With a history dating back to 6000 BC, Adana is one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia and is the fourth largest city in Turkey. Interest in the city is not only due to its collection of historical sites, but it is also renowned as a thriving, modern region. Its population boom (now 1.5 million) can be attributed to its fertile plains, rivers and highlands, which have created a major textile industry, and the city is also an importing trading centre for gold.
Area: 17.253 km²
Population: 1.934.907 (1990)
Traffic Code: 01
Districts : Seyhan, Yüreğir, Aladağ, Ceyhan, Feke, İmamoğlu, Karaisalı, Karataş, Kozan, Pozantı, Saimbeyli, Tufanbeyli, Yumurtalık.
By Road Adana can be reached via the D-400 Highway and the international TEM highway. It is 472 km from Ankara along Aksaray Pozanti; 873 km from Izmir via Afyon, Konya and Eregli; and 909 km from Istanbul via Bolu, Ankara and Aksaray. Located 5 km from the city centre, Adana’s bus station has services to all areas of the country. Regular bus services include Ankara (10 hours), Antalya (12 hours), Allepo in Syria (12 hours), Konya (7 hours), Van (18 hours) and Kayseri (7 hours). Bus station Tel: (0322) 428 20 47
By Rail Apart from domestic services, there are also international rail connections. There are many trains to Europe, the Middle East, and countries to the north, with connections to the harbours in Mersin and Iskenderun, both of which have ferries. Adana’s railway station is 1 km. from the city centre. The main domestic routes are a daily service to Ankara (14 hours), several weekly to Gaziantep (3 hours) and several daily to Mersin (1 hour). Railway Station Tel: (0322) 453 31 72
By Air There are daily flights to Istanbul and Ankara. International flights include Jedda (twice a week), plus weekly flights to Frankfurt-Dusseldorf, Munich via Ankara, and Koln via Istanbul (once a week). The airport is 3.5 km from the city centre and has a 140-vehicle parking lot.
Airport Tel: (0322) 435 42 01 Turkish Airlines: (0322) 435 91 75
ANCIENT CITIES
Anavarza Located in Ceyhan near the village of Dilekkaya , 20 km along the Kozan-Kadirli road, the ruins resemble an open-air museum. Anavarza Castle still has traces of Roman and Muslim history, with well-preserved relics including the castle walls, the triumphal arch, numerous columns and two pools decorated with mosaics in front of the guard house.
Sar 20 km northeast of Tufanbeyli, these ruins were the scenes of the most important religious Hittite ceremonies, performed in honour of the Mother Goddess Magda-Mater. In addition, there is a Roman theatre and a Byzantine church besides the 6-metre high Ala Kapi, which is made of marble blocks.
Magarsus An ancient port city, west of the modern town of Karatas, the city of Magarsus has the remains of a theatre, temple, church and baths.
Aegaea (Ayas) This ancient port city between Yumurtalik and Ayas has a three-storey watch tower, Ottoman and Roman baths beside the city walls.
MOSGUES
Ulu Cami Built in 1507 in Syrian or Mamluk style, this attractive mosque has black and white marble and decorative window surrounds. Inside is the tomb of Halil Bey, Emir of the Ramazanoglu Turks who ruled before the Ottomans, which contains beautiful mosaics made from Iznik tiles.
Sabanci Merkez Cami This recently constructed mosque has an immense capacity of over 28,000, and is the third largest in Turkey, with the highest dome. Brand new in style, it has six minarets and lies next to the Girne Bridge. Much of its financing was from the Sabanci family, originally from the area and now the second richest in the country.
Yag Camii With one bay originally used as the Church of St James, until incorporated into the main body, the Yag Camii was built in 1501 and has an impressive portal.
BEACHES
The unique highland beauty of Tekir, Burucek, Aladaglar, Horzum Findikli, Hamidiye, Asar, Asmacik, Armutoluk, Belemedik, Meydan, Camliyayla and Kizildag will appeal to tourists wanting to get back to nature.
ADANA HIGHLANDS
The Kozan-Horzum Highland and Çulluuşağı Highland Village
Transportation: Horzum highland is located at the 25 km mark and the village of Çulluuşağı is at the 31 km mark on the highway that connects Kozan, Feke, Saimbeyli and Tufanbeyli districts to Kayseri. There is bus and minibus service to this mountain village year-round.
Description: Much frequented by the people living in Kozan, the Horzum highland is a lovely place with pine and sycamore trees, vineyards and fruit orchards. There are many wooden houses which are beautiful examples of highland architecture. Many modern facilities are available including a health clinic.
Pozantı - Tekir Beldesi (Highland)
Transportation: Located on either side of the Adana-Ankara E5 highway, this spacious highland is 7 km from Pozantı, 107 km out of Adana. Transportation is plentiful and available year-round, as many inter-city buses and smaller minibuses operates in this route.
Description: The highlands of Tekir Highland, Bürücek and Eski Konacık are actually individual neighborhoods of the town of Akça Tekir. Located at the middle of abound pine and juniper trees as well as orchards, the highland accommodates the typical highland houses besides various examples of other architectural styles.
