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Antalya - Culture |
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In recent years, the gulf of Antalya, with a coastal strip of some 200 km
with bays and coves of exceptional beauty filled with the crystal clear
waters of the Mediterranean, has become one of the most popular tourist
resorts in Turkey. The coastal plain is covered with banana plantations
and orchards Although
founded about 2000 years ago, Antalya does not have many historic ruins
and in heritage left except the Old Town (Kaleici). The Old Town
surrounded by Roman walls guard the harbour, which was the trade centre
for millenniums. This is the nucleus of a city, which embraced many
civilizations during time. It is now restored and has become a most
attractive tourist centre with its hotels, restaurants, shopping and
entertainment facilities. Kaleici retains all the original ancient Turkish
archaeological characteristics. The port's marina has been completely
restored and is well worth visiting. The restoration activities in Kaleici
won the Golden Apple Prize,
the Oscar
of tourism. Aspendos
Antique Theatre is primarily famous for its stupendous
Roman theatre
that now hosts an opera and ballet festival every June. With a seating
capacity of 20,000, the theatre
is one of the largest ancient buildings in Asia Minor and one of the best
preserved in the world. The Fluted Minaret in Republic Square, which has he come the symbol of the city, belongs to the multi-domed mosque built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad at the beginning of the 13th century. The minaret itself, which rises to a height of 38 m, rests on an octagonal base supported by a square stone plinth. Among the monuments located within the walls, the most interesting is the Truncated Minaret.
The
plant life of Antalya is extremely varied. Every kind of tropical plant
can be found along the coast. Visitors to Antalya are struck by the size
attained by the different species of cactus. Renowned
for its unspoilt landscape and flora and fauna, the Goller Bolgesi (Lake
District) lies in a mountainous area 150 km north of Antalya.
“Do
not dismiss the dish saying that it is just, simply food. The blessed
thing is an entire civilization in itself!” (Abdulhak Sinasi).
Turkish Cuisine is a very curious one. The variety of dishes that make up
the Cu |
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The
Antalya Region, offering all the mysticism of past in our day, is now
called the "Turkish Riviera" due to its archaeological &
natural beauties. It is the place where sea, sun, history and nature
constitute a perfect harmony and which also includes the most beautiful
and clearest coast along the Mediterranean. The city still preserves its
importance as a centre throughout history in the south coast of the
country, in addition to its wonderful natural beauties. The mythological
city, which housed the Gods and Goddesses, now exhibits all its secrets
and marvels to mankind.
Beaches
in the city will do well after a long day of expedition; also hotels do
have pools to have you refreshed if immediate access to a beach is not
available. Konyaalti beach is public beach, particularly crowded on
weekends. About half an hour drive from the city high on a hill, is the
Karain cave, a palaeontology site where excavation is still going on.
isine,
the ways they all come together in feast-like meals, and the evident
intricacy of each craft offer enough material for life-long study and
enjoyment. Whether in a humble home, at a famous restaurant, or at a
dinner in a Bey's mansion, familiar patterns of this rich and diverse
Cuisine are always present. It is a rare art that satisfies your senses
while reconfirming the higher order of society, community & culture. 
