PRESTİGE TOUR

 

Tour Guide : Miss.Merve Erkek

Travel Agent :  Mr.Enis Akış

Cultural Attache : Mr. Suat Taş

 

Greets all from here ! Welcome to our country.! We’ll takeyou to places the most worth seeing in Turkey.You will see how much Turkey has a rich culture,how much Turkish people are hospitable and how much Turkish meals are delicious at places where you’ll visit.Tour guide accompany with you places that you will travel.we claim that we’ll live you a memorable holiday and you never regret to choosen us.thanks all pick out us…

 

Regions that we chose for you and  why the reason we  chose them

    
        
1)İstanbul=İt is capital of culture and entertainment


2)Nevşehir-Cappadocia=It is an amazing city and It has natural beautiy

3)Antalya=It is a place where you can enjoy the sun and the sea

4)Hatay=It is an antic city and It has a lot of religion wiews

5)Van =It has the second biggest lake in the world

6)Diyarbakır =It is adress civilization  there are a lot of  tarihi esers  in Diyarbakır

 

Hotels that we chose for you and general information about those hotels:

     

1)Sen Palas(TAKSİM):

Its features: It is an hotel 5 stared. .It is distance Atatürk Airport only 16 km ,It is distance only 600m shopping stores in İstiklal Street and It s  only 5 minutes walking distantance in Taksim Square . It has a fitness center, rooms with TV, massage rooms , bath , a minibar in the rooms (Guests can benefit free fruits in the hotel)

  (Cost:98 Turkish Liras)

2)Cappadocia  Göreme  Hotel:

Its features: It is situated in the hearth of Göreme . It has  Ottoman designed tradition  rooms  and Its rooms very clean and comfortable . It services free wireless internet and free  parking .There are  a terraca every room that scene of fairy chimney can be watch from there.  Hotel is organizated friendly staffs.

 (Dinner is serviced in Store House Cafe Restaurant)               14

(Cost:125 Turkish Liras)                                                   

 

3)Latanya City Hotel(ANTALYA):

Its features: It is an hotel 5 stared . It was builted up as ship and People who see hotels’interesting designed admire hotels’architect . It has jacusi, golf square,2 outdoor swimming pools, 1 indoor swimming  pool and 1 child swimming  pool,  . You can baseball , football in hotel  . You can watch animation shows and the cinema in there .

(Cost:109 Turkish Liras)                                                    

 

 

4).Antic Grand Hotel(ANTAKYA, HATAY) :

Its features: It is situated near to museums, mosques and the churches .It services tradition foods in the meals  .It has  family rooms .It sevices dry cleaning, VIP room facilities, ıroning services ,parking free, car hire, bicycle rental etc.you can benefit fax/photocopying.you can  adjust and control everytime check in/check out

(WİFİ is available in all areas and is free of charge)

(Cost:105 Turkish Liras)                                                    

 

5)Urartu hotel(VAN):

Its features: It has a well –establisment  hotel .It is a so suit place to accomodation.  It is the most prefer hotel  by the turists who visit  in Van .It is biggest flat in Van .It is cetre of the city.It is near to bazaar,shopping stores ,banks.  You can have famous for “Van Breakfast” in  there  .You can watch scene of Van lake  from hotel .It services traditional foods.It has large and clean rooms .There are heating insulation and klima.

(Cost:110 Turkish Liras)                                                    

 

6.The Green  Hotel(DİYARBAKIR) :

Its  features:  It is a marvellous hotel  with modern designed and  Its   traditional foods  for  traveller.  You can see Diyarbakırs’wall from hotel.It sevices rent a car, free parking ,a telephone  in the rooms. . You can go with a foot   a lot of  cultural places from there such as 

Saint mosque,Mary Church,Armenian ‘Church, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum, etc.