Further attractions of the higland are the protected emplacement of the Ottomans and a Reproduction Station of bezoar goats which are taken under protection by the Forestry Service.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: One may choose to camp here;otherwise there are tourist facilities in Pozantı which is 7 km far away.
Pozantı - Armutoğlu Highlands
Transportation: At the Pozantı - Ankara fork in the road go east towards Sarmısak Mountain. It is a 13 km drive from here along a road that winds through a forest of pine and fir.
Description: This pristine highland is covered with cedar, fir and juniper trees and in the spring there is a variety of wild flowers. There is an abundant wildlife since it is located at the foot of Sarmısak Mountain. Moreover icy waters of the springs flow creating a marvelous spectacle.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: This highland has no facilities. Anyone who plans to camp out will need to bring their own tent and other basic necessities.
Aladağ (Karsantı) - Meydan Highland
Transportation: It is 6 km from Aladağ along a gravel road. It is possible to get a taxi or minibus from Aladağ.
Description: At an altitude of 1700 m, the highland is adorned with juniper, pine, fir and cedar trees as well as orchards. There is electricity and telephone services and structures constructed out of wood and rock, which is typical of highland architecture.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: One can set up camp on the edge of the forest. There are also country restaurants, tea houses and a few small markets.
Aladağ Ağcakise - Başpınar - Bici and Kosurga Highlands
Transportation: These mountain villages, which are located very close to each other (3-5 km), can be reached only by a gravel road.
Description: These pristine highland villages are located in the forest within sight of the nearby Zehli Castle.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: Those who would like to camp out should bring their tents and other basic supplies with them.
Karaisalı - Kızıldağ Highlands
Transportation: It is 27 km from Karaisalı. The road is asphalt.
Description: This highland gets its name from nearby Mt. Kızıldağ and is popular among the locals. There are lots of apple, pear, cherry, sour cherry and walnut orchards in the village and the wildlife is quite abundant. It is possible to hike up nearby Kızıldağ as well.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: There are simple tea houses and country restaurants as well as small markets, a bakery, and meat markets.
Feke - İnderesi Village (Highland)
Transportation: It is a 59 km drive from Feke along a gravel road.
Description: This authentic highland village is nestled among vineyards and orchards. Modern facilities are now available and there is a village clinic and a police station. The villagers make 'Yahyalı' type rugs, carpets and woolen socks as souvenirs for visitors.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: There is a small market, a bakery and some country restaurants.
Tufanbeyli - Kürebeli Highland
Transportation: The highland, located 10 km north of Tufanbeyli, can only be accessible by following a gravel road.
Description: This unspoiled mountain highland has a small lake which is used for irrigation.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: Those who want to camp should bring their tents and basic necessities with them.
Pozantı - Fındıklı Köyü (Highland)
Transportation: It is 10 km out on the Pozantı-Çamardı highway and there are minibuses to the highland from Pozantı.
Description: A typical mountain village, it is surrounded with vineyards and gardens. The infrastructure of the village has been improved and currently there is a village clinic in service.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: There are simple restaurants, a tea house and a small market.
Saimbeyli - Çatak Highland
Transportation: Two kilometers out on the Saimbeyli -Tufanbeyli highway, turn left on a gravel road and go 3km. The road passes through orchards and gardens. Minibuses are operating from the Saimbeyli district.
Description: This is a little village with huge sycamore trees watered by the springs which splash down the mountain slopes. Small platforms have been set up in the trees and they make delightful picnic area. The Çatak highland with its rich springs provides all of the water supply of the Saimbeyli district.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: There is a small facility run by the Forestry Service here.
Saimbeyli - Tufanbeyli - Obruk Highland
Transportation: Located 35km out on the either side of the Saimbeyli - Tufanbeyli highway.
Description: Preferred by nomadic shepherds, this highland is totally unspoiled. The fields of wheat and barley are surrounded by wild flowers in the spring and juniper, black pine and cedar trees.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: There are no facilities available. Those who plan on camping should bring their own tents and other basic supplies.
Kozan - Göller Highland
Transportation: It is a 40 km. drive from Kozan on a dirt road. There are minibuses from Kozan in the summer months.
Description: The highland has electricity and telephones. It is surrounded with forests and there are many wildflowers in the spring.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: There is a country tea house, a small market and a restaurant.
Pozantı - Belemedik Highland
Transportation: Take the gravel road to the village of Anbaş from Pozantı (10 km).
Description: This mountain village founded on the banks of Çakıt Creek has many wood and stone houses made in the highland style. The is abundant wildlife here. The mostly commonly seen animals are mountain goats, wild hogs and birds of prey, such as eagles and falcons.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: Those who want to camp should bring their own tents and basic supplies.
Pozantı - Asar Highland
Transportation: This highland village lies 1.5 km northwest of the asphalt highway to Pozantı-Çamardı. There are minibuses from Pozantı as well.
Description: The local highland houses made of wood and stone are surrounded by pine, fir and cedar trees and there are many fruit orchards. The village has electricity as well.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: Those who want to camp should bring their own tents and other basic supplies.
BIRD-WATCHING
Aladaglar, Tuzla Lake, Akyatan Lake, Agyatan Lake, Yumurtalik Lagoons and Gaver Lake are all Bird Protection Areas, and are in the vicinity of Adana province.
