Antalya

Antalya; The Enjoyable City

Welcome to the holiday paradise of the world! Relaxing beaches, stunning nature, historical sites, amazing activities and so on… This is a city where you can have all in one holiday. From Aspendos to Perge antic cities, from Manavgat to Duden Waterfalls, from Kaleici to Yivli Minare Mosque, from Kemer to Kas coastline, you can spend very enjoyable vocation in Antalya.

You can both have an amazing beach vocation in all inclusive beach hotel and also involve cultural and natural tours around the city.

HISTORY OF ANTALYA

Antalya is a city located in the southwestern coast of Turkey, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The history of Antalya dates back to the Roman period, and the city has been home to many different civilizations throughout the ages.

Antalya was initially founded in the 2nd century BC by the Attalid dynasty, who named the city Attaleia after their founder, Attalus II. During the Roman period, the city became an important commercial center, thanks to its strategic location on the coast. Antalya served as a port for the export of goods such as timber, minerals, and agricultural products to Rome and other parts of the empire.

During the Byzantine period, Antalya became an important center for Christianity. Many churches and monasteries were built in the city, including the famous Yivli Minaret Mosque, which was originally a Byzantine church.

In the 13th century, the city was conquered by the Seljuk Turks, and it became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. During the Ottoman period, Antalya underwent significant development and expansion, and many buildings and monuments were built, such as the Hadrian’s Gate, the Hidirlik Tower, and the Alaaddin Mosque.

In the early 20th century, Antalya became part of the modern Turkish Republic. Since then, the city has grown rapidly, becoming one of Turkey’s most important tourist destinations, thanks to its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and rich cultural heritage.

Today, Antalya is a bustling city with a population of over one million people, and it continues to attract visitors from all over the world. The city’s history and cultural heritage are reflected in its many museums, historic sites, and festivals, making Antalya a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Turkey.

DEMOGRAPHIC INFO OF ANTALYA

Yes, here is some demographic information about Antalya:

1. Population: As of 2021, the population of Antalya is estimated to be around 2.5 million people. The city is the fifth-largest in Turkey in terms of population.
2. Age: The median age of Antalya’s population is around 35 years old, and the city has a relatively young population compared to other parts of Turkey.
3. Ethnicity: The majority of Antalya’s population is Turkish, with smaller populations of Kurds, Arabs, and other ethnic groups.
4. Language: The official language of Antalya is Turkish, although many locals also speak English and other languages due to the city’s importance as a tourist destination.
5. Religion: The majority of Antalya’s population is Muslim, with smaller populations of Christians and other religious groups.
6. Education: Antalya has a relatively high level of education compared to other parts of Turkey, with a literacy rate of around 98%. The city is home to several universities and vocational schools.
7. Migration: Antalya has a significant population of migrants from other parts of Turkey and other countries. Many migrants come to Antalya for work in the tourism industry or to study at the city’s universities.

Overall, Antalya is a diverse city with a relatively young, well-educated population. The city has a mix of ethnic and religious groups, and many people from different parts of Turkey and other countries have made Antalya their home.

Daily Life of People in Antalya

Antalya is a beautiful coastal city located in the south-western part of Turkey. The daily life of people in Antalya is a blend of modern and traditional aspects of Turkish culture.

1. Morning Routine: People in Antalya usually start their day early in the morning, with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee, accompanied by a traditional Turkish breakfast consisting of olives, cheese, bread, and jams.
2. Work: Like any other city, people in Antalya go to work or school. The city has a thriving tourism industry, so many people work in hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies. There are also many other industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
3. Lunch: For lunch, people in Antalya often eat at local restaurants or street vendors, where they can find a variety of traditional Turkish dishes like kebab, pide, and lahmacun.
4. Afternoon Activities: In the afternoons, people in Antalya often take a break from work or school and spend time with family and friends. They may go shopping at local markets, stroll through the historic Old Town, or visit the beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean Sea.
5. Evening: The evenings are often spent enjoying the company of loved ones, eating delicious food, and sipping Turkish tea or coffee. Antalya has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and nightclubs offering entertainment until the early hours of the morning.
6. Weekends: On weekends, people in Antalya often take the opportunity to explore the beautiful natural landscapes surrounding the city, such as the Düden Waterfalls, Kursunlu Waterfall, and the Olympos National Park. They may also visit historical sites like the ancient city of Perge, the Antalya Museum, or the Hadrian’s Gate.

