Tourist Information
The Mediterranean coast is often called the country's "Riviera" and deserves
this name with a mild climate and it's hundreds of miles that curves gently
from west to east. Backed up by the majestic Taurus mountains it mixes
rocky headlands and secluded coves with an abundance of long sandy beaches.
Turkey's riviera is also a national treasure. Even the generosity of nature
has trouble matching the richness of the legacy left here by past civilizations,
from Paleolithic remains to Alexander the Great and early Christians. Amphitheater's,
buried cities, cliff top caving, marble temples and sacred churches. The
range of remainders from the history is astonishingly varied, each one
a voice speaking of the great artistry and high culture of past generations.
Antalya as the center of the area has witnessed settlements
since Paleolithic age. It has been under prevailing of Lidas in the 7th
century B.C. of Pers in 546 B.C. and of Alexander in 333 B.C. After
the death of Alexander during the era of the King Attalos of Bergama, a
new city was constructed named Attelia. Until the 4th century A.D. it has
been devastated by Arabian incursions. It has been invaded by Byzantine
in 1207 A.D. The most important ruins of the city are: the Hadrianus Gate,
city walls, Kesik and Yivli Mosque which is accepted as the city symbol.
The major points of the Mediterranean coasts are :
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Antalya
The main city along the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is a major
seaside resort with a beautiful harbor. This attractive restored town received
the Golden Apple Award from the world federation of travel writers and
journalists in 1984. Still standing on the cliffs that surround Antalya
are the ancient city walls and ramparts built by the Greeks. In town stands
the 13th century Alaeddin Mosque and Hadrian's Gate that was built in honor
of the Emperor's visit in 130 A.D. |
Aspendos
The theater of Aspendos, built in the second century by Xenon, is one of
the best preserved in the world. It seats 15.000 people and has remained
perfectly intact for 1800 years while earthquakes, war and time have mostly
destroyed the surrounding monuments. The theater's acoustics is so perfect
that a coin dropped from the orchestra pit can be clearly heard in the
galleries.
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Demre
Known in ancient times as Myra, this important Lycian city was visited
by St. Paul during his first journey to Rome. In the third century St.
Nicholas served as bishop of Myra. Upon his death, Theodosius II made Myra
the capital city of Lycia. The Basilica of St. Nicholas remains today in
almost its original 11th century form. Nearby, you can still visit the
vast Roman theater that was built against the side of a cliff. In addition,
some of the finest examples of Lycian funeral architecture can be found
here. The 4th century B.C. Lycian tombs, carved into the rocky hillside
in tower formation, has well-preserved inscriptions and friezes of the
family members once buried there. |
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Kalkan
This fishing village is known not so much as a stopping point, but more
as a drifting point through its many small coves and beaches on the way
to Kas. It is also located in a splendid natural setting close to the important
Lycian capital of Xanthos. Although many of the remains of its ancient
splendor were taken in 1842 to the British Museum, some were left behind
such as the "Harpies Tomb" & Xanthian Steele with its 250 lines of
Lycian script. |
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Kas
This pleasant resort with its Lycian tombs and ancient amphitheater
is a short boat trip from Ulu Burun where a 14th century shipwreck is still
being excavated. |
Kekova
Kekova Island and the town of Kale are full of historic ruins. Along the
edge of the island facing the mainland lie half-buried remains of a sunken
city, most likely Byzantine, as well as a small Roman theater that is cut
into the rock at Kale. The sunken remains of houses can be explored by
swimmers with a mask and a snorkel.
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Patara
The nearby town of Patara has one of the longest and widest beaches
in Turkey. However, its fame comes as being the birthplace of St. Nicholas,
famous with the true identity of Santa Claus. Among its ancient remains
is a theater dating from the second century B.C. and a well-preserved granary
of Hadrian. |
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Perge
Perge was a city of considerable importance during the Hellenistic period.
It is also the place where St. Paul preached his first sermon. The ruins
of Perge are vast, though many of the statues and relics are now housed
in the "Hall of the Emperors and Classical Art" in Antalya. Most of the
remaining ruins are the theater, stadium, baths, and streets dated from
the Roman period. |
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Phaselis
This beautiful resort city is known for its proliferation of sandy beaches
and Roman and Byzantine ruins scattered among the undergrowth and trees.
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Side
Towards Side, banana plantations and orange groves can be seen
along the roadside. Byzantine ruins announce the entrance to the ancient
city as you approach. The Roman theater which still remains accommodated
25.000 people in its time. Opposite to the theater are Roman baths that
have been converted into a museum. |
Termessos
High in the mountains above Antalya, Termessos lies on a vast
acropolis surrounded by high peaks. It was a Pisidian city with such formidable
natural defenses that Alexander the Great bypassed it on his invasions
of 333 B.C. Full of Greco-Roman ruins which fell in the earthquake of 527
A.D. much of the history can still be seen in the remains of the agora,
gymnasium, and theater.
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