THERMAL SPRINGS
The Haruniye Thermal Tourism Centre in Bahce, Acisu Springs near Aladag, Tahtalikoy Kokarpinar and Kurttepe springs in Ceyhan are known to be beneficial for those suffering from certain illnesses.
SPORTING ACTIVITIES
Surfing is possible in the dam lake of Adana. There are excellent trekking, cycling, and horse-riding trails in the highlands. Fishing is popular around the Seyhan and Ceyhan rivers, and the mountain streams have a good supply of trout. Adana also offers many possibilities for hunting, as well as various wildlife preserves breeding mountain goats, fallow and roe deer at the slopes of Toros Mountains.
With high mountains and low-lying plains, Adana’s climate varies depending on the geography. The climate of the plains is typical of the Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild wet winters. The coldest month is January (average temperature 9ºC) and the hottest is August (average 28ºC).
Adana, founded on the delta of the Seyhan and Ceyhan rivers, dates back to 6000 BC. The area has had a long string of rulers, starting with the Luvi Kingdom from 1900 BC (a branch of the Hittites), through a succession of Hittites, Phrygians, Assyrians, Persians, Seluicuds and Byzantines. There was an on-off struggle between the Greeks and Persians, which lasted 1000 years, which ended once the Romans came in the 1st century BC. The city first became an important trading centre under the Romans. Following the age of Islam, which began in 638 AD, there were then the Egyptian Mamelukes, the Ramazanogullari (Turks), and the Ottomans who captured the city in the16th century.
Speciality of the city is the famous Adana kebap, which is made from minced lamb mixed with hot peppers, then charcoal grilled on a skewer. The local drink is called salgam, an unusual mixture of purple carrots, turnips, garlic and lettuce.
- Visiting the Archaeology Museum, the Ethnographic Museum and Ataturk's house. centre,
- Visiting Ulu Camii, Sabanci Merkez Camii, Bebekli Church, the Stone Bridge over the river Seyhan, and the old house of Adana in Tepebas.
- Visiting the ruins of Anavarza, Sar, Misis and the bird sanctuary at Akyatan and Agyatan.
- Feasting on Adana kebap and drinking salgam and aslama (a licorice drink).
- Browsing around the old bazaar and buying a Karatepe rug.
- Watching the historical Festival of Altin Koza.
Sites
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Adana
Sites
Archeological Sites: 62
Urban Sites: 3
Natural Sites: 4
Historical Sites: -
Other Sites
Archeological and Natural Sites: 1
Archeological and Urban Sites: 1
Total: 71
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural
Heritages: 457
TOTAL: 528
Contact Information
Camps
Raşit Ener Tur. Tesisleri İskenderun Yolu 5. km / Adana
Tel: (322) 321 27 58
National Parks And Forest Campsites
Karataş Kumluk, Adana
Tel: (322) 237 22 52
Provincial Cultural Directorate
Tel: (322) 458 84 30-31
Fax: (322) 458 84 29
Cultural Centers
A hall with 370 seating capacity for theatre, conferences, etc. 250 m² Exhibition Hall Library - 500 readers
Contact Address: Sabancı Kültür Sitesi - Adana
Tel: (322) 352 32 91
Fax: (322) 352 68 85
Çukurova State Symphony Orchestra
Address: Adana Büyükşehir Belediyesi Konser Salonu Atatürk Bulvarı - Adana
Tel: (322) 453 68 74
Fax: (322) 458 25 99
State Fine Arts Gallery Directorate
Sabancı Kültür Sitesi ADANA
Tel: (322) 352 46 74
Museum
Adana Museum Address: Seyhan Cad. Adana
Tel: (322) 454 38 55
Fax: (322)454 38 56
Tourist Offices
Provincial Directorate Cinarli Mah.
Ataturk Caddesi no 11
Tel: (0322) 363 1287
Fax: 363 1346
Sakirpasa Airport Tel/fax: (0322) 436 9214
Governorship : (+90-322) 458 83 30
Municipality : (+90-322) 515 84 13
Hospital : (+90-322) 227 25 90
Police : (+90-322) 432 27 77
Gendarme : (+90-322) 323 32 72
Adana Governorship http://www.adana.gov.tr/
Adana Municipality http://www.adana-bld.gov.tr/
Adana Chamber of Commerce http://www.adanatb.org.tr/
Adana Chamber of Industry http://www.adaso.org.tr/
Area: 7.614 km²
Population: 513.131 (1990)
Traffic Code: 02
Located at the west of Southeastern Anatolia Region, taking ıts stage in history rather early dating back to the existence of first man and hosting various different cultures ,Adıyaman is an important culture and tourism center. Along with this, Adıyaman is known to be one of the oldest settlements on Earth; discoveries from every human phase are found on the region. Adıyaman also fascinates its visitors with the ruins of Mt. Nemrut known as the 8th Wonder of World, the ruins of Commagene, Atatürk Dam ,the fourth biggest dam in the world, Çamgazi Dam, Winter Camping Organisation and finally with the world champion local folk dances.
Districts : Besni, Çelikhan, Gerger, Gölbaşı, Kahta, Samsat, Sincık and Tut.