Overall, the daily life of people in Antalya is a harmonious blend of traditional Turkish culture and modern amenities. The city offers a laid-back and comfortable lifestyle with plenty of opportunities to explore the beauty of Turkey’s southern coast.

Cultural Heritage of Antalya

Antalya has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, spanning over thousands of years. The city has been inhabited by various civilizations throughout history, including the Lycians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans, which have all left their mark on the city’s culture and heritage.

1. Historical Sites: Antalya has numerous historical sites that are well-preserved and provide insights into the city’s past. The Old Town of Antalya, also known as Kaleiçi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features many Ottoman-era buildings, mosques, and narrow streets. Hadrian’s Gate, a Roman triumphal arch built in the 2nd century AD, is another iconic landmark in the city.
2. Museums: Antalya also has several museums that showcase its cultural heritage. The Antalya Museum is one of the largest museums in Turkey and houses artifacts from the Paleolithic era to the Ottoman period. The Museum of Ethnography displays traditional Turkish costumes, jewelry, and crafts.
3. Traditional Crafts: Antalya is known for its traditional crafts, including Turkish carpets, pottery, and leatherwork. Many of these crafts have been passed down through generations, and some craftsmen still work in the same traditional way today.
4. Festivals: Antalya hosts several festivals throughout the year that celebrate its culture and heritage. The International Antalya Film Festival, held annually in October, is one of the most prominent film festivals in Turkey. The Antalya Golden Orange Festival is another popular festival that showcases Turkish cinema and culture.
5. Cuisine: Antalya has a rich culinary heritage that includes traditional Turkish dishes like kebab, pide, and lahmacun, as well as seafood dishes from the Mediterranean Sea. The city also produces local specialties like Antalya orange, olive oil, and honey.

Overall, Antalya’s cultural heritage is a testament to the city’s rich history and the diversity of the civilizations that have inhabited it. The city’s museums, historical sites, traditional crafts, festivals, and cuisine provide visitors with a glimpse into Antalya’s vibrant and colorful past.

Antalya Festivals

Antalya hosts several festivals throughout the year that showcase the city’s cultural heritage, traditions, and modern art. Some of the most popular festivals in Antalya include:

1. International Antalya Film Festival: This is one of the most significant film festivals in Turkey, attracting a large number of visitors from around the world. The festival showcases a wide range of films, including short and feature-length movies, documentaries, and animations. It usually takes place in October, and film lovers can enjoy screenings of both domestic and international films, red carpet events, and panel discussions.
2. Antalya International Sand Sculpture Festival: This festival takes place every year between May and November. The festival features incredible sand sculptures created by talented artists from all around the world. The sculptures depict various themes, such as nature, mythology, and famous personalities. Visitors can witness the sculptures come to life, take part in workshops, and enjoy other activities.
3. Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival: This festival is another important event in the city’s cultural calendar. It is dedicated to Turkish cinema and showcases a selection of films from Turkey’s emerging filmmakers. The festival also offers workshops and panel discussions for filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts.
4. Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival: This festival takes place in the ancient Aspendos Amphitheatre, which is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman theaters in the world. The festival features various operas and ballet performances, and visitors can enjoy the breathtaking ambiance of the ancient theater.
5. Antalya Piano Festival: This festival brings together talented pianists from around the world to perform classical, jazz, and contemporary music. The festival usually takes place in November and offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of music and explore the city’s cultural heritage.

Overall, Antalya’s festivals provide visitors with an opportunity to witness the city’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy modern art, and take part in various activities. From film festivals to music events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Antalya.

Best Places to visit in Antalya

Antalya is a popular tourist destination in Turkey with a lot of attractions to offer. Here are some of the best places to visit in Antalya:

1. Old Town (Kaleici): The historic center of Antalya with narrow streets, ancient buildings, and old city walls.
2. Antalya Museum: One of the largest and most important museums in Turkey with a vast collection of artifacts from the region’s history.
3. Hadrian’s Gate: An ancient Roman triumphal arch that was built in the 2nd century AD and still stands today.
4. Duden Waterfalls: A scenic waterfall located just outside of Antalya that is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a peaceful escape from the city.
5. Antalya Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in Europe with over 40 themed aquariums and an underwater tunnel.
6. Aspendos Theatre: An ancient Roman theater that dates back to the 2nd century AD and is still used today for concerts and performances.
7. Konyaalti Beach: A popular beach located in the west of Antalya with crystal clear water and breathtaking views of the Taurus Mountains.
8. Perge: An ancient Roman city located just outside of Antalya with well-preserved ruins including a stadium, a theater, and an agora.
9. Yivli Minaret Mosque: An iconic mosque located in the heart of Antalya’s old town, famous for its unique fluted minaret.
10. Olympos: An ancient Lycian city located about 80 km southwest of Antalya with ruins of an ancient theater, Roman baths, and tombs carved into the rock.

