The most ancient historical monuments of Antalya
One of the oldest structures on the territorycity is the Hidirlik Tower, which was built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. The massive structure is located in a park area in the southeast of the ancient city quarter of Kaleici. The height of the building reaches 13.5 m. The base of the tower is square, and its upper part is made in the form of a cylinder. It is assumed that the tower originally had a pointed top, which was destroyed during the reign of Byzantium in these lands. Today, it is not known for certain for what purpose the Hidirlik Tower was built. Historians suggest that it could have served as a defensive fortification, a lighthouse or a tomb for local residents. Turkey honors the memory of times and promotes the preservation of the most ancient structures located on its lands. Hadrian's Gate, a triumphal arch dating back to 130 AD, has survived to this day almost in its original form. The gate was built in honor of the visit of the ancient Roman emperor Hadrian to Antalya. It consists of three domed arches made of white marble and decorated with antique columns. On both sides of the gate there are small towers built at different times. The southern side of the arch is decorated with the stone tower of St. Julia, which was built at about the same time as Hadrian's Gate. To the north of the arch there is a tower whose foundation dates back to the ancient period, and the walls and roof were built during the reign of the Ottoman Empire.
Seljuk period in the architecture of the city
Listing the sights of AntalyaSeljuk period, I would like to highlight the 38-meter Yivli (Fluted) minaret, built in the 13th century during the reign of Sultan Ala ad-Din Kay-Qubad. The building is located in the center of the city and is considered its main symbol. Today it is not known exactly in honor of what events the minaret was erected, but most scientists assume that its construction was timed to coincide with the successful completion of the conquest campaign that the Seljuk Turks carried out in the Mediterranean region in 1207-1226. The minaret is an early example of Islamic architecture in Turkish lands. It is built of brick and consists of 8 semi-cylindrical parts, each of which is decorated with mosaics. Thanks to this design, the massive structure of the minaret seems very light and refined. The foundation of the minaret is built from powerful stone blocks. The floor of the tower is decorated with the words of Muhammad, written in blue paint. Entering the building from the north, you can climb a long spiral staircase to the balcony of the minaret (sherefe). Today the staircase has 90 steps, but it is believed that earlier there were as many as the names of Allah - 99. To the west of the minaret is the oldest six-domed mosque in the region, Yivli Minare Cami. It was built around the same time as the minaret itself and is no less historically valuable. It is interesting that the Turks built it from materials that previously belonged to other buildings. Another historical monument of Antalya from the Seljuk Turk period is the Karatay Madrasah - a palace built in 1251 by the vizier Selaletdin Karatay. In ancient times, the building housed a Koran school. The architecture of the Karatay Madrasah is characterized by the influence of two cultures at once. The presence of domes and small carved elements make the building an example of Arabic culture, and the Greek columns decorating the palace are characteristic of ancient times. Throughout its existence, the madrasah has been repeatedly restored, which has allowed it to be perfectly preserved. Today, it houses an exhibition hall, which contains the entire history of Antalya, from the Paleolithic era to the present day. Among the exhibits in the hall, you can see ceramic vases, a variety of dishes, jewelry, figurines and much more.
Sights of the city of the Ottoman times
The Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Mosque displays anotherera. The exact date of construction of the mosque and the name of the person who built it have not survived to this day, but it is assumed that it belongs to the historical buildings of the late 16th - early 17th centuries and belongs to the era of the Ottoman Empire. At the time when Turkey was at the height of its power, the mosque played the role of the main Muslim center of Antalya. The temple is a square building, crowned with one large and three small domes. The Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Mosque is built of stone blocks and rubble. Individual details of its gates and windows are made of polished stones. In the interior of the temple, the most interesting details are the altar and pulpit made of marble. The Saat Kulesi Clock Tower is an iconic place in Antalya. The age of the landmark is not that ancient, its construction began in the late 19th century and lasted until 1901. The construction of the Saat Kulesi Tower was financed by the German Emperor Wilhelm II. The structure was erected in honor of the 25th anniversary of the reign of the Turkish Sultan Abdul Hamid. To see the clock tower, you must visit the old quarter of Kaleici. The two-tiered tower reaches a height of 18 meters. Its lower tier is a pentagon made of rough stones. The top of the tower is lined with polished stones in the form of a quadrangle. This part of the structure is decorated with a clock. Once upon a time, a dome towered on the top of Saat Kulesi, but it was destroyed by a storm. Now, instead of it, the top of the tower is crowned with battlements.