Highway: Adıyaman can be reached through five different directions by highway from Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Malatya, Kahramanmaraş and Diyarbakır. Gölbaşı County in Adıyaman is an exact intersection place, Malatya Kahramanmaraş - Gaziantep highway arrival is possible only through Gölbaşı .
Coach station Tel : (+90-416) 216 35 35
Railway: also Railway arrival is provided by Gölbaşı county, Malatya - Fevzi Pasha railway passes through this county.
Railway station Tel : (+90-416) 781 60 80
Airway: Regular flights are present to Adıyaman airport.
Airport Tel : (+90-416) 244 20 02
Dam arrrival: The high way that passes through Adıyaman binds all southeastern cities including Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır. There are also ferry boat tours in Güzelsu village to reach Şanlıurfa and Siverek.
ANCIENT CITIES
Arsameia Ruins (Nymphaios Arsameia): It is understood from the Inscriptions of King Antiochos I that Arsameia was built in the first quarter of the Second Century BC, by the order of Arsemez (ancestor of Commagene) at the east of Kahta River, facing the Old Kahta Castle . It was the summer capital and the administrative centre of the Kingdom.
On the east ceremony way an embossed relief of Mithradates, above the rite platform , displays Herakles shaking hands with Mithradates. In front of the rite platform is an inscription in Greek known as the biggest inscription found in Anatolia. A tunnel beginning at the front of the inscription deep in to 158 meter and also at the west of the inscription a similar rocky vestibule exists. Tomb temple and Palace of Mithradates Callinichos take place on the platform. Arsameia ruins are 60 km to Adıyaman.
New Castle: New Castle is located nearby Kocahisar Village which is 60 km to Adıyaman. New Castle was built by the Commagenes and used together with Arsemeia. Romans and Mamluks restored the Castle and finally in 1970's the castle was partly repaired. In the castle are a bazaar, a Mosque, a dungeon, water canals, ruins of pigeon loft and inscriptions . A water canal flawing from the castle down through to Nymphois was bound to Arsameia by a tunnel. It is still possible to reach the water through the water canal which has an 80 meter length.
Derik Castle: It was built on a hill of 1400 m altitude near the Datgeli village on the Sincik Highway. Estimated to be built by Roman Empire in 70 AC, and used by them till 300 AC, the castle, houses a huge temple and is known as the holy place of the region. Besides, the ruins of Temenos which were built during the period of Commagenes, are placed nearby the castle.
Gerger Castle (Arsameia of Euphrates): The castle taking place in the west shore of Euphrates (Fırat) , 85 km to Adıyaman's Kahta County, can even be dated to Late Hittite Period. The castle was constructed by Arsames, the ancestor of Commagenes. Being built on precipitous rocks,the Gerger Castle is divided into two sections as the lower castle and upper castle and at the west walls of the castle is an embossed relief of King Samos.In the Castle which is also used during Islamic period are shops, a Mosque and water cisterns.
Perre Antique City: The ruins of Perre Antique City are located 5 kilometres to Adıyaman city centre. The ruins taking place in Pirin Village, include approximately 200 cave tombs and a settlement place. This necropolis and its vicinity dated at Antique Age, was an important settlement place of the Commagene period, however especially during Roman Period it became a developed city. The ruins consist of gates decorated with embossed reliefs and tomb rooms that are engraved in rocks and connected to each other .
NEMRUT DAĞI
At the junction of the East and West civilisations, Nemrut Dagi (Mount Nemrut) is one of the most astounding sites in Turkey: A collection of colossal statues on a remote mountain 2150m high, adorning the temple and tomb of King Antiochus. Unknown until 1881 when an Ottoman geologist discovered these 10 metre-high stone heads, archaeological work began in 1953 to uncover their history.
Nemrut Dağı has since been a significant attraction, with thousands coming at sunrise and sunset to see the stones in the best possible light. It has been designated a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, and is one of the most important National Parks in the country. In addition to the statues, the entire site includes art from the Commagene civilisation, the Eskikale (Old Castle), Yenikale (New Castle), Karakus Hill and Cendere Bridge. Most people use the nearby towns of Malatya, Kahta or Adıyaman as a base, and the road to the summit is only open from mid-April to mid-October because of heavy snow the rest of the year.
FAITH TOURISM
Nemrut (Kahta): It is 103 km east from Adıyaman. It was formed with accumulation of crushed rocks on a main rock of tumulus. Terraces are formed with smoothing the main rock at east, west and north of the tumulus;moreover, god statues and relieves are arranged in colossal Greko - Persia style at east and west terraces.
Arsemia: It is 63 kilometers from Adıyaman, on the east bank of Kahta stream. There are relieved illustration of Mitras on ceremonial road at south, and a rock depicitng Antiochos - Heracles greeting on ceremony platform and before this the biggest inscription of Anatolia an epitaph in the language of ancient Greece.
MOUND TUMULUS and MONUMENTS
Karakuş Tumulus (Women's Monument Tomb): Located at Adıyaman-Kahta enterance in south-west of the National Park ,the Monumental Tomb was built by Commagene's King Mithradates II and was dedicated to his mother Isas. Because of the symbol of eagle on the top of the columns, it was named as Karakuş(black bird) Tumulus. There were four columns in each east, west and south directions, however today only two at east, one at west and one at south remain. On the east columns are ruins of lion and eagle statues, on the west columns ,on the other hand, grounds a relief of 'shaking hands' and on the ground remain pieces of lion statue. Karakuş Tumulus determined as the entrance of Mt Nemrut is also located in the National Park.
