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Our Natural and Cultural Heritage

ANTALYA  HISTORY

 

During the Hellenistic period, King Attalos II of Pergamon (159-138 BC) told his soldiers, "Go and find me the paradise on earth." Attalos II liked the location shown by his soldiers and, considering the strategic importance of the region, established a port city here. The city was named "Attaleia" after its founder, Attalos. Attaleia means "Land of Attalos."
In Antalya and its surroundings, there is a legacy of two lifestyles that have filtered through the centuries. When the Turks first arrived here, they immediately adapted to settled life; they established villages, towns, and cities. However, a part of the population continued the nomadic lifestyle, as was the case before the Turks came to Anatolia.
They raised animals like camels and sheep and made a living by exchanging or selling the products they produced from them with the products of the settled people. They produced meat, milk, fat, wove goat-hair tents and kilims dyed with natural root dyes. Some even planted grains and vegetables in small areas in their winter quarters. There were even large nomadic groups (tribes, clans) that raised horses for the Ottoman army.

NATURAL BEAUTIES

 

Alanya Castle

alanya kalesi1.jpg
alanya kalesi.jpg

Alanya Castle is one of the symbols of Alanya, a district of Antalya. It is located on a peninsula rising approximately 250 meters from the sea. The total length of its walls is 6.5 kilometers.


The castle was built in the Hellenistic period in the settlement of Alanya, formerly known as Kandeleri. Although the current historical texture is a 13th-century Seljuk work, the castle's history dates back to the Hellenistic period. The castle was built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, who captured and rebuilt the city in 1221. The castle has a total of 83 towers and 140 bastions. Approximately 1200 cisterns were built to supply the water needs of the city within the walls during the Middle Ages. Some of the cisterns are still in use today. The walls were constructed in a planned manner, following Ehmedek, İçkale, Adam Atacağı, Cilvarda point, Arap Evliyası, and Esat Bastion, then passing Tophane and the Shipyard, ending at the Red Tower.

Manavgat Waterfall

Manavgat Waterfall: Located in the Manavgat district of Antalya. The waterfall, which has a magnificent natural landscape, offers various nature sports such as rafting and canoeing in certain stages of the river, allowing for adventure amidst nature views.

Side Ancient City

Description: Located in the Manavgat district, Side is famous for its ancient theatre, Temple of Apollo, and harbour. Besides the historical ruins, restaurants and cafes along the coast offer visitors the opportunity to have a pleasant time.

Distance: Approximately 30 km from your hotel.

Saklıkent Canyon

Saklıkent Canyon: Located between the borders of Antalya and Fethiye, Saklıkent Canyon has a total length of 18 kilometers. If you want to plan a trip intertwined with nature, you can have a very enjoyable time in Saklıkent Canyon, where forest areas formed by red pine, cedar, and black pine trees can also be seen.

Kurşunlu Waterfall Nature Park

Kurşunlu Waterfall Nature Park: Located within the borders of Antalya's Aksu district. Kurşunlu Waterfall, where 7 small lakes merge and pour, falls from a height of approximately 20 meters. With its refreshing effect and the resulting scenery, the waterfall, one of the indispensable elements of an Antalya holiday, was opened to visitors as a nature park in 1991.

Göynük Canyon

Göynük Canyon: Located in the Kemer district of Antalya. It is situated on the Lycian Way, shown by various sources as one of the world's top 10 long-distance hiking routes. The pond creates an impressive view with its lush green waters.

Köprülü Canyon National Park

Köprülü Canyon National Park: Located in the Bozyaka neighborhood of the Manavgat district, Köprülü Canyon National Park is 25 km long. Impressing visitors with its natural beauty, Köprülü Canyon is Turkey's most popular rafting area. Rafting is a fun and exciting river sport performed on high-flow rivers with boats called rafts.

Kekova Island

Kekova Island: Located in the Demre district of Antalya. On Kekova Island, where you can enjoy both the sea and historical tours during your Mediterranean holiday, there is no construction. Offering a quite impressive visual feast with its turquoise sea, there are also sunken ancient cities around the island where entry is prohibited.