Places where you will travel:

(Cost:120 Turkish Liras)                                                    

 

 

1: ISTANBUL

İstanbul is very important place in the world.The city is spread over an area of 7.500 km2 150 km long and 50 km wide.Istanbul became the biggest and the most crowded city of Europe.Because, ıts location between Asia and Europe, the city always had a great geopolitical importance.the city population is estimate 12 to15 millions.
Around 2 millions tourists visit İstanbul every year.They are see the historical and natural beauties of the city. The city has a lots of historical mosque,church and museums of Turkey.



  THE TAKSIM SQUARE

The large square at the end of the Istıklal street is the Taksim square, which is one of the most active centers of İstanbul.The square is the most important for Istanbul.There are a lot of different counturies people.There are a lot of big department store this place is really beatiful.

 

  THE GALATA TOWER
This the slopes of Galata is visible every where in the city, and is 61 m. tall.The tower is at the hill tower at which over looks both to the Bospherus and the Golden Horn and the sea of Marmara.
One day,an scientist named Hazerfen Ahmet Çelebi jumped down the tower and flew to the opposite side of the Bosphorus strait by using the wings which he had invented ( 17th century t the slopes of Galata is visible every where in the city, and is 61 m. tall.The tower is at the hill which over looks both to the Bospherus and the Golden Horn and the sea of Marmara.
One day,an scientist named Hazerfen Ahmet Çelebi jumped down the tower and flew to the opposite side of the Bosphorus strait by using the wings which he had invented ( 17th century ) 

THE DOLMABAHÇE PALACE MUSEUM
The Dolmabahçe Palace Museum was built between 1611-1614.It ıs that 14 tens of gold and 40 tons of silver were used for the decoration of the palace.The furniture was bought from Paris, the vases from Hereke and Lyan , the crytal materials from Bccarant and the the can dlesticks from England with special order.Almost all of 131 large and 99smal hand-made carpets are silk carpets, and they were woven in the royal workshops in Hereke.The total area covered by the carpets is 4.500 square meters.The total area at the palace is 250.000 square meters.
There are 12 gates.There are 285 rooms, 43 holls, 6 balconies, 6 hamams and 1427 windows.In the deconation, 156 clocks, 280 vases and 58 candle sticks.By the way, the carpet of 124 m2 is the second largest hand-made Hereke carpet in Turkey.



The Grand Bazaar

 The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and 5,000 shops, and attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. It is well known for its jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops. Many of the stalls in the bazaar are grouped by type of goods, with special areas for leather, gold jewellery and the like. The bazaar has been an important trading centre since 1461 and its labyrinthine vaults feature two bedestens (domed buildings), the first of which was constructed between 1455 and 1461 by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The bazaar was vastly enlarged in the 16th century, during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and in 1894 underwent a major restoration following an earthquake.

 The complex houses two mosques, four fountains, two hamams, and several cafés and restaurants. In the centre is the high domed hall of the Cevahir Bedesten, where the most valuable items and antiques were to be found in the past, and still are today, including furniture, copperware, amber prayer beads, inlaid weapons, icons, moth er-of-pearl mirrors, water pipes, watches and clocks, candlesticks, old coins, and silver and gold jewellery set with coral and turquoise. A leisurely afternoon spent exploring the bazaar, sitting in one of the cafés and watching the crowds pass by, and bargaining for purchases is one of the best ways to recapture the romantic atmosphere of old Istanbul.



Gates:

The Grand Bazaar has four main gates situated at the ends of its two major streets which intersect near the southwestern corner of the bazaar.

Topkapi Palace

Now one of Istanbul's leading museums, the Topkapi Palace was the Imperial residence of the Great Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years until the reign of Abdülmecid. The palace was subjected to many changes as it passed from sultan to sultan, but today houses a spectacular museum famed for its large collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain.

 

Haghia Sophia

Considered the eighth wonder of the world, this Byzantine Church is one of the largest ancient buildings to be found anywhere. It is the most significant masterpiece of Byzantine art and Eastern Christian church architecture and was completed in 532 during Justinian's reign. The church covers a surface of 7,570 square meters and its dome is 55.6 meters high and 32 meters wide and is carried by 107 columns. The vast building, with its range of architectural styles, is one of Istanbul's best known landmarks and few visitors to the city miss a trip to view its extraordinary interior.

