Antalya Province: A Gateway to Ancient Civilizations
Antalya Province, located in southwest Türkiye along the Mediterranean coast, has a rich historical legacy. Once home to the ancient lands of Pamphylia in the east and Lycia in the west, the region has been ruled by numerous civilizations over millennia. Today, it boasts some of the most stunning archaeological sites and ancient ruins in the world.
Kaleiçi: The Historic Heart of Antalya
Antalya, originally known as Attalia, was founded as a seaport in the 2nd century BC by King Attalus II of Pergamum. However, recent excavations suggest its history dates back to the 5th century BC. The city was later bequeathed to the Romans and subsequently ruled by the Seljuks and Ottomans.
Kaleiçi, the historic center of Antalya, showcases remnants of its rich past. The ancient walls that once enclosed the city remain standing, with Hadrian’s Gate, built in AD 130, serving as its only surviving entrance. Other notable landmarks include:
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- Yivli Minaret Complex (Yivli Minare Külliyesi): A collection of Seljuk-period structures, including the iconic 40m tall Yivli Minaret, a symbol of Antalya.
- Karaalioğlu Park: A scenic park housing the Hıdırlık Tower, a 2nd-century AD fortification that also functioned as a lighthouse.
Xanthos and Letoon: A UNESCO Heritage Treasure
Located in southwest Antalya, Xanthos and its religious sanctuary, Letoon, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1988. Xanthos, dating back to 3,000 BC, was the capital of the ancient Lycian kingdom and features remarkable Hellenistic and Roman structures, including:
- Xanthos Theatre
- Roman Agora
- Unique Funerary Mausoleum
Letoon, an important religious site, contains temples dedicated to Artemis, Apollo, and their mother, Leto. The site also boasts ancient inscriptions in the Lycian language, some of the longest and most significant of their kind.
Myra and Patara: The Legacy of Saint Nicholas
Antalya is home to several sites significant to early Christianity, most notably Myra and Patara.
- Patara: Known as the birthplace of Saint Nicholas in the 3rd century AD, Patara was a major city in Lycia. It was the capital of Lycia during the Roman era and the center of the Lycian League, the earliest known example of democracy. Other highlights include:
- The world’s oldest surviving lighthouse, built by Emperor Nero in AD 46
- Its reputation as the mythical birthplace of Apollo
- A major harbor and trade hub in antiquity
- Myra: Famous for its rock-cut Lycian tombs and ruins from the Roman period, Myra is where Saint Nicholas served as a bishop. The Saint Nicholas Church, built in the 6th century, remains an important example of Eastern Roman art and architecture.
Other Historical Gems in Antalya
Antalya is home to many other impressive archaeological sites, including:
- Seljuk Architecture: Alara Castle and Alanya Castle
- Classical Antiquity Sites: Perge, Aspendos, Termessos, and Side
- Lycian Settlements: Arykanda, Limyra, Olympus, Phaselis, Sillyon, and Simena
The Ancient Past at Karain Cave
Located 30 km northwest of Antalya, Karain Cave provides evidence of human occupation stretching back 25,000 years. It also contains traces of Neanderthal presence from hundreds of thousands of years ago, making it one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the region.
Antalya Archaeological Museum: A Journey Through Time
A trip to Antalya would be incomplete without visiting the Antalya Archaeological Museum. Founded in 1922, this museum spans 30,000m² and features 14 exhibition halls, open-air galleries, and a garden. It houses an extensive collection of sculptures, artworks, and historical artifacts, offering a comprehensive glimpse into Antalya’s rich past.
Antalya Province is a treasure trove of historical wonders, from ancient Lycian tombs and Roman ruins to medieval fortresses and prehistoric caves. Whether exploring its well-preserved ruins or its vibrant museum collections, visitors can witness thousands of years of history come to life.