İncekum Nature Park

İncekum Nature Park: Located in the Alanya district of Antalya. It stands out among Antalya's important natural beauties. Situated at a unique point where the green of the forests meets the blue of the Mediterranean, the park is one of the ideal spots to spend time away from city life and in tranquility.

Çıralı Yanartaş (Chimera)

Çıralı Yanartaş: Located in the Kemer district of Antalya. Situated on the slopes of Çataldağ, one of Kemer's natural beauties, Çıralı Yanartaş has quite impressive features. In the area where constantly burning methane gas can be seen among the rocks on its summit, fire burns 24 hours a day.

Düden Waterfall

Düden Waterfall: Due to its captivating natural beauty, Düden Waterfall is one of Antalya's most visited tourism centers. According to a legend from 334 BC, commander Alexander the Great is said to have watered his horses here while going to conquer the Pamphylia region. There are 2 waterfalls, Lower and Upper Düden.

Tazı Canyon

Tazı Canyon: It is a canyon valley located in the Manavgat district of Antalya province. Located within the borders of Köprülü Canyon National Park, Tazı Canyon was formed by the erosion of the valley by the Köprüçay River. The formation of the canyon is estimated to date back to the glacial age. It was formed as ice masses separated, melted, and released themselves into the valleys with great energy, creating erosion and carving the insides of limestone rocks in non-calcareous areas. The length of the canyon is 4 km.

Antalya Museum

Antalya Museum is an important museum showcasing the region's rich history and archaeological finds. In its 14 exhibition halls, there are artifacts ranging from the Paleolithic Age to the Ottoman period.

Distance: Approximately 110 km from your hotel.

Termessos Ancient City

Located within Güllük Dağı National Park, Termessos is a well-preserved ancient city established in mountainous terrain. It fascinates visitors with its theatre and other structures.

Distance: Approximately 120 km from your hotel.

Patara Ancient City and Beach

Patara, the capital of the Lycian League, is famous for its wide beach and ancient ruins. It is also a nesting area for caretta caretta sea turtles.

Distance: Approximately 200 km from your hotel.

Dim Çayı (Dim River)

Located near Alanya, Dim Çayı is famous for its cool waters and surrounding restaurants. It is ideal for cooling off and spending time in nature during the summer months.

Distance: Approximately 50 km from your hotel.

Kaputaş Beach

Located between Kaş and Kalkan, Kaputaş Beach is famous for its turquoise sea and sandy beach. Formed where a natural canyon meets the sea, this beach offers postcard-worthy views.

Distance: Approximately 190 km from your hotel.

Sagalassos Ancient City

Located in the Ağlasun district of Burdur, Sagalassos hosts impressive ruins from the Roman period. It is famous for its theatre, agora, and Antonine Fountain.

Distance: Approximately 180 km from your hotel.

Karain Cave

Karain Cave, where findings from the Paleolithic Age are exhibited, is one of Turkey's largest natural caves. It is an important destination for those interested in prehistoric periods.Distance: Approximately 100 km from your hotel.

This list has been expanded for those who want to explore Antalya's historical and natural beauties more comprehensively. Each destination showcases the region's rich cultural heritage and unique

Hadrian's Gate (Üç Kapılar)

This monumental gate, built in 130 AD in memory of the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, is one of Antalya's important historical structures. It attracts attention with its triple-arched structure.

Phaselis Ancient City

Description: Located near the Kemer district, Phaselis is famous for its three different bays and ancient ruins. An old Lycian city, Phaselis takes its visitors on a journey through history with its harbours, agora, theatre, and aqueducts.

Perge Ancient City

Description: With its history dating back to the Hittite period, Perge was an important city during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Attracting attention with its colonnaded streets, theatre, stadium, and baths, the ancient city is a fascinating destination for archaeology enthusiasts.Distance: Approximately 90 km from your hotel.

Aspendos Ancient City

Description: Built in the 2nd century AD and well-preserved to this day, the Aspendos Theatre is one of the finest examples of Roman period architecture. The theatre has a capacity of approximately 15,000 spectators and is famous for its acoustics. The ancient city also features aqueducts, agoras, and baths.

Distance: Approximately 50 km from your hotel.

Saklıkent Ski Center

An ideal place for those who want to ski in the winter months, Saklıkent attracts attention with its location close to Antalya. You can ski in winter and enjoy its cool air in summer.

