Antalya

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Facts about Antalya

The Turkish Riviera

Antalya and the surrounding regions are among the oldest inhabited regions of the world. Excavations around the Karain Caves or Karain Mağarası region have revealed the existence of human inhabitation as far back as the Palaeolithic period. Although Antalya is a newer city than many on the Turkish coast, it is one of the flourishing towns and attracts more visitors each year than the Turkish capital.

The coastal township of Antalya was founded in the first century BC by Attalus II of Pergamum. Attalus named the city Attaleia. With the Roman conquest of the Pergamene kingdom, Attaleia was taken over by the Romans and added their indelible touch to the cityscape. In about 130 AD the Roman Emperor Hadrian visited Attaleia and the Hadrian’s Gate was raised to commemorate the emperor’s visit.

With the Byzantine Empire coming up, Attaleia became part of the empire and later in about 1207 the city became the seat of a territorial struggle between the Seljuk Turks from Konya and the Byzentine Empire. The Turks gained possession of the city and renamed it Antalya.

The city’s first recorded use of the Yivle Minare its ensign of the Grooved Minaret is traced back to the Seljuk Turks. Through the late 13^th and the 14^th centuries, Antalya went through a time of political turbulence. Antalya changed hands from the Seljuk Turks to the Turkish Hamidoğullari emirs and later passed on to the Ottoman Turks in about 1391. To the end of the World War I, the Ottoman Empire fell apart and Antalya became part of Italy in 1918. By 1921, Antalya became part of Turkey. Since the 1970s the Turkish government has undertaken many developmental projects and the city has grown to be a preferred international tourist destination.  

Getting To & Around Antalya

The Antalya International Airport (AYT) serves more international passengers than the airport of the country’s capital, Istanbul. Not for nothing has Antalya been called the Capital of Turkish Tourism. With two international terminals and one domestic terminal, the airport is at a distance of about 6 miles from the city. Antalya can also be reached by taking on of the intercity buses from other Turkish Cities, the Intercity Terminal – Sehirlerarasi Terminal is the long distance bus station while other buses getting to the Yeni Garai are short distance buses. Within the city a number of private buses, cabs, and minibuses serve as transport options.  

Exploring Antalya

To know why Antalya is called the Capital of Turkish Tourism you only need to land here at the Turquoise Coast. Kaleiçi, the historic part of the city is best explored on foot. The ancient Greek and Turkish architecture has been painstakingly preserved in this part of the city. The old houses of the Ottoman era have been restored and now serve as cafes, houses, and shops. The old city walls and the fortress gates, the Kale Kapisi, are reminiscent of the political unrest the city has experienced. A sprawling and bustling market, called Iki Kapilar Hani by the locals now sets the background for this old city. The Clock Tower, Saat Kalesi, is an ancient and noted one. Hadrian’s Gate, the three-faceted marble arched gates were built in 130 BC to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian who had visited the city. The 18^th century mosque in Kaleici, the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Camii is a beautiful example of ancient Islamic architecture. Despite the renovations of the 19^th and 20^th century, the mosque retains an olde worlde charm and the aura of serenity. Do not miss the imposing statue of Attalus II of Pergamum, the king who founded the city right at the center of Kaleici. The Kesik Minare or the Broken Minaret mosque and the Yivli Minare Mosque are must-visit attracts in this part of the city. The latter has become the iconic image most associated with Antalya. Built by the Seljuk Turks, this blue tiled mosque usually tops the itineraries of tourists. The Suna & İnan Kiraç Kaleiçi Museum is another attraction that fascinates tourists in this part of the city. The three favorite beaches of Antalya are Lara, Konyaaltı, and Karpuzkaldıran. The beaches are long, sandy, and pristine and great for some water sports. The beaches are warm and sunny in summers and make for a relaxing picnic. Besides the beaches, Antalya is a great destination for museum-lovers. The Antalya Museum on Konyaalti Cadesi is a great place to start. A short walk to the west of the city center will lead you to what could possibly be the most comprehensive display of Greek mythological artifacts outside Greece. Exhibits from the Stone Age to the Byzantine Empire Greece are on display here. The Antalya Toy Museum is sure to fascinate children and young adults. Also a visit to the Dedeman Aquapark becomes imperative. This has the distinction of being the largest aquapark of the Middle East region. The Karaalioğlu Parkı, a flower garden is great for a pleasant evening stroll.  

Activities to do in Antalya

 For those who love the blue bright seas, Antalya is paradise. Yatchs from Kaleci offer excursions as far as Olympos, kale, Kas, Kemer and Phaselis. Exploring the Gulf of Antalya in one of these cruises could offer you a day long excursion. Do try the traditional Turkish Hamams (baths) in Antalya. Both, the Sefa Hamam and the Balik Pazari Hamam are old and offer oil massages, peels, and traditional baths. Tourists in Antalya around September – October are well advised to catch the Golden Orange Film Festival hosted here.  

Dining Options In Antalya

Accommodation options in Antalya

Luxury Hotels Mardan Palace Antalya, Kundu Köyü Oteller Mevkii, 07110 www.mardanpalace.com 90-242-3104100   The Marmara Antalya, Sirinyali Mah. Lara Antalya 07160 www.themarmarahotels.com 90-242-2493600   Rixos Downtown Antalya, Sakıp Sabancı Blv 18  Konyaaltı Sahili 07050 www.rixos.com/en/rixos-downtown-antalya-hotel 90-242-2494949   Economy Hotels Aspen Hotel, Kilincaslan Mh, Mermerli Sok No:25, 07100 www.aspenhotel.com.tr 90-242-2470590   Lara Hotel, Guzeloba Mh. Lara Cad.No.346, Karpuzkaldiran mevki, 07230 www.laraotel.com/ 90-242-349 2930   B & B Ates Pension, Yeni Camii Caddesi No 3, Kas www.atespension.com 90-242-8361393   Flower Pension, Patara, Antalya 07965 www.pataraflowerpension.com 90-530-5110206 Last Updated on: November 25, 2013