Sofraz Tumulus: 45 km to the city centre and 15 km to Besni country. Placed at Üçgöz (Sofraz) village. The Tomb having 15 m height was covered by shattered stones and debris.
Sesönk (Obelisk): The Monumental tomb is located at 33 km south-east of Besni district and was built by Commagene's King Mithradates II on Kızıldağ Mountain.The tomb was surrounded by 3 columns, each having 10 meters height. On these columns are embossed figures of women, men and lions .
Karadağ Tumulus: 5 km from Adıyaman ,Karadağ Tumulus lies on the slope of Karadağ Mountain . It has a rock tomb consisting of two sections.
Beştepeler: 25 km from Adıyaman, inside the Ilıcak village borders are 6 tumulus tombs that are covered by hoarded stones. It is estimated that these tombs were built for royal family members of Commagene Kingdom .
Malpınarı Rock Inscription: Located approximately 35 kilometres from Adıyaman at the Malpınar locality. There is a hieroglyph inscription engraved on natural rock and settlements carved on rocks, which are all dated at Late Hittite Period.
BRIDGES
Cendere Bridge: It is located at the north-east of Karakuş Tumulus , 55 kilometres from Adıyaman .Cendere Bridge consists of a big arch built with 92 large shattered stones on two main rocks at the most narrow place of Kahta river and a secondary arch at the east side of the bridge.
The columns of the bridge were constructed with elasticity to make the bridge resistable to earthquakes. Below this bridge placed another bridge that has 5 arches and was built at Commagene Antiochos Theos Period.However, it was destroyed by the Romans.
Göksu - Kızılin Bridge: The bridge dated back to Roman period was built on a rocky place between Gümüşkaya and Ağcin villages. Except for the middle arch the bridge in general is in good condition.
Golden Bridge: Bridge has one big arch and tree other arches getting smaller each after another. The stones of the Bridge were put together with compress method without using a plaster. There are 63 lines of stone at the west side and 70 lines of stone at east side of the arch. In total nineteen line of stones were used.
ROCK TOMBS
Haydaran Rock Tombs: Located 17 kilometres from Adıyaman, in Taşgedik village. There are rock tombs and embossed relief of God of Sun Hellias shaking hands with King Antiochos .
Turuş Rock Tombs: Turuş Rock Tombs dated at Roman Period are placed 40 kilometres from Adıyaman city centre and one kilometre west of Adıyaman-Şanlıurfa Highway. Since the tombs were built through engraving the main rock from the surface to the underground, one can reach the entrance of the tombs through 10-13 steps. In some tombs there are various figures embossed on the walls and entrences of gates.
Dolmen's: There are Dolmen type tombs at the rocky places in the west of the Obelisk, near Hozişi village. These tombs were erected through stacking two huge rocks resebling a raft.These tombs were thought to be remainig from Stone Age.
Zey: Located 7 kilometres to Adıyaman, near Zey village. Zey consists of settlement units used by the people of Early Christian Period. Moreover, in the village tomb of Sheikh Abdurrahman Erzincani and a mosque take place.
CAVES
Göksu Caves: Across the Göksu river are natural caves on a 40 - 50 meter high precipitous rocks. Caves are concentrated around Kızılin and Sarıkaya villages on Besni side, Gümüş Kaya and Mal Pınarı on Adıyaman side.
Palanlı Cave: Placed in Palanlı village, 10 kilometres west of Adıyaman, on Adıyaman - Çelikhan - Malatya Highway. It is a natural cave that was used in 40.000 BC. On the wall of the cave a deer motive, which is made by simple counter lines, is still noticeable.Especially the deep valley where the cave takes place is a unique part of nature.
Kitap (Book) Cave: In Book Cave are settlement units having two floors built through carving the rocks.They are named as (iron castle 1) and known to be used by the people of Early Christian Period. Caves can be reached on foot from İndere village (Zey).
Gümüşkaya (Palaş) Caves: Located at 40 kilometres south-west of Adıyaman, at the west of Göksu river and the village (named by the river). There are various caves on the rocks connected to each other with tunnels. They were known to be used as a residence and thought to be built in 150 B.C. These caves had balconies, divisional rooms, wells, yet the entrances are of one person width.
RELIGİOUS MONUMENTS
Ulu Mosque, Çarşı Mosque, Kab Mosque, Musalla Mosque, St. Paul Church are the most important ones.
THERMAL RESORTS
Çelikhan Thermal Resorts: It is located in 23 km southwest of Çelikhan district. The water of the spring is beneficial for those suffering from stomach, liver, gall bladder, and kidney disorders and obesity.
Besni Thermal Resorts: It is located in 6 kilometres north-east of Besni district. This spring water is useful for kidney disorders, chronic constipation, guts and stomach inflammation.
Kotur Thermal Resorts: It is 25 kilometres to Adıyaman. It is a cold water, mineral spring located 5 kilometres from Akçalı village. This spring water is useful for some guts and stomach disorders.