 

Blue Mosque

Dating from the 17th century, this is one of the largest Mosques in Istanbul and is one of the principal features on the city's skyline. The only mosque in the world with six minarets, its real fame derives most from its beautiful interior tiles with flower and tree motifs. On the east side of the mosque is the Arasta, a bazaar for the various tradesmen guilds.

 

The Maiden’s Tower

 The architectural structure of the Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi) dates back to 341 BC. This cape  which was an extension of the Bosphorous straits at the time (there are rumours that it was a peninsula before) used to be called "vus". At this date  after being a mausoleum built on marble columns for the wife of Commander Chares  a chain was pulled from its location at Sarayburnu to the island where the tower was located  in 410 BC  to make it a customs area controlling the entries and exits of the Bosphorous strait. At 1110 AD  the first apparent structure (tower) was built by the Emperor Manuel Comnenos.

This structure  which was built as a defence tower  was named Arcla  meaning "Small Tower". Although there is no clear information about this structure  it is believed to be close to its current dimensions. The tower  which was used for defence purposes during the conquest of İstanbul  was used for very different purposes after 1453. During the Ottoman period  it was used rather as a show platform  than a defence team and the Mehteran team cited the nevbet (a national anthem) accompanied by the canons placed on the island. The structure  which was damaged during the earthquake of 1509  was rebuilt later. Furthermore  it acted as a lighthouse with the lights that were added. The structure that was built then included a tower and a castle  and a cistern was built in it. The tower that burnt down with the fire from the light  in 1719  was repaired again in 1725 by the Head Architect of the city  Nevşehirli Damat İbrahim Paşa. The tower section was changed a little  and a glass chalet was added to the top  and a lead dome was placed on it  and the building was built with wood. It was converted into a quarantine hospital in order for the cholera epidemic not to spread to the city in 1830. It was started to be used as a defence castle again with the decline of the Ottoman Empire  and it is equipped with canons. The epigraph bearing the signature of Sultan Mahmut the Second was placed on the marble above the gate  with the handwriting of the famous calligrapher Rakim. In 1857  a light is added again  and in 1920  an automatic system is introduced as the light of the lighthouse. It is thought of transferring this building to private sector as of 1992  and several institutions such as the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality  Üsküdar Municipality  Chamber of Architects  Şairler  Turing  Ulusoy Group of Companies  etc. develop various mediatic projects...



 

 

 

2: Cappadocia – Nevşehir

 

Cappadocia, the 'fairy chimneys' (rock formations) are decorated with slices of a dream with a history of central Turkey, are every bit as remarkable as the landscape. Volcanic eruption has created this surreal moonscape: curvy rolling valleys with wind and rain of lava flows, tuff cliff faces sculpted into the rock and pointed fairy chimneys formed. Living in the fairy chimney caves Cappadocians Hippies and pave the way for today's boutique hotels, soft rock hewn homes.

There were a refuge for Christians in the valleys of the most remarkable phase of Byzantium, was the medieval period. The monastery settlement of religious troglodytes, cave churches and biblical seriousness of the region, such as The Flintstones, add them established. Goreme Open Air Museum, World Heritage Site, a chapel and living quarters have the best collection of most of the 11 around century old.

Capadoccia Balloons  :

Capadoccia Balloons is the first private commercial passenger hot air ballooning company to be licensed in Turkey. Our pilot’s superior experience in this region allows them to choose the best launching locations for the most scenic flights possible for each day’s weather conditions.

Our fleet of luxury aircraft are the newest, safest and most comfortable balloons available in the world today. Our insurance cover and safety standards far exceed that required by the Turkish, European and American standards.

Every flight is a unique and fantastic adventure as we float intimately amongst the fairy chimneys and soar over the magnificent Cappadocian landscape. We fly 365 days a year, wind and weather permitting, of course. Each season offers it's own unique treasure, from seasonal bloomings, wine vineyards, colorful landscapes, to thin blankets of snow, any time of year in Cappadocia will be a true visual treat.

