Antalya
Antalya is one of the largest and most
popular cities in southern Turkey. Antalya is not only
popular tourist destination, but also an important cultural
center on the Turkish Mediterranean cost.
About half an hour drive from Antalya is mountain ski resort
Saklikent, reaching 2000 meters in height. The name of
resort translated means the “Hidden city”. Saklikent
attracts local skiers and is developing as winter vacation
destination for tourists. The season lasts from the middle
of December to early April. The best thing about Saklikent
is that you can combine skiing at the mountains and
sunbathing at the beach at the same time.
In addition to beautiful beaches of Antalya, the city offers
various attractions. Especially charming is the old port and
the picturesque old town with its narrow streets leading to
the port. A visit to the bazaar and city’s parks with
magnificent waterfalls is warmly recommended.
Antalya was founded in 150 BC by King Attalos II of Pergamon
after he had vainly tried to conquer Side. Attalos II named
the city as “Attaleia”. Later in 133 BC Antalya became a
part of the Roman Empire, when King Attalos III of Pergamom
willed his kingdom to Rome after his death. The city grew
rapidly and prospered under the ruling of Ancient Rome.
Under the rule of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD) the city
received status as a separate province of the empire.
One of symbols of Antalya, a magnificent triumphal arch, was
built in 130 AD before the visit of the emperor Hadrian. It
has three arched gates but massive towers are built of
marble. Today, the gate is located on the Ataturk’s street,
at the entrance of the old town.
It was assumed that the name of the city occurred in the era
of the Roman Empire because of its frequent visits by
pirates. However, documentation has proved that it’s not
true. It is known that during the Byzantine period the city
was called Adalia.
During the Second Crusade in the 12th century, Antalya was a
rallying point for the Crusaders. In 1207 the city was
captured by Seljuks and later it was annexed to the Ottoman
Empire during the reign of Sultan Murat I in the 14th
century.
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