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Antalya - Turkish Riviera
 Because of the archaeological and natural riches of the area, Antalya is
also known as the Turkish Riviera. The sun, sea, nature and history
combine to form a very popular resort, highlighted by some of the cleanest
beaches in the Mediterranean. The 630km shoreline of the province is
liberally scattered with ancient cities, harbours, memorial tombs and
beaches, secluded coves and lush forests, many of which are easily
accessible from the city.
With its palm-lined boulevard, internationally-acclaimed marina, and old
castle with traditional architecture, all set amidst a modern city,
Antalya is a major tourist centre in Turkey. In addition to the wide
selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops, the city
also plays host to a number of sporting events throughout the year, like
International Beach Volleyball, triathlon, golf tournaments, archery,
tennis and canoeing competitions. The Cultural Centre, which opened in
1995, hosts cultural and art events in the fields of music, theatre, and
creative arts. The main area of interest in the city is central old
quarter within the Roman walls, known as Kaleici, and there are many good
museums.
Antalya Museum.
 East of the city 6 km from the village of Elmali near the village of
Bayindir, there are several tumuluses side by side. Artifacts dating back
to the 7th century BC were unearthed during the excavations. Now on
display in a special section of the Antalya Museum, these findings
represent a cross-section of life during that era. A statuette of pure
silver and two of ivory bear witness to the fact that the art of sculpture
in ancient Anatolia had reached a level of some sophistication.
Memorial Tombs There are tombs in Karaburun and Kizilbel. The walls of the
King's Tomb in Karaburun, on the Antalya - Elmali road, is decorated with
frescoes of scenes of hunting and war. The tomb in Kizilbel is west of the
city on the Elmali - Yuvayol road, and is a single room made of limestone
blocks.
Define Described as the Treasure of the Century, this was discovered in
1984, just north of the Antalya - Elmali road between the King's Tomb and
the village of Gokpinar. Consisting of 190 pieces of ancient silver coins,
the treasure was smuggled to America by antique treasure thieves. It is
still on display in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts as part of a private
collection. The Athens Decadrachme, 14 pieces each worth US$600,000, is
said to be the world's most valuable treasure find.
History of Antalya
Antalya - Ancient Greek Attalia - city and Mediterranean port, lies in
south-western Turkey. The city is located in the west of the Mediterranean
region. In ancient times it covered all Pamphylia that means "the land of
all tribes". The land really deserves the name since it has witnessed many
successive civilizations throughout history.
The Hitites, who are believed to have come to Antalya from the Caucasus
and Mesopotamia, exercised sovereignty over Antalya during the years
2500-1400 B.C. Historical maps of the region during that years show that
the Kingdom of the Hitites encompassed Antalya.
The tribes that came from Trakya during the 8th and 7th centuries B.C. put
an end to the Hitite Civilization, and the city-states of Pamphylia, Lycia
and Cicilia were founded. Today's province of Antalya entirely covers
Pamphylia, while parts overlap into southern Pisidya, western Cicilia and
eastern Lycia.
Attalia, the ancient name of Antalya, is derived from that of the Pergamon
king Attalos II Philadelphus, who founded the city on the Pamphylian
seacoast around 150 BC. The settlement of Antalya and its environs
stretches back to the dawn of humanity however as attested to by
Paleolithic finds discovered in the near by 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.
It is know that it was visited by St. Paul by way of Perge in 46 A.D.,
that it was an important trading centre in the 2nd century A.D. and that
the Emperor Hadrian's visit in 130 A.D. was commemorated with new
monuments. After Antalya was annexed to Turkish held lands by the Seljuk
Sultan Giyaseddin Keyhusrev in 1207, the area witnessed another great
period of development and was adorned with works of Seljuk architecture,
some of which can still be seen today.
Although Ottoman sultan Bayezid I occupidied it first in 1391, its
incorporation into the Ottoman Empire was delayed until the late 15th
century because of the disruption caused by the invasion of Timur (Tamerlane).
In the tripartite agreement of 1917 for the post war division of the
Ottoman Empire among Italy, France, and the United Kingdom, Italy claimed
Antalya and its hinterland. Italian troops occupied the district in 1919
but were driven out in July 1921 by Turkish nationalist forces.
Today the tourists have taken over the attractive Mediterranean location.
Easily accessible via an international airport, the town is also the
economic centre of a rich, agricultural Region. The most significant
cinematic event in Turkey, the "Golden Orange Film Festival", has
established itself in Antalya.
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