Please come join us for one of the most unique adventures on earth. And, rest assured, when flying with our pilots you will feel secure, be well cared for, and have the chance to share our deep passion for ballooning in Cappadocia!

 

Byzantine frescoes:

Despite centuries of weathering and vandalism, frescoes (or rather dry rather than wet plaster painted seccos,) so splendid, colorful views. There are also good examples of the church: the columns and vaulted ceilings with colorful scenes, such as the birth of Jesus, such as the cover of Angels, an ox and ass feed their noses into the procession. Such as the name of the church, after the millennium is still fresh and vivid representations of the lack of light, has protected Suggests.

 

Other Monastic complexes valleys nestle, Star Wars (Chewbacca claims, but guides do not believe anyone here does not) in the background of many of recalling. Ihlara Valley is the most popular for a walk - riverside greenery, Birdsong, and is filled with a number of churches carved into the base of towering cliffs.

Explore underground cities

Local Christians by the Romans in the first, cruelty, and then the Muslims were the dominant, and often had to hide the enemy forces. Literally - Hoof their position, they want to go to beat the cave churches and underground abandoned. Each up to 10,000 people in the underground cities in Cappadocia's rock formations at the bottom of a network. Great floors, like hamster tunnels connecting the narrow passages, discovered almost ten levels deep.

Touring cities to pass, barns, churches, altars and baptismal pools, perforated walls, the air circulation, emery and granaries kitchen with oven blackened with rope handles are used for the animals. Ventilation shafts disguised as wells and chunky rolling-stone doors last lines of defense as a service. Villagers' belongings when they were returned to the surface - but the cities will work in difficult conditions, many forget to give a sense of survival.

Live like a Troglodyte

Subterranean Chambers today or does not contain any trouble staying in Cappadocia. If you try Troglodyte Cave Dwellings and fairy chimney luxury lifestyle many chapels, converted into boutique hotels. The cave features a hammam (Turkish bath), rock arches, walls and color-banding pattern with panoramic terraces measuring volcanic valleys. Quickly discover

3: Antalya

Antalya; is a port city on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It was formerly known as Adalya and to medieval Europe as Satalia. Picturesquely situated on steep cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Antalya, the city is third in importance of Turkey’s Mediterranean ports, after Mersin and iskenderun. The harbor is not deep, however, and only ships of very shallow draft can put into the port. All others must anchor in the roads and be served by tender.

In recent years the growth of tourism has opened new avenues of development. Except for the excessive heat of July and August, the climate is mild and sunny throughout the year. The city’s seclusion from industry, its miles of beaches, its palm-shaded streets and parks, and the great wealth of relics of classical antiquity in its vicinity have accelerated its conversion into a Turkish “Riviera.”

The city was founded by King Attalus II of Pergamum (reigned 159-138 b.c.) and called Attaleia. Until taken by the Romans in 79 b.c., it was a notorious pirate haven. It became a senatorial province of the Roman empire about 43 a.d., and because of the great increase in maritime activity it replaced in importance the older neighboring cities of the Pamphylian plain, Perge, Aspendos (Belkis), and Side. In 1207 it was taken from the Byzantines by the Anatolian Seljuks. About the beginning of the 14th century, Antalya passed to the Teke Begleri, a branch of the Turkman dynasty of the Hamidoglu, who lost it to the Ottomans in 1423.

  Aspendos:

Aspendos is known for his best-preserved theater of antiquity with seating for 15.000. Still used today the theater's galleries stage decorations and acoustics all testify to the architects success. Nearby stand the remains of a basilica agora and one of the largest aqueducts in Anatolia.