NATIONAL PARKS
Adıyaman - Nemrut Dağı National Park
Location: Nemrut Dagi National Park lies between Kahta (9km) and Adiyaman (43km).
Transport: The park can be reached by the road connecting the centre of Adiyaman to Kahta.
Highlights: Most famous site of all, and one of the best-known images of Turkey, are the huge sculptures of gods on the mountain. In addition, it is also the site of tumulus of Antioch, Arsameia (Eskikale), Yenikale (New Castle), Karakus Tepe (Peak), and Cemdere Bridge. In the ancient city of Commagene, King Mithridates I established an independent kingdom, which gained importance during the reign of King Antioch (62 – 32 BC), the son of Mithridates. In 72 AD, the Commageneians lost the war against the Roman Empire, after which they also lost their independence.
The ruins on top of Nemrut Dagi indicate that it was not a residence, but specifically built for the tumulus of Antioch and his sacred space. The tumulus is at an altitude of 2150m and overlooks the River Firat and the neighbouring plains. It is thought that the king’s bones or ashes were put inside the room carved into the main rock, then covered by the tumulus which is 50m high and 150m in diameter. The courtyards are shaped like terraces, and religious ceremonies were held on the western side.
On both terraces, the huge sculptures of the gods, measuring up to 7m high, are positioned between the lion and eagle sculptures. These are surrounded by great stone blocks, arranged perpendicularly with inscriptions and embossed designs. The capital city of Commagene, Arsameia, is in the neighbourhood of the old Kahta village. The holy field of Mithridates is also in that area.
Yenikale is also of great historic interest, and in the area of old Kahta. This castle was built on very steep rocks, and has water depots, baths, mosque, and a hidden water road that leads to river Kahta.
Cendere Bridge, built with one arch on two rocks, crosses the narrowest point of the river Cendere. According to the epitaph written on the columns of the bridge, the Commagene cities had built it in honour of Roman Emperor Septimus Severus (193-211 AD) and his wife and sons. Karakus Peak Tumulus, in which the women of the royal family were buried, is a 21m tall tumulus 10km south-west of Arsameia.
Bears, wolves, jackals, foxes and badgers inhabit the nearby forest.
Facilities: Food and accommodation is available in the national park, with hotels in Nemrut Dagi and pensions in Karadut and Kahta.
ATATURK DAM and GAP
Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), is a multi sectoral and complex regional development programme of Southeastern Anatolia Region consisting 9 cities (Adıyaman, Batman, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Kilis, Mardin, Siirt, Şanlıurfa and Şırnak). At the beginning the aim of the project covers only the improvement of water and soil resources, but in 1989 after the preparation of GAP Master Plan; the project evolved to a multi sectoral and complex regional development plan. The most important step of the project is the Atatürk Dam which is known to be the biggest dam of Türkiye and 8th biggest Dam of the world. With Atatürk Dam, which is located in the borders of Adıyaman and ŞanlıUrfa, soil resurrects from years of drought and the economy of the region developed rapidly.
On the other hand, Dam Lake which is called as "sea" by the local people, gives a great variety to the touristic capacity of the region. Fishing and water sports are now available in lake life.
MUSEUMS
Adıyaman Musuem it takes place on Atatürk Boulevard. In Archaeological ruins section, exhibitions begining from Paleothic Age include hand axes of flintstone, drilling and digging equipment, obsidian arrow heads, cooked clay figures. Also ceramics, glass furnitures, bone tools, gold, silver and bronze ornaments, figures, stamp and cylinder seal exhibits dated to various times; Calcolithic Age, Begining, Middle And Late Bronze Ages, Iron Age, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Periods. Moreover there are stone reliefs from Late Hittite Period, some coins and mosaic samples pertaining to Commagene Kingdom.
In Ethnographic Works section, are examples of weaved objects rugs, carpets, cicim, rug - pillow, women and men clothes, silver ornaments, house furniture all collected from Adıyaman region. Some stone works of museum were displayed at inner garden.
Museum Tele: (+90-416) 216 29 29 Open hours to visit: 08.30-12.00 , 13.00-17.30
The climate of Adıyaman is terrestrial so summers are hot and dry, whereas winters are cold and snowy.
In Adıyaman; Hittites, Asurians, Hurris, Phyrigians, Persians, Macedonians, Commagenes, Romans and Byzantines had lived through history.The city was founded by an Emevi Commander Masur İbni Caneve in 8th Century. After Emevi's dominance came to an end Abbasi, Eyyübi, Seljuk, Mamluks and Ottomans took control of the city respectively. In 1923 it was a district dependent to Malatya, finally after 1954 it became a province.
Raw meatballs, içli meatballs, basalla (sour meatballs), cılbır, lentil metballs, pestil (dried layer of fruit pulp), yapıştırma and hıtap are some of the famous meals of Adıyaman. There are restaurants in the city centre serving local meals. In Kahta district fish can be eaten on the shore of Dam Lake. Accomodatian Facilities and cafeterias on the highway to Mt Nemrut , give opportunity to eat and drink.
