants, cafebar, and a
shopping centre.
When traveling by sea, one can use the AntalyaVenice Ferryboat line.
Touristic Attractions
Antalya and its surrounding is an important and noteworthy touristic centre on
the Mediterranean Coast with its perfect climate and splendid harmony of
archaeological, historical and natural beauties, throughout the year. Daily
tours to surrounding touristic areas like Side, Alanya and Termessos are
available, in addition to longer tours to Pamukkale or Cappadocia or anywhere
you would like to go. Proffessional tourist guides are also available.
Sightseeing
City Walls: The memorial Hadrian Arch and The Clock Tower are remarkable and
date back to Hellenistic era.
Kaleici: This is the nucleus of a city which embraced many civilizations during
time. It is now restored and has became a most attractive touristic centre with
its hotels, restaurants, shopping and entertainment facilities. Kalei,ci retains
all the original ancient Turkish archaeological characteristics. The port's
marina has been completely restored and is wellworth visiting. The restoration
activities in Kaleici won the Golden Apple Prize, the Oscar of tourism.
Antalya Museum: A prize winning museum and one of the most notable archaeology
museums, of the world. It is also the only museum in Turkey with a children's
department exhibiting ancient monuments appealing to children.
Hadrian's Gate: This ornamental marble arch was constructed in 2nd century BC by
the Romans in honour of the Emperor Hadrian. It is the most amazing area in the
whole ancient Pamphylia region.
Kesik Minaret (Broken Minaret): Once a Byzantine Panaglia church, later
converted into a mosque.
Yivli Minaret: This fluted minaret of 13th century was built by the Seljuks.
Decorated with dark blue and turquouise tiles, the minaret eventually became the
symbol of the city.
Karatay Medresesi, Hidirilk Tower, Ahi Yusuf Mescidi, Iskele Mosque, Murat Pasa
Mosque, Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque, Balibey Mosque, Musellim Mosque, Seyh Sinan
Efendi Mosque and Osman Efendi Mosque are other places to be visited.
"Han"s are Seljuk or Ottoman inns which have architectural significance. Some
worth visiting are the Evdir Han, Klrkoz Han, Alara Han and Castle and Sarapsu (Serapsu)
Han.
Ancient Cities
Termessos: It is a Pisidyan city with remnants of an agora, theatre and an odion.
It has a reputation of being the most magnificent necropolis on the
Mediterranean, 35 kms northwest of Antalya.
Perge: 18 kms northeast of Antalya. The ruins are spread on two hills, the
theatre on one and the acropolis on the other. According to the legend the city
was built by three heros from Troy.
Sillyon: 34 kms from Antalya on the Alanya direction. It is situated between
Aspendos and Perge and dates back to 4th.century BC.
Aspendos: One of the most important Pamphilian cities. It is situated on the
point where the Kopru River meets the sea. Once an important port and a
commercal centre, it has a reputation for raising the best horses on earth. The
odeon, basilica, galleria and fountains are worth seeing.
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