Turkey: A History of Antalya



Antalya, Turkey is a stunningly beautiful city with a rich and fascinating history. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Antalya has been a popular destination for travelers for centuries. From its ancient origins to its modern-day attractions, Antalya is a city with a unique and vibrant past.

Antalya has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, when it was known as Attalea, a Greek city founded by Attalus II, King of Pergamon. In the 2nd century BC, Attalea was conquered by the Romans, who renamed it Attalia. During the Roman period, Antalya was a major trading port and a major city in the Roman Empire. It was also a major center of Christianity, and the first bishop of Attalia was appointed in the 4th century AD.

In the Middle Ages, Antalya was a major center of the Seljuk Empire. After the fall of the Seljuks, Antalya was ruled by the Ottoman Empire. During this period, Antalya was a major center of trade and commerce, and it was also an important center of Islamic culture and learning.

In the 19th century, Antalya was an important port for the Ottoman Empire. The city was also a major center of the Ottoman navy, and it was the site of several naval battles. Antalya was also a major center of the Ottoman arts and crafts, and it was home to many of the most famous Ottoman painters and sculptors.

In the 20th century, Antalya was home to a large number of refugees from the Greek Civil War. The city was also a major center of tourism, and it continues to be a popular tourist destination today. Antalya is also home to a number of important archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Perge, the ancient city of Aspendos, and the ancient city of Side.

Today, Antalya is a vibrant and modern city, with a thriving economy and a vibrant culture. The city is home to a number of museums, galleries, and cultural centers, and it is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Antalya is also home to a number of important universities and research centers, and it is a major center of research and development in Turkey.