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ALL TURKEY TOURS |
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INFORMATION |
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ANTALYA;
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 to by Palaeolithic
finds discovered in the nearby Karain and Beldibi caves and
Early Bronze Age finds discovered at Semahöyük.
Today it is part on Turkey’s "Gold 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..."
Acts xiv 24-26). In 130 A.D., Hadrian visited the city
during his peregrinations of his empire and to this we owe
the monumental arch (7) 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 Hidirlik
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 interested 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
40 kilometers, and Side located 80 kilometers along the road
to Alanya; and cities like Selge and Syllion located
somewhat inland are but a few examples. In the direction of
Kemer is Phaselis, a marvelous archaeological site where one
may enjoy the ruins in the atmosphere of a seaside pine
forest. In addition there are a number of scenic spots of
natural beauty such as the waterfalls at Duden, Kursunlu and
Manavgat, which are a delight to visit on a hot,
Mediterranean summer day. |
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