This city on the shores of the ancient Eurymedonbuilt by the colonial people from Argosis renown over the world because of its Roman amphitheater of incrediple beautythat is still in excellent shape .Aspendus was the only citybesides Sidethat minted silver coins in 5th C.AD.The city walls were built in the Hellenistic period and were repaired restored in the late Roman period and in the Byzantine period.Aspendos is divided into two:Lower City and (Upper)High City.The AgoraBasilicaBouleterion and the monumental fountain situated in the High City and the TheaterStadiumthe Roman Baths and the Water aqueducts situated in the Lower City are definitely worth seeing.The Aspendos Theater holds 15000 people and was built by the famous Aspendosian architect Zenonin Marcus Aurelius’time(secondhalfof2AD). This theater is in better condition than all other theaters built in the ancient times .In order to keep with Hellenistic traditionsa small part of the theater was built so that it leaned against the hill where the Citadel (Acropolis)stoodwhile almost all of the other parts were buit onvaulted arches . The high stage served to seemingly isolate the audience from the rest of the world.The very top section of this stage has been repaired and the acoustics were ameliorated with later additons .Because the stage area was later used as a caravansarai in Seljuk timesit was continuously repaired and maintained .Thusthe Aspendos Theater has been able to survive to this days without losing almost any of its original qualities.

 

  Düden Waterfalls

Düden Waterfalls are a group of waterfalls in the province of Antalya, Turkey. The waterfalls, formed by the Düden River (one of the major rivers in southern Anatolia), are located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) north-east of Antalya. They end where the waters of the Lower Düden Falls drop off a rocky cliff directly into the Mediterranean Sea.

Düdenbaşı Waterfall karstic systemAt the 28th and 30th kilometre markers (17 and 19 miles) of the old route from Antalya-Burdur (which goes through Döşemealtı town), two big karstic sources appear. These sources, Kırkgözler and Pınarbaşı, merge after a short flow and disappear into Bıyıklı Sinkhole. Some of the sinkholes can swallow a river or lake. In this region, the Suğla (Konya) big sinkhole and the Bıyıklı sinkhole output 30 cubic metres per second (1,100 cu ft/s). This quantity is the output of Kırkgöz and Pınarbaşı springs at inundation.

The water, which disappears at Bıyıklı Sinkhole, travels 14 km (9 mi) underground and comes out again at Varsak pit. After a very short fall, it disappears again from the other end. The water which disappears at Varsak goes underground for 2 km (1.2 mi) and comes out again at Düdenbasi, by pressure made by a syphon. The water which falls from Düdenbasi is the water coming from Kepez Hydroelectrical Complex.

A regulator built in front of the Bıyıklı Sinkhole directs the waters of Kırkgözler and Pınarbaşı into a canal to the Kepez Hydroelectric Plant, where a pressure pipe carries it to a balancing funnel and drops it over the plant's turbines.

The water from the plant's discharge unit is brought to Düdenbaşı again by a long canal, where it forms artificial cascades. From there the amount of water is that of a large river. Seven irrigation trenches distribute the water to land north-east of Antalya.

After Düdenbasi, the waters of Düdençay separate into a number of streams and finally, east of Antalya, cascade 40 metres (131 ft) from a platform into the Mediterranean. A park surrounds these waterfalls. They can be seen from the sea by taking a boat trip from Antalya yacht harbour.

KEMER

The 42 kilometres of road from Antalya to Kemer go through spectacular mountain scenery. This resort town has been designed to blend in with the scenery and offers the perfect environment for a wonderful holiday. There is a fully equipped marina and the unspoilt bays and beaches south of the town are a yachtsman's dream. Shoppers will delight at the wonderful range of high quality souvenirs that can be bought here. There is a beach promenade on the northern part of the marina which has steps leading down from its cafes and shops directly to the beach. Kemer Beach is rated Blue Flag (meaning "clean beach") by the European Union. In the Yoruk (Nomad) Theme Park, overlooking a lovely bay, you can watch traditional craftsmen at work. Along the adjoining bay is a charming and delightful spot with sports and entertainment.

facilities discreetly hidden in pine groves. The colorful Kemer Carnival is held in the spring. Also in the spring are the yacht races between Kemer and Gime (in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). Kiziltepe, Goynuk (Blue Flag) and Beldibi (Blue Flag), north of Kemer, and Camyuva and Tekirova (Blue Flag), to the south, are tourist centres that provide for a variety of activities and holiday villages all built to blend into the forest that encircles them. Of all the beautiful places in the Kemer region these areas are the favourites.

