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ANTALYA & TURKEY
The ancients called it Asia Minor - that land mass procuring from the depths of Asia into the defined by the Black Sea to the North, the Aegean to the West and The deserts of Arabia to the South.
Since the dawn of time, this land mountain ranges, high plateaus and fertile river valleys that has been dividing line between the Orient and Occident. The Persian King of Kings, Xerxes, crossed westwards with his Asian hoards on their way to victory at Thermopylae and defeat at Salamis; Alexander the Great reversed that movement when he led his Macedonians eastward across Anatolia as far as India in pursuit of his world empire, giving the land its Hellenic stamp.
The Romans too, saw in Anatolia a granary and bulwark against their traditional enemies to the East; It was at Zela, east of Ankara, that Caesar uttered his famous words: “Veni, Vidi, Vici,”.
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Anatolia was also the nucleus of the 1000 year Byzantine Empire, with its capital established at Constantinople, and it was here, too, that early Christianity first took root, only to be replaced
with the advent of Islam, first under the Arabs, and then under the Seljuk and Ottoman Turks,who pushed the frontiers of their empire from the Persian Gulf to the Atlantic and from the Indian Ocean to Vienna. Slowly but surely, however, territorial gains were whittled away, until nothing remained but the spirits of the Turks under leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to reestablish modern Turkey in the ancient landscape of Anatolia.
Modern-day Turkey is a marriage of the character of ancient Anatolian civilizations and the progressive secular democracy and reforms launched by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the father of the
Turks. The country is a fusion of vibrant Mediterranean cultures and the enchantment of the East, a combination of the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the international cities and the beautiful simplicity of village life.
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Turkey is a country that will begin the new century with a remarkable record of selftransformation
behind it and almost limitless opportunities ahead. It has made startling political, economical and social progress in the last 75 years since Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, embarked
on a conscious quest to catch up with the most advanced countries of the world. Its market economy is successful and expanding at a rapid rate, creating a model for the emerging economies of the neighboring countries.
Given the New World order, the geopolitical position of Turkey makes it as important a cultural crossroads today as it was in Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman times. It’s vital position as a link between East and West gives the country great symbolic power as host site for International Congresses.
The Republic of Turkey was born in 1923 from the heartland of the vanquished Ottoman Empire out of a fierce resolve never to submit to foreign rule. In one generation, the new Turkey completed the westernization of its institution, achieved economic independence and established a secular democracy that gave the vote to women as early as 1932. One of the most important steps in this national transformation was the adaptation of the Latin alphabet in 1928.
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Secular Turkey is a tolerant state that guarantees freedom of the thought and belief. Religious extremism has no place. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchal, the leader of Eastern Christianity, has remained in Istanbul since Byzantine times.
The country's citizens include a
wide variety of Christian sects and Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews.
Today, the nation looks boldly towards the future, embracing the role not of the dividing line between east and west, but a bridge between them. mall and large streams emerging from the west side of the Taurus water the plains on their
journey to the Mediterranean.
This translucent running water, cascading into the sea at points
along the coast, is another attractive sight.
The plant life of Antalya is extremely varied. Every kind of tropical plant can be found along the coast. Visitors to Antalya are struck by the size attained by the different species of cactus.
When you reach the foothills of the Taurus, you will see they are covered in the typical Mediterranean maquis, while the forests are full of thriving oaks and pine trees. The cotton and sesame plantations and citrus and banana groves of the plains have a beauty of their own.
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 Mediterranean. 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. The city of Antalya stretches along the bay bearing its
name, and is built at 39 meters altitude on a rocky coastline. One is immediately struck by
the Taurus Mountains rising to 3086 meters above this coastline, interspersed with valleys of
varying sizes. Land and sea everywhere meet the beaches stretching for miles or the steep
cliffs. The Taurus Mountains against the blue backdrop of the sky, the precipices and
especially the caves close to the sea add another dimension to the beauty of the region.
In Antalya the four seasons only appear on the calendar, as there is no real winter here, so
much so that when in 1985 for the first time in 60 years snow fell, it was front-page news.
The summers are hot and rainless while the other months are warm and often rainy, with a
mean annual temperature of 18.7 °C. On average there is no rain for 309.5 days a year. It is
very rare for the temperature to drop below zero. During the last 40 years the highest
recorded temperature was 44.6 °C. In Antalya the average humidity rate is 64%, whereas the
seat temperatures are 17.6 °C in January, 18.0 °C in April, 27.7 °C in August and 24.5 °C in
September.
ANTALYA; SHORES OF HISTORY |
The coastline in southern Turkey around the Mediterranean is known as the Turquoise Coast
because of the unnatural brilliance of its crystal-clear waters. Centre of this famous coastal
strip is Antalya, a charming city hetered by the rugged snow- capped Taurus mountain chain,
which seems to hold its beaches in place. Antalya was founded in the 2nd century, it played
an important role in the famed Lycian Confederation and in the past hosted Romans,
Byzantines and Selçuk Turks in the style.
Today with 300 days of sunshine, spectacular scenery, exotic gardens parks and charming
bays, Antalya, backed by glossy hotels and shady palm-lined boulevards offers a concert of
choices. Unspoiled beaches and coves, historic monuments, golf clubs and convention
centers are popular throughout the year. The buzz of beach activities, the sight of elegant
yachts moored side-by-side with small colorful fishing boats in the old harbor makes Antalya
one of the great resorts of the world.