At the center of Adıyaman there is a historical market called as Oturakçı Bazaar that offers exquisite handcrafts such as rugs, carpets, cicim, saddlebag and some touristic equipment. Nemrut statues can be bought as a present in touristic kiosks in Mt Nemrut. Also in these kiosks guidebooks about the history of the region in various languages can be found.
- Watching sunrise and sunset from Nemrut mountain,
- Seeing the remains of Commagene Civilisation ,
- Tasting fish in fish restaurants of Kahta at the shore of Atatürk Dam,
- Visiting Adıyaman Museum,
- Buying local hand woven carpets, rugs, cicim, saddle bag and offcourse Nemrut statues
Sites
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Adıyaman
Sites
Archeological Sites: 80
Urban Sites: -
Natural Sites: 4
Historical Sites: -
Total: 84 Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural Heritages: 91
TOTAL: 175
Contact Information
Governorship : (+90-416) 216 10 01
Municipality : (+90-416) 216 10 20
Hospital : (+90-416) 216 10 15
Police : (+90-416) 216 10 70
Gendarme : (+90-416) 216 1092
Provincial Directorate : (+90-416)216 10 08 - 216 38 40
Tourism Information Office : (+90-416) 216 51 31
Provincial Culture Directorate : (+90-416) 216 12 59 - 216 19 91 Fax: (416) 216 24 78
Adıyaman Museum Address:
Atatürk Cad. Adıyaman
Tel: (416) 216 29 29
Fax: (416) 216 98 98
Adıyaman Governorship http://www.adiyaman.gov.tr/valilik/valilik_giris.html
The International Nemrud Foundation http://www.nemrud.nl/
Afyonkarahisar is located on an intersection which connects north to south, west to east. Town is a potential tourism centre with its rich historical background.
Area: 14.230 km²
Population: 739.223 (1990)
Traffic Code: 03
Districts : Başmakçı, Bayat, Bolvadin, Çay, Çobanlar, Dazkırı, Dinar, Emirdağ, Evciler, Hocalar, İhsaniye, İscehisar, Kızılören, Sandıklı, Sincanlı, Sultandağı ve Şuhut'tur.
Highway and railway facilities are available.
Coach Station Tel : (+90-272) 212 09 63
Railway station Tel : (+90-272) 2l3 79 l9
ANCIENT CITIES
İhsaniye Ayazini Town (Metropolis) Ayazini town can be reached by turning right and getting 4.7 kilometre from the 27th km of Afyon-Eskişehir Highway. It is known to be used as a settlement since the Phyrigian period. Cave tomb rooms made for singles or families dated at Roman and Byzantine Periods, churches of Byzantine period and cave settlements are all engraved on rock due to the suitability of the land. Tomb rooms with lions and tomb rooms with columns moreover churches and chapels that are engraved on rock can be seen in the ancient city.
İhsaniye Döğer Settlement Located 12 km from İhsaniye and known to be used as a settlement since Phyrigians. Lion rock, Gate Rock I and II and the rock monuments
built in the 7th Century BC in the name of Goddess Cybele has the quality of being an open-air temple. Moreover, Phyrigian settlements are located in Asar and Old Döğer. Various cave settlements , tomb rooms and churches dated at Roman and Byzantine Period can be visited in the ancient settlement.
Synnada Located at Şuhut town centre , Synnada is a huge city which was once the
capital of central Phyrig during Roman and Byzantine Periods.
Apameia Located in Dinar , the previous name of Apameia was Keleneia. In ancient times it was known to be the second biggest city after Efes.
Docimeium Located at İscehisar town centre, the city was built by Macedonians.
Amorium Located at Hisarköy Village the history of the city can be traced to Late Bronze Age. The city was called as Aura in the Period of Hittites and as Amorium in the Classic Age.
PENTAPOLIS CITIES
Bruzus Located in Karasandıklı Village, it is one of the five cities that are called as Pentapolis. It is located at the north of other cities.
Eucarpeia Located at Emirhisar village in Sandıklı , Eucarpeia is one of the five Pentapolis cities
Hieropolis Located at Koçhisar village in Sandıklı ,Hierpolis is one of the Pentapolis cities. At the same time, the city was the centre of the Phrygia Salutaris (Curative Phrygia). Also it was named as the "Holy City".
Otrus Being one of the Pentapolis cities, Otrus was built in Yanıkören village.
Stectorıum Being one of the Pentapolis cities, it was built in Menteş town, Sandıklı district.
Ococleia Located in Karacaören village, Şuhut district. The city with its partly autonomous status during Roman Period, minted bronze coins in the name of the Emperor collectively with Bruzus City.
Lysias Located in Arızlı village, Şuhut.
Metropolis Founded at Tatarlı town in Dinar district; it is known as Campus Metropolitanus or Phrygia Metropolis.
Cidyessus Located at Küçükhöyük town Sincanlı district nearby Höyük locality.
Prymnessus is one of the great cities that was founded by the Phyrigians in Sülün Village Merkez district. Moreover, the huge sized Hercules statue taking place in this ancient city is exhibited in Afyon Archaeology Museum.
Sanaus founded at Sarıkavak village, Dazkırı district.