These visuals and descriptions will help you get a more detailed idea about places to visit in Antalya.

HISTORICAL PLACES

Antalya possesses many cultural heritage sites such as Kaleiçi, Old Antalya Houses, Yivli Minaret, Şehzade Korkut Mosque, Karatay Madrasa, Perge Ancient City, Karain Cave, Hadrian's Gate, Phaselis Ancient City, Phaselis, Aspendos Theatre, Xanthos Ancient City, Sillyon Ancient City, Alanya Castle, Myra Ancient City, Temple of Apollo, Olympos Ancient City.

AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK

Various agricultural products are grown on the fertile lands of the Antalya region. Among the agricultural products, wheat, barley, and oats are the most cultivated. Additionally, cotton, sesame, onions, peanuts, chickpeas, and vegetables are grown on over 35 thousand hectares. It is the most advanced province in greenhouse cultivation. Tomatoes, peppers, beans, eggplants, cucumbers, melons, and watermelons are grown in 32 thousand hectares of greenhouses. They are sold domestically and abroad. Antalya is very advanced in fruit growing. Antalya is the province where bananas and oranges are most grown. In addition, apples, pears, plums, quinces, peaches, apricots, grapes, oleaster, carob, cranberries, and other fruits are grown. Mandarin, lemon, grapefruit are Antalya's main sources of income; besides citrus production, olive cultivation is also quite developed.
The Antalya region, with its climatic characteristics and rich vegetation, also brings along a richness of wildlife. Deer, fox, marten, squirrel, fallow deer, wild goat, jackal, hyena, wolf, bear, partridge, quail, turtledove, wild pigeon, woodcock, francolin, blackbird, golden oriole, and crane constitute the main wildlife of the province.

TRANSPORTATION

You can reach Alanya center by taking the minibuses (dolmuş) passing in front of our facility, or cross the road and take the Manavgat minibuses to reach Manavgat.

MARKETS

A market is set up every Tuesday in Okurcalar for the local people to shop. Both textile products and local food products unique to the region are sold in this market. You can reach the established markets using public transport from the stops near the facility.

 

ATATÜRK

Our great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey.
He was born in Thessaloniki in 1881. His mother was Zübeyde Hanım, and his father was Ali Rıza Efendi.
After his military education, upon the beginning of the occupation of the homeland territories, he started the national struggle by landing in Samsun on May 19, 1919. With the opening of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, he was elected as the President of the Assembly and Government. Subsequently, with the victory of the Battle of Sakarya, he received the title of Gazi (Veteran) and Marshal. With the proclamation of the republic in 1923, he became the first President of the Republic of Turkey. He passed away physically on November 10, 1938.

NATIONAL AND RELIGIOUS VALUES

Our National Anthem, read accompanied by a moment of silence during our enthusiastically celebrated national holidays such as April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day, May 19th Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, August 30th Victory Day, and October 29th Republic Day, is also among our national values. Our National Anthem was written by Mehmet Akif Ersoy and was adopted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly on March 12, 1921. It was later composed by Osman Zeki Üngör.
Ramadan Feast and Sacrifice Feast are among the religious values.

TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFTS AND CRAFTS IN ANTALYA

Antalya, which has been a cultural basin throughout its history and maintains this characteristic today, also draws attention with the diversity of its traditional handicrafts. As a result of field research carried out in our province at various times, some of the identified handicrafts can be listed as follows;
Wooden Boat Making
Coppersmithing
Knife Making
Musical Instrument Making
Bell Making
Dowry Chest Making
Sock Knitting
Blacksmithing
Fığla Cup Making
Gılamık Weaving
Carpet Weaving
Silk Weaving
Tinsmithing
Spoon Making
Kilim Weaving
Kolan (Tablet) Weaving
Lace Making (Oya)
Gourd Processing
Quilt Making

LOCAL FOLK DANCES

Antalya region folk dances have a regional characteristic called "Teke Folklore." In the region, as in the field of music, the influence of the Yoruks is dominant in folk dances. The dances of the region consist of dances such as Mengi, Samah, Teke, Kaşık (Spoon) dances, and Zeybek, where dancers perform without holding onto each other. In the eastern districts of Antalya, Konya spoon dance tunes, Boğaz tunes, Serenler Zeybeği, Anamur Yolları, Silifke'nin Yoğurdu, Cezayir tunes are played. These dances are performed individually or collectively.

