Antalya

Antalya (in Turkish: Antalya) is located in the southwestern part of the Republic of Turkey on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by the city of Mersin to the east, Konya to the northeast, Isparta and Burdur to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The city covers an area of 20,599 square kilometers and had an estimated population of about 2 million people according to the 2019 statistics. Its capital is the city of Antalya, which is a province situated between Antalya Bay and the Taurus Mountains. In terms of area, it is the sixth-largest province in Turkey and the fifth most populous city in Turkey after Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa.

Name and History:

The city's founding is believed to date back to 150 BC when Attalus II of Pergamon is said to have ordered its establishment after instructing his entourage to search for the "Heaven on Earth." They discovered the city of Antalya and Attalus II named it "Attaleia." However, the city underwent various name changes over time until it eventually became known as Antalya.

Christianity spread in the region after the 2nd century AD, and during the Byzantine era, Antalya was one of the important major cities of the empire.

During the Seljuk period, the Seljuks aimed to conquer the most significant cities of Anatolia and its surroundings. They captured most of Anatolia in 1176 AD and started the siege of Antalya in 1182 AD. However, they could not seize it until March 5, 1207 AD. They established several measures to organize the city, but it quickly fell back into the hands of the Crusaders. The Turks then recaptured it in 1216 AD. The Ottomans opened it in 1390 AD and it remained under Ottoman rule until 1919 AD when the Mudros Armistice was signed. For a short period afterward, Antalya came under Italian rule before returning to Turkish rule with the establishment of the Republic of Turkey under its founder Mustafa Kemal.

Climate:

Antalya has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot and dry summers and warm, rainy winters. During the summer, temperatures range from 28 to 36 degrees Celsius and can reach 40 degrees Celsius in August. In winter, temperatures range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, with snowfall limited to the higher elevations due to the Taurus Mountains blocking the cold northern winds from reaching Antalya. The city enjoys around 300 sunny days per year.

Famous Tourist Destinations in Antalya:

Alanya, Lara Waterfalls, Duden Waterfalls, Manavgat Waterfalls, Koprulu Canyon, the Old City, and Kemer.

Location: Southwest Turkey

Population: 2 million

Area: 20,599 square kilometers

Currency: Turkish Lira

Language: Turkish