| Turkiye & Antalya Information |
Turkiye
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 
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.
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 Turkiye 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.
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.