| 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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