LOCAL DISHES

The basis of the Yoruk diet is determined by foods obtained from livestock and wheat. Although fresh vegetables are produced to some extent on the coastal strip, wheat and dried vegetables become more dominant as one moves towards the inner regions. It is possible to find all world cuisines in tourist hotels and restaurants in Antalya. Local dishes specific to the region are: Saç kavurması (Sheet Pan Fried Meat), Tandır kebabı (Tandoori Kebab), Kölle (boiled wheat, beans, chickpeas, and broad beans), Domates civesi (Tomato Dish), Hibeş (Tahini Dip), Arapaşı (Flour Soup with Chicken)

FESTIVITIES AND FESTIVALS

Festivals and festivities are organized in Antalya at various times. These festivals are generally summer festivities in the highlands in the upper parts of Antalya (such as Feslikan Plateau Festival, Söbüce Plateau Festival, Alanya Festivities). Besides this, the Alevi-Bektashi-Turkmen culture living in the Elmalı region also organizes festivities (such as Abdal Musa Festivities). Festivals are organized in Antalya on a local scale as well as on national and international scales. The biggest festival on a national scale is the Antalya Television Awards, which started to be organized in 2010. On an international scale, the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival is organized every year in October. In addition, the International Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival is among Turkey's only traditional and the world's largest sand sculpture events.
In Alanya, the Traditional Gökbel Oil Wrestling started to be organized in 2004 with the aim of promoting our traditional highland culture and our traditional sport, oil wrestling. In addition to the wrestling competitions, it is colored with concerts, folk dances, and various other shows, turning into a widely attended festival atmosphere followed with appreciation by thousands of people from Alanya and its surroundings every year. A Jazz festival is organized annually on an international scale. Another important festival is the Alanya Tropical Fruit Festival. At the Tropical Fruit Festival, you will have the opportunity to taste exotic fruits grown in Alanya's unique climate. With special shows and recipes presented by famous chefs, tropical flavors gain a whole new dimension. Get ready for a flavor-filled journey at this festival, an unmissable event for fruit lovers!

RULES TO FOLLOW IN NATURAL AND HISTORICAL AREAS

Protected Plant and Animal Species

Mediterranean Monk Seal, Green Sea Turtle, and Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta Caretta) are some of the animals under protection in these regions.
Some of our protected plant species include Cyclamen, Iris Flower, Sand Lily, and Narcissus.
5 endemic plants belonging to 5 Ancient cities in Antalya province have been taken under protection. These are the Vetch growing in Phaselis, Perge's Alkanna, Side's Broomrape, Aspendos's Orchid, and Termessos's Crocus.
It is inadvisable to purchase souvenirs made from protected plant and animal species.
Hunting is prohibited outside the dates permitted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
We kindly request that you do not participate in activities that separate animals from their natural habitat, such as circuses and dolphin shows.

RULES TO FOLLOW IN NATURAL AND HISTORICAL AREAS, AND MUSEUMS

Do not touch the exhibited artifacts and their bases (pedestals) in the museum and archaeological site, do not write on them.
Do not make noise.
Listen carefully to the explanations, ask your guide and (if available) museum education experts what you are curious about.
Pay attention to the warnings given in the museum/archaeological site.
Do not eat anything in the museum/archaeological site.
Do not litter.
Follow the rules of the museum you visit regarding taking photographs.
Do not climb on/touch historical ruins in open-air museums/archaeological sites.
Do not feed wild animals.
Do not disturb wild animals during your visits to natural areas.

RESPECT FOR PEOPLE

While carrying out all these activities; do not neglect the personal private spaces of women and children.
We kindly request that you be tolerant towards children in particular and avoid any behavior that could harm them.

HOW TO BEHAVE IN RELIGIOUS PLACES

We have an obligation to follow certain rules in mosques where we perform our religious worship.
One does not enter the mosque with shoes/slippers etc.
Women should cover their hair with a headscarf/kerchief etc., and care should be taken that their clothing covers their body.
One should not speak loudly.
One should be respectful to other people.

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