Phaselis

Situated at the foot of Mt. Tahtali (Olympos), 15 km south of Kemer, the three harbours of Phaselis were the reason for its historical role as a commercial centre. The view of Mt. Tahtali from the south harbour is particularly spectacular. The sheltered, pebbled and sandy beaches around the bays are delightful and the waters here are calm and safe for children and young swimmers. The ruins of aqueducts, agoras, baths, a theater, Hadrian's Gate, and an acropolis underline the city's historical importance.

 

OLYMPOS

This ancient city is situated on the southern side of Mt. Tahtali. Whether coming by sea or land do not miss the Olympos Valley shaded with oleander and laurel shrubs and the refreshing quiet pools of flowing water. The design of the mosaics in the Olympos bath is enhanced by the play of light while a temple gate and a theatre are of interest along with the other walls and towers around the bay which date from the Middle Ages. North of Olympos, up from Cirah Beach, is Yanartas (at a height of 300 m) where, according to mythology the rire breathing monster, Chimaera, was slain by the Lycian hero Bellerophon who was mounted on his winged horse, Pegasus. Nearby you can see remains from the Byzantines who attached religious importance to the area. Tranquil waters and sandy beaches line the Bay of Cavus, situated south of Olympos. This enchanting bay is yours for an unforgettable experience of water-skiing on glassy water, for discovering the colorful marine life in waters clear enough to see to the bottom, or exploring the incredible sea caves on the northern shore.

KOPRULU CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Northeast of Antalya on the Side road take the turn off for Tasagil and Beskonak, for the beautiful circular, scenic route that leads to the Koprulu Canyon National Park. The road crisscrosses over the clear, flowing water of the mountain river and passes through virgin forests and over rippling waterfalls. You will want to stop often and give your camera a workout in this picturesque valley. Reaching the park, 92 km from Antalya, you will encounter a valley of wild beauty rich in flora and fauna. The canyon stretches for 14 km along the Kopru River and is 400 metres deep in some places. At the rest area there are fish restaurants offering delicious selections. The Roman Oluk Bridge over the canyon and the Bugrum Bridge over the Kocadere stream were engineering feats in their time. From this park there are two other possible excursions: the ancient city of Selge and the Dedegol Mountains. The highest peak in this mountain range is Dedegol at 2,992 metres. Mountaineers will be unable to resist climbing, exploring and camping in this rugged, scenic spot. Return to Antalya via the other half of the scenic route.

 Side

Side (Greek: Σίδη is a city on the southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, a resort town and one of the best-known classical sites in the country. It lies near Manavgat and the village of Selimiye, 75 km from Antalya) in the province of Antalya.

It is located on the eastern part of the Pamphylian coast, which lies about 20 km east of the mouth of the Eurymedon River. Today, as in antiquity, the ancient city is situated on a small north-south peninsula about 1 km long and 400 m across.

Strabo and Arrian both record that Side was founded by Greek settlers from Cyme in Aeolis, a region of western Anatolia. This most likely occurred in the 7th century BC. Possessing a good harbour for small-craft boats, Side's natural geography made it one of the most important places in Pamphylia and one of the most important trade centres in the region. According to Arrian, when settlers from Cyme came to Side, they could not understand the dialect. After a short while, the influence of this indigenous tongue was so great that the newcomers forgot their native Greek and started using the language of Side. Excavations have revealed several inscriptions written in this language. The inscriptions, dating from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, remain undeciphered, but testify that the local language was still in use several centuries after colonisation. Another object found in the excavations at Side, a basalt column base from the 7th century BC and attributable to the Neo-Hittites, provides further evidence of the site's early history. The name Side is Anatolian in origin and means pomegranate.

Next to no information exists concerning Side under Lydian and Persian sovereignty.

Hatay:

Hatay(Antakya)

Antakya is the seat of the Hatay Province in southern Turkey, near the border with Syria. In ancient times the city was known as Antioch and has historical significance for Christianity, being the place where the followers of Jesus Christ were called Christians for the very first time. The city and its massive walls also played an important role during the Crusades.