Side Antic City

Side is an ancient city located on the southern coast of Turkey, about 75 kilometers east of Antalya. It was originally settled by the Greeks in the 7th century BC and later conquered by the Persians, the Romans, and the Byzantines.

Side was an important commercial and cultural center during the Roman period, and it was famous for its production of olives and textiles. The city was also a major port for trade and shipping, connecting the Mediterranean with the Black Sea and the Aegean.

The city is built on a peninsula and surrounded by sandy beaches and turquoise waters, which makes it a popular tourist destination. The main attractions of Side are the ancient ruins, including the Roman amphitheater, the Temple of Apollo, and the ancient agora. The amphitheater is one of the best-preserved in the region, and it could seat up to 15,000 spectators. The Temple of Apollo is a well-preserved ancient temple dedicated to the god of sun, music, and prophecy.

The ancient agora was the commercial center of the city, and it was surrounded by shops, public buildings, and temples. The agora is located in the heart of the old town, and it still preserves its ancient columns and arcades.

Visitors to Side can also explore the ancient city walls, which were built by the Romans and the Byzantines to protect the city from invaders. The walls are still visible in many parts of the city, and they offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Overall, Side is a fascinating ancient city that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Mediterranean region. Its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and picturesque old town make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Turkey.

Perge Antic City

Perge is an ancient city located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, about 18 kilometers east of Antalya. The city dates back to the 4th century BC and was an important center of trade and culture in the region.

Perge was built on a plain surrounded by mountains, with a river running through the center of the city. It was originally settled by the Hittites, but it was later conquered by the Greeks and then by the Romans. The city was at its peak during the Roman period when it became an important commercial and cultural center.

Perge was a well-planned city with a grid street system, and it was surrounded by walls with towers and gates. The city had many public buildings, including a large agora, a theater, a stadium, and several temples. The agora was the heart of the city, where people gathered for social, commercial, and political activities. The theater was used for performances and could accommodate up to 15,000 spectators.

Perge was also famous for its baths, which were among the largest and most luxurious in the Roman world. The baths had different sections for hot and cold water, and they were decorated with intricate mosaics and frescoes.

Today, visitors to Perge can explore the well-preserved ruins of the city, including the agora, the theater, the stadium, and the baths. The site is a popular tourist destination and is considered one of the most impressive ancient cities in Turkey.

Aspendos

Aspendos is an ancient city located in the Antalya Province of Turkey, about 40 kilometers east of Antalya city. The city is famous for its well-preserved ancient theater, which is considered one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world.

The theater was built in the 2nd century AD by the architect Zenon, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It could seat up to 15,000 spectators and was used for performances of drama, music, and gladiator contests. The theater has exceptional acoustics, and even today, it still hosts performances of classical music and opera.

Apart from the theater, visitors to Aspendos can explore the ruins of the ancient city, which was an important center of trade and culture during the Roman period. The city was located on a strategic location on the banks of the river Eurymedon, which made it an important port for trade and shipping.

The city had a well-planned street system, public buildings, and residential areas. The ruins include a large agora, a basilica, a nymphaeum, and several other public buildings. The city walls and gates are also well-preserved, and they offer visitors a glimpse into the impressive defensive system of the city.

In addition to the ancient ruins, Aspendos also has a beautiful natural setting, with the Taurus Mountains in the background and the Eurymedon River flowing nearby. The countryside around Aspendos is also dotted with fields of orange and lemon trees, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.

Overall, Aspendos is a fascinating ancient city that offers visitors a unique insight into the rich history and culture of the Mediterranean region. Its well-preserved theater, ancient ruins, and stunning natural setting make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Turkey.