The most popular parks of Antalya
Antalya, like the rest of Türkiye, is literally dotted withmagnificent parks where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and relax from the hustle and bustle. The largest park in the city is Karaalioglu, which stretches along the rocky Mediterranean coast of Antalya. The park is located on a hill, and from its territory there is a wonderful view of the entire resort, mountains and bays. Karaalioglu is surrounded by greenery, many trees, unusual plants and flowers are planted in it. Cozy cafes and restaurants located at every step, as well as numerous benches make the park a favorite vacation spot for romantics. For lovers of exotic fauna, there is a mini-zoo in the park area. In the western part of Karaalioglu is the Hidirlik Tower, which was mentioned above. Ataturk Park is the second largest park in Antalya. It was named after the first president of the republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, under whom Turkey became a completely different state. The park stretches along a steep cliff and is an entertainment complex, including a race track, children's carousels, and a huge trampoline. The main attractions of the park are two pyramid-shaped buildings: a cafe and a glass Congress Hall. Not far from it are the famous singing fountains. Ataturk's name is immortalized not only in the name of the park. In two places in Antalya, on Republic Square and Vatan Square, there are monuments to this great politician.
Modern attractions of the resort
The singing fountains in Antalya are one ofсовременным достопримечательностям города. В светлое время суток они ничем не отличаются от обычных фонтанов, однако после наступления темноты под ними загорается подсветка и регулярно в 21.00 по местному времени начинается незабываемое шоу, которым восхищаются все гости Анталии. Фонтаны не только поют, но и танцуют под звуки турецкой, классической и популярной музыки, а завершается представление показом кинофильма. Чтобы увидеть все шоу, необходимо прийти к фонтанам как можно раньше и занять самое удобное место, так как к началу представления вокруг этого места собирается много приезжих. Необычные поющие источники работают только в туристический сезон. В Анталии работает дельфинарий, отдохнуть в котором можно со всей семьей. Ежедневно на протяжении всего туристического сезона в нем проходят захватывающие воображение шоу, в которых принимают участие не только дельфины, но и морские котики с белугой. Эти обитатели морей и океанов обучены дрессировщиками рисовать картины, петь, выполнять различные трюки, играть с мячом и обручами. Картины, нарисованные млекопитающими, можно приобрести на память. Длительность всего представления составляет около одного часа. После шоу желающие могут поплавать с дельфинами, но это удовольствие обойдется им в круглую сумму. Расположен дельфинарий на территории крупного развлекательного комплекса Акваленд. Анталийский аквариум занимает особое место в жизни города. Он был открыт в 2012 году и на сегодняшний день является самым крупным подводным тоннелем в Европе. Прогуливаясь по длинным коридорам аквариума, посетители наблюдают, как у них над головами проплывают акулы, скаты и прочие океанские жители. Для туристов, изнывающих от непривычной турецкой жары, в аквариуме оборудовали специальную снежную комнату, где можно встретить Санта-Клауса, покататься на санках и поиграть в веселые игры со снежками. При входе в снежную комнату всем посетителям выдают теплую одежду. Аквариум в Анталии является одним из тех интересных мест, благодаря которым Турция сегодня популярна среди туристов. Археологический музей в Анталии будет интересен каждому, кого интересует древняя турецкая история. Он расположен в городском районе Коньяалты. Здание музея занимает 7 тысяч кв. м, на территории которых расположено 13 выставочных залов. В зале доисторического периода представлены археологические раскопки эпохи палеолита. В зале богов можно увидеть огромные оригиналы статуй Афины, Зевса, Артемиды, Посейдона и прочих древнегреческих божеств. На втором этаже Археологического музея находятся коллекции древних монет и икон. Часть музея расположена под открытым небом, где выставлено на обозрение множество интересных экспонатов. Перечислить все достопримечательности Анталии невозможно. Особую атмосферу этому солнечному турецкому городу придают улочки и бульвары, где можно спрятаться от жары в тени огромных пальм. Все в этой местности проникнуто беззаботностью, отдыхом и весельем. В Анталии работает огромная дискотека под открытым небом Дисколенд, на которой можно танцевать ночи напролет. В пределах курорта находятся живописные Верхние и Нижние водопады Дюден и прилегающая к ним зона отдыха. С территории зоны можно любоваться этими восхитительными чудесами природы. Турция может гордиться тем, что на ее землях расположен поистине уникальный город, который по праву считается столицей туризма в стране.