Geography

Antakya is located on the banks of the Orontes River (Turkish: Asi Nehri), approximately 22 km (14 mi) inland from the Mediterranean coast. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers, and mild and wet winters; however due to its higher altitude, Antakya has slightly cooler temperatures than the coast. The city is in a valley surrounded by mountains, the Nur Mountains to the north and Mount Keldağ (Jebel Akra to the south, with the 440 m high Mount Habib Neccar (ancient Silpius) forming its eastern limits. The mountains are a source of a green marble. Antakya is at the northern edge of the Dead Sea Rift and vulnerable to earthquakes.

 

The plain of Amik to the north-east of the city is fertile soil watered by the Orontes, the Karasu River and the Afrin River, the lake in the plain was drained in 1980 by a French company. At the same time channels were built to widen the Orontes River and let it pass neatly through the city centre. The Orontes is joined in Antakya by the Hacı Kürüş stream to the north-east of the city near the church of St Peter, and the Hamşen which runs down from Habib-i Neccar to the south-west, under Memekli Bridge near the army barracks. Flora includes the bay trees and myrtle.

The city of Antakya today

Mount Habib Neccar and the city walls which climb the hillsides symbolise Antakya, making the city a formidable fortress built on a series of hills running north-east to south-west. Antakya was originally centred on the eastern bank of the river but since the 19th century the city has expanded with new neighbourhoods built on the plains across the river to the south-west, and there are four bridges across the river linking the old and new cities. However, as in so much of Turkey, the buildings of the last two decades are all concrete blocks, and Antakya has lost much of its classic beauty. The narrow streets of the old city can be clogged with traffic.

Although the port of Iskenderun has become the largest city in Hatay, Antakya is a provincial capital still of considerable importance as the centre of a large district, growing in wealth and productiveness with the draining of Lake Amik. The town is a lively shopping and business centre with many restaurants, cinemas and other amenities, centred on a large park opposite the governor's building and the central avenue Kurtuluş Caddesı. The tea gardens, cafes and restaurants in the neighbourhood of Harbiye are one of the city's most popular spots, particularly for the variety of meze in the restaurants. The Orontes River is rather smelly when water is low in summer. Although the people are generally modern in outlook, there is little in the way of wild night life. In the summer heat people will stay outside until late in the night walking with their families and friends and munching on snacks.

 

The Church of Saint Peter

 

The Church of Saint Peter (Aramaic: Knisset Mar Semaan Kefa, St. Peter's Cave Church, Cave-Church of St. Peter) near Antakya (Antioch), Turkey, is composed of a cave carved into the mountainside on Mount Starius with a depth of 13 m (42 ft.), a width of 9.5 m (31 ft.) and a height of 7 m (23 ft). This cave, which was used by early Christians in the Antakya region, is one of Christianity's oldest churches.

Contents 

 

The founding of the church in Antioch can be traced to the Bible's Acts of the Apostles (11:25-27) where it is related that Barnabas travelled to Tarsus to bring Paul the Apostle there. They worked for one year with the nascent Christian community, and there the converts were called Christians for the first time in history. Christian tradition considers Peter, the first Apostle, as the founder of the church of Antioch, and the first priest of the Christian population that was established there; the Church of St. Peter is regarded by tradition as on the spot where he first preached the Gospel in Antioch.

The oldest surviving parts of the church building date from at least the 4th or 5th century. These include some pieces of floor mosaics, and traces of frescoes on the right side of the altar. It is thought that the tunnel inside which opens to the mountain side served the Christians to evacuate the church in case of sudden raids and attacks. Water that seeps from the nearby rocks was gathered inside for drinking purposes, and was also used for baptisms. The collection of water, which visitors drank and collected to give to those who were ill (with the belief that it was healing and curative), has lessened as a result of recent earthquakes.[1]

Crusaders who captured Antakya in 1098 lengthened the church by a few metres and connected it with two arches to the facade, which they constructed. This facade was rebuilt in 1863 by the Capuchin Friars who restored the church on the orders of Pope Pius IX. French Emperor Napoleon III also contributed to the restoration. The remains on the left hand side of the church entrance belong to colonnades that formerly stood in front of the church facade.