Hadrian Gate

The Hadrian’s Gate is a well-known landmark in Antalya, Turkey, and is an ancient Roman triumphal arch located in the city’s historic center. The gate was built in the 2nd century AD to honor the visit of Emperor Hadrian, who had traveled to the city during his tour of the Roman Empire.

The gate is made of white marble and features three arched passages. The central arch is the largest and is flanked by two smaller ones on either side. The arch is decorated with intricate carvings and reliefs, including depictions of mythological figures such as Medusa and the three Graces.

Above the central arch is a dedicatory inscription in Latin, which translates to “The Emperor Caesar Publius Aelius Trajanus Hadrianus Augustus, son of the deified Trajan, conqueror of Parthia, grandson of the deified Nerva, pontifex maximus, holding the tribunician power for the fourteenth time, consul for the third time, father of the country, dedicated this gate.”

Today, the Hadrian’s Gate is a popular tourist attraction in Antalya and is considered one of the city’s most important landmarks. It is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular spot for visitors to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city.

Duden Waterfall

The Duden Waterfall is a stunning natural wonder located just outside of Antalya, Turkey. It is formed by the Duden River, which flows from the Taurus Mountains and empties into the Mediterranean Sea. The waterfall is actually made up of two separate cascades, the Upper Duden Waterfall and the Lower Duden Waterfall, each with its own unique characteristics.

The Upper Duden Waterfall is located in the forested area north of Antalya and is the larger of the two cascades, measuring around 15 meters in height. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a beautiful view of the valley below. Visitors can walk along the path that leads to the waterfall and take in the stunning scenery. There is also a small cave behind the waterfall that visitors can explore.

The Lower Duden Waterfall, on the other hand, is located near the coast, where the Duden River empties into the Mediterranean Sea. The waterfall is around 10 meters high and drops directly into the sea. Visitors can take a boat tour from the harbor in Antalya to get a closer view of the waterfall and enjoy the refreshing mist created by the cascading water.

Both waterfalls are surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and are popular tourist attractions in Antalya. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful picnic, take a refreshing dip in the river, or simply relax and take in the stunning views. The Duden Waterfall is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Antalya.

The Yivli Minaret Mosque

The Yivli Minaret Mosque is an iconic historical landmark located in the city of Antalya, Turkey. The mosque, also known as the Alaaddin Mosque, was built in the 13th century during the Seljuk period and is famous for its unique minaret that is covered in fluted tiles.

The mosque was built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad I and was originally a complex that included a mosque, a madrasa (Islamic school), and a hospital. The complex was later expanded by other rulers and served as an important center for religious and educational activities for centuries.

The mosque’s minaret is the most striking feature of the complex, with its fluted tiles and cylindrical shape. The minaret is around 38 meters tall and is topped with a conical cap. The mosque’s interior is also beautifully decorated, with intricate calligraphy and colorful tiles covering the walls and ceilings.

Today, the Yivli Minaret Mosque is still an active mosque and is open to visitors for prayer and sightseeing. It is also a popular tourist attraction in Antalya and is considered one of the city’s most important historical landmarks. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mosque to learn more about its history and significance in Turkish Islamic architecture.

Kaleici

Kaleici is the historic old town of Antalya, located within the city walls that date back to Roman times. It is a charming neighborhood of narrow, winding streets and alleys, traditional Ottoman-era houses, and ancient ruins that have been preserved over the centuries.

The word “Kaleici” means “inside the castle,” and it was the heart of the city during the Ottoman and Roman eras. The neighborhood is divided into two main parts: the Upper Kaleici, located on the hill overlooking the harbor, and the Lower Kaleici, which is closer to the sea. Both areas are filled with historical landmarks, including the Hadrian’s Gate, the Yivli Minaret Mosque, and the Hidirlik Tower, which is believed to date back to the Roman era.

Kaleici is a popular tourist destination in Antalya and is known for its unique atmosphere and cultural heritage. The neighborhood is home to many restaurants, cafes, and shops that offer traditional Turkish cuisine, souvenirs, and handmade goods. Visitors can explore the narrow streets and alleyways, take in the stunning architecture, and visit the many historical landmarks and museums located within the neighborhood.

Overall, Kaleici is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Antalya, as it offers a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural and architectural history. It is a beautiful and fascinating neighborhood that has been lovingly preserved over the centuries, and it is a true gem of the Mediterranean.

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