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Antalya
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Set amid amazing scenery of sharp contrasts, Antalya,
Turkey's principal holiday resort, is an attractive city with
shady palm-lined boulevards and a prize-winning marina. On the
picturesque old quarter, Kaleici, has narrow, winding streets
and old wooden houses abut the ancient city walls.
Since its founding in the second century B.C. by Attalos
II, a king of Pergamon, who named the city Attaleia after
himself, Antalya has been continuously inhabited. The Romans,
Byzantines and Seljuks successively occupied the city before
it came under Ottoman rule. The elegant, fluted minaret of the
Yivli Minareli Mosque in the center of the city, built by the
Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century, has
become Antalyas symbol. The Karatay Medrese (theological
college) in the Kaleici district, from the same period,
exemplifies the best of Seljuk stone carving. The two most
important Ottoman mosques in the city are the 16th century
Murat Pasa Mosque, remarkable for its tile decoration, and the
18th century Tekeli Mehmet Pa5a Mosque. Neighboring the
marina, the attractive late 19th century Iskele Mosque is
built of cut stone and set on four pillars over a natural
spring. The Hidirlik Kulesi (tower) probably was originally
constructed as a lighthouse in the second century. The Kesik
Minaret Mosque attests to the city's long history in its
succession of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman
renovations.
When Emperor Hadrian visited Antalya in 130 A.D. a
beautifully decorated three-arched gate was built into the
city walls in his honor. Near the marina the two towers
flanking the gate and other sections of the walls still stand.
The clock tower in Kalekapisi Square was also part of the old
city's fortifications. |
In the Ataturk and KaraaIioglu Parks, with their colorful
exotic flowers and the bay's shimmering water in front of you
and the mountains behind, you will have no doubt why Antalya
has become such a popular resort. Aqua Park, on the eastern
coast, has every kind of water sport, including many
interesting water-slides.
The award-winning Antalya Kaleici Marina and Leisure
Center is considered one of the loveliest marinas in Turkey.
This center can well meet every tourist's need with its many
souvenir shops, friendly cafes and restaurants as well as
yacht moorings and services. Sail in the morning and enjoy the
restful peace of the marina in the afternoon. The old city
walls, lit at night, lend an atmosphere of serenity and
timelessness. The Archaeological Museum, with remains from the
Paleolithic Age to Ottoman times, offers a glimpse of the
area's rich history. The Ataturk Museum displays objects used
by the founder of the Turkish Republic. (Both open weekdays
except Monday)
The Antalya Altin Portakal (Golden Orange) Film and Art
Festival, held in the autumn, attracts both participants and
visitors. The ancient theater in Aspendos makes an impressive
setting for some of the festival's plays and concerts. Antalya
also hosts annual jewelery fairs. |
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