On top of the stone altar located in the middle of the church is a stonework platform that was placed there in memory of the Saint Peter's Platform Holiday which was celebrated every 21 February in Antakya. The marble statue of Saint Peter on top of the altar was placed there in 1932.

The garden of the church has been used as a cemetery for hundreds of years. Graves and burials have also been located inside the church, especially around the altar.

Although it is a museum today, it is possible to perform ceremonies inside the church under the inspection of the Museum Management by obtaining a permit from the Office of the Provincial Governor.

 

The Boatman of Hell

 

The Haron-Cehennem stone relief, also known as the Boatman of Hell, is carved in the mountainside near St. Peter's Church. It was carved, during the reign of Antiochus IV, between 175 and 164 BC, when a plague struck the city and the people started to carve the relief as an offering to the gods. They abandoned the carving when the plague stopped, so it is still incomplete.

What I could see was the head of a man wearing an Arab headdress. But, some people say they can see the face of the Virgin Mary next to it, so it is sometimes also known as the Haron-Miriam stone relief.

Hatay Arceology Museum:

The Hatay Archaeology Museum (Turkish: Hatay Arkeoloji Müzesi) is the archaeology museum of Hatay Province, Turkey. It is known for its extensive collection of Roman and Byzantine Era mosaics. The museum is located in Antakya, the main city of Hatay. Construction of the museum started in 1934 on the recommendation of the French archaeologist and antiquities inspector M. Prost. It was completed in 1938 and came under Turkish control in 1939 following Hatay's unification with Turkey. The museum was opened to the public in 1948 and re-opened in 1975 following renovation and expansion.[

 

Hatay has a rich collection of mosaics dating back to the Roman era in the Second and Third centuries. They have been found in the ancient cities of Daphne, Seleucia Pieria (Samandağ), Antioch and Tarsus. The most famous figures among those depicted by the mosaics are the drunken Dionysos, Orpheus, Dancers, Ariadne Abandoned from Defne (Yakto). Column capitals, a acrificial altar, an cult image, a bas-relief, a fresco and statues date from the Hittites to Roman periods. They were found by excavations in barrows in the plain of Amik. The works in the museum are arranged according to where they were found.[citation needed] Excavations have been carried out at barrows, tells and ruins such as Guneyde, Dehep, Catalhoyuk, Tainat, Al Mina, Ac-ana, Defne-Harbiye and so on. The collection also includes objects from Antakya and its surrounding regions.

The museum's collection also includes items that reflect the art and culture of the region, from the Paleolithic Age through the present day. The objects are displayed in wall niches. Against the other walls of the room are cases that display a rare coin collection arranged chronologically. The museum's garden includes Roman period sarcophagi, building stones and water jars.

In early 2012, a section of the museum's collection was digitized as part of an effort to increase museum attendance.


Seleucia Plain with Mount Casius

Seleucus I Nicator of Syria founded Seleucia Pieria in 301 B.C. as a port for his capital in Antioch.  The city became one of the “Syrian Tetrapolis,” designed to promote Hellenistic culture in Syria.  It was then an important political, military, and economic game piece in the Ptolemaic-Seleucid wars.  In 63 BC Rome made Seleucia a free city and then in AD 70 made it the base for the imperial fleet.

 Titus' Tunnel

A stream which led into the harbor was so threatening during the flood season that the Romans built a water channel north of the city to divert it.  Legionaries, sailors, and Judean prisoners provided the work for the project.  Titus’ tunnel, as it is called today, cuts through the solid rock of the mountain in two places.

Vespasian Inscription

The tunnel is dated based on two inscriptions.  The inscription shown here was dedicated to Vespasian and Titus, so construction of the tunnel probably began in AD 70.  However it was not finished until the second century.

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