Welcome to Summer Journey Milestone #3: Antayla!
So, two milestones are down, but athletes are just getting started! Summer Journey Milestone #3 to Antalya, Turkey ups the ante a little. Read on to find out more about the eighth largest city in Turkey.
Antalya is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations and is located on the southwest coast. Luscious mountain scenery, the glittering sea and miles of beaches surround the city.
In the Bible….
Antayla or Attalia is known for the following characteristics:
- The city sits spectacularly on a rock promontory at the head of the Gulf of Attalia
- Originally founded in 150 BC by Attalus II
- The home of three major religious cults of Dionysus, Athena and Apollo
- Major port of Pamphylia
- Embarkation point to Antioch for Paul and Barnabas at the conclusion of their 1st missionary journey
Some History on Summer Journey Milestone #3: Antalya
Antalya might not be as old as other cities in Turkey, but it still prospers while other cities have long since disappeared. King Attalus II of Pergamon founded the city in 150 BC. The city became his namesake, Attalia. Later, the city became part of the Roman Republic when Attalus III, nephew of Attalus II, gave the kingdom to Rome in his will when he died. Under Roman rule the city thrived.
The Roman Emperor Hadrian visited in 130BC. Hadrian’s Gate was built at this time. This Triumphal Arch still stands today.
The Byzantines were next to rule and Antalya became a major city in the Byzantine Empire. Historical documents tell us that the city became one of the major naval stations on the Anatolian coast. As a result, the city became a massive commercial center. Commerce aside, Antalya attracted people from all over Europe, including Jews, Armenians and Italians.
The Early Twelfth Century
However, Antalya became quite isolated and became an outpost. In addition, it was surrounded by Turkish beyliks (small principalities). When Constantinople fell, the capital city of the Roman and Byzantine, the Latin, and the Ottoman empires, an Italian called Aldebrandus – of Roman descent – rose up and controlled the city. Seljuk Turks, an old dynasty connected to the Persian Empire, tried to recapture the city from Aldebrandus. However, they were defeated.
In 1207 the Seljuk Turks managed to conquer Antalya. They christened the city Antalya, the name we use today. The Seljuk Turks also created the city’s symbol, the Yivle Minare.
Antalya didn’t stay under Turkish rule for long as the Ottomans captured the city in the early fourteenth century.
Let’s explore and have some fun…
Hope you’re not afraid of heights cause we’ve got a balloon tour of Cappadocia!
Quick look down at the amazing scenery!
…From air to water here we go: Adrasan Suluada Island boat tour
Back up, up, and away we go for a spectacular tour of the city!
And finally – A Waterfall tour!
I’m ravenous – How bout you?!
Tonight’s dinner will be at Grand Fish & Friends.
We will serving Dry aged beef entrecote with vegetables and potatoes.
What a day! Time for some shut eye at our hotel, Titanic Beach Lara, before another day of adventure.