Antalya is the center for exotic ports of call within easy access by sea or land. Tours to the
ancient sites of Pamphylia are a must, Side (50 km), Perge (17 km) or Termessos. Aspendos
(45 km) is the best preserved ancient theatre in Turkey where spectacular performances take
place on different occasions or privately for your special event in this historical setting. A
day sailing to Phaselis, a magnificent archaeological site where the ruins, pine forest and sea
blend into a picture of pleasure under the hot Mediterranean sun.
Antalya is an ideal location, for it combines natural and historical beauties with modern
facilities. Discover the shores of history...
ANTALYA; SKY IS THE LIMIT |
Antalya with its sunny days, warm romantic nights, sandy beaches, blue skies and historical
sites is the perfect background for day time activities and theme parties.
For the adventurous, there is a Jeep Safari to the Taurus Mountains through green forests and
rocky mountains, pass isolated villages and deep river gorges into the glorious wilderness of
the country-side. The day ends with a hearty barbecue dinner.
Rafting is very popular amongst the Turks. In Köprülü Canyon National Park, the rivers
strong flowing waters will carry the rafters from Bes Konak 45 km high in the Taurus
mountains to a point where the river enters Mediterranean.
Antalya's warm Mediterranean climate and green lush countryside guarantees perfect
golfing throughout the year. The excellent International standards of the golf and leisure
facilities at the National Golf Club has gained world -wide recognition and is now home to
International Cup Games attracting the most famous names and faces in the golf world.
Within close proximity to the Golf Club are many luxurious hotels providing high standard
accommodation and a wide range of leisure facilities.
ANTALYA; THE MEDITERRANEAN ZEST |
Dining in Antalya means outdoor eating. Side-walks overflow with street cafes, attractive
gardens open their doors, hotel balconies groan as clients rush for tables with breathtaking
views, candle-light background music, stripped summer blinds add to warm romantic
atmosphere. Antalya comes alive at night and dining is a memorable experience. There are
many excellent places to dine and wine. La Notte, a favorite traditional Turkish villa in the
old-city marina, with is authentic nostalgic charm and excellent cuisine ensures a delightful
evening.
The King’s Table is a popular restaurant with Turkish high-filers. Famous for its seafood
dishes, there is always a crowd on its spacious balconies. The fashionable crowd frequent
Club 29, center of Antalya's night life, a converted basilica in the marina with its swimming
pool and popular crowded night club to name a few of the many restaurant in the award
winning historical harbor of Antalya.
Similar treats are available at the marina of Kemer, in the town of Side and all the deluxe
holiday hotels.
Dining in Antalya exceeds the restaurants for the many unique, natural and historical
locations can be used exclusively for Theme Parties and Gala Dinners. From a beach shore
to an antique theatre, from a nomad tent to the side of a waterfall, Antalya has breath taking
settings. The sun and the stars invite you to enjoy your meal.
ANTALYA; THE BLUE ESCAPADE |
A relaxing day spent cruising along the brilliant blue sea to the romantic old village of
Phaselis. Associated with the since the 6th century, its harbor flourished for centuries. Most
of the important buildings, city walls, arches of the aqueduct are barely visible under the lush
vegetation. Ancient baths and the auditorium peep under clusters of pines, swimming or
sunbathing amongst the ruins is a joy, lunch aboard the yacht, a feast.
Turkey's many modern marinas scattered along the Aegean and Mediterranean shores help
yachts to sail into unspoiled bays and virgin beaches. Motor yachts, bare sailboats or gullets
are in great demand and can be hired with or without a crew. Guest, traditional wood crafts
were built specifically for sailing in the Mediterranean waters. Modern gullets are equipped
with all the mod cons necessary for comfort at sea and can according to size accommodate 8
to 12 people. Fixed departures as well as tailor-made cruise programs can be arranged.
Antalya and its surrounding is an important and noteworthy touristic center 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. Professional tourist guides are also available.
CITY WALLS: The memorial Hadrian Arch and The Clock Tower are remarkable and date
back to Hellenistic era.
KALEİÇİ: This is the nucleus of a city, which embraced many civilizations during time. It is
now restored and has become a most attractive touristic centre with its hotels, restaurants,
shopping and entertainment facilities. Kaleiçi retains all the original ancient Turkish
archaeological characteristics. The port's marina has been completely restored and is well
worth visiting. The restoration activities in Kaleiçi won the Golden Apple Prize.
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 honor of the Emperor Hadrian. It is the most amazing area in the whole
ancient Pamphylia region.
KESİK MINARET (BROKEN MINARET): Once a Byzantine Panaglia church, later
converted into a mosque.
YİVLİ MINARET: This fluted minaret of 13th century was built by the Seljuks. Decorated
with dark blue and turquoise 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, Kirköz Han, Alara Han and Castle and Sarapsu Han.
TERMESOS: It is a Pisidyan city with remnants of an agora, theatre and an odeon. 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 heroes
from Troy.
SİLYON: 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 Köprü River meets the sea. Once an important port and a commercial center, it has a
reputation for raising the best horses on earth. The odeon, basilica, galleria and fountains are
worth seeing.
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