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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.
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. |