ARCHEOLOGICAL PLACES
Göynüş Valley Open Air Temple It is located at Kayıhan quarter in İhsaniye county.One can reach the Temple through turning left and going 1,5 km from the 32nd km. of Afyon-Eskişehir Highway. In the valley, Göynüş Citadel, Aslantaş and Yılantaş tomb rooms that has embossed lion figures, Maltaş Cybele Open Air Temple can be visited.
Sarıçayır(Selimiye) Rock Tombs Upon the rocky territory around Sarıçayır village İscehisar county, engraved single- family tomb rooms , tombs and shelters dated at Byzantine Period.
Şuhut - Bininler Rocky Places Located at 6 km west of Şuhut, Bininler is a rocky territory near Senir village.The Settlement contains animal barns and residences for people.On the lower foot of the rocky territory, which is in reality a Byzantine settlement, the remains of Byzantine church and monastery still exists. Moreover ,there are covered tombs from Late Roman Period that are engraved on rocks.
Bolvadin - Kemerrock Seven Gate Rock Settlement Place: Located on Bolvadin-Emirdağ Highway, 3 km north of Bolvadin Kemerkaya. As a result of the excavations, a complex building group that are estimated to be possible military garrison or administrative buildings engraved on rocks and some parts of Underground City that is used as a shelter by people . Excavations about the settlements dating back to the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods are still in progress.
Bolvadin - Kırkgöz (Forty eyes) Bridge The bridge is located in Bolvadin district, on Akarçay which flows to Eber Lake. The bridge consists of two parts as north and south.The South part of the bridge is constructed by Byzantine Emperor Manuel Kommen I with marble and chipped basalt stones. On the other hand, the northern part of the bridge is built by Mimar Sinan. He enhanced arches to 64 and added a small mosque and inscription .
CASTLES
Afyon Castle The history of the Castle can be traced to 1350 BC. On the top of the Castle are various worship places dedicated to Main Goddess Cybele and 4 large cisterns (water holes). During the period of Seljukian Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad the castle was restored by the castle commander Ulumar Bedrettin Gevhertaş , a small mosque was added and a palace was constructed near the castle.
İscehisar - Kırkinler and Seydiler Castle The castle is located in Seydiler village in İscehisar district, Kırkinler is on the 32nd km.of Afyon-Ankara Highway. A settlement place, a church, a chapel and rocky masses used as tombs that were built in Byzantine Period still remain in the historical place.
NATIONAL & NATURAL PARKS
NATURAL PROTECTION AREAS
Afyon - Dandindere Nature Reserve
Location: Dandindere (Dandin River) Nature Reserve is 30km from Emirdag, northeast of Afyon, in the Aegean Region.
Transportation: Afyon is easily accessible by bus from all over the country, and the nature reserve is off the main highway to Elmadag.
Highlights: The park, covering an area of 260 hectares, is known for its groves of the rare Taurus Cedar tree (Cetrus Libani) which normally grows in southern Turkey. The Dandin River, which forms the northern boundary of the cedars, has been made a nature reserve in order to carry out scientific research and educational projects, and to encourage the preservation of the area. There are also many different varieties of juniper. Foxes, wolves, badgers, pigs, rabbits, partridges and quails also inhabit the park.
ORNITHOLOGY AREAS
Akdağ
City: Denizli, Afyon
Provinces: Çivril, Kızılören, Sandıklı
Surface Area : 42394
Altitude : 900 - 2446 m
Protection: Yes
Bird Species: It gains important bird areas status with birds of prey, such as kara akbaba (3 pairs), kızıl akbaba (3 pairs), sakallı akbaba (1 pairs) and küçük kartal (4 pairs).
Main Characteristics: mountain, forest
Acıgöl
City: Afyon, Denizli
Provinces: Dazkırı, Başmakçı Gölü, Çardak Gölü
Surface Area : 21000
Altitude: 836 m
Protection: partially
Bird Species: Angıt, reproduced both within marshes, and surrounding mountains, can be seen with huge numbers during whole year. On 1993, a flamingo colony, composed of approximately 150 lairs, is determined within Acıgöl. As this registry make Acıgöl one of the five areas, in which flamingos are reproduced within Turkey, reproduction is thought to not to be realized every year. Area, at the same time, It gains important bird areas status with üreyen kılıçgaga, akça cılıbıt, mahmuzlu kızkuşu and gülen sumru populations.
Main Characteristics: salt lake, steppe
Akşehir and Eber Lakes
City: Konya, Afyon
Provinces: Bolvadin, Çay, Sultandağı, Akşehir, Tuzlukçu
Surface Area : 53600
Altitude: Lake Akşehir 966 m, Lake Eber 967 m
Protection: Yes
Bird Species: It is an important reproduction area for küçük karabatak (50 pairs) and tepeli pelikan (a few pairs). Balıkçıl are reproducing in reed islands within Lake Akşehir as mixed colonies, and there are also alaca balıkçıl (70 pairs), erguvani balıkçıl (50 pairs), çeltikçi (50 pairs) and kaşıkçı (15 pairs) among these. Pasbaş patka (10 pairs) and gülen sumru (20 pairs) on sand islands between reeds, and büyük cılıbıt is breeding around the lake. You can face with numerous sakarca (max. 15.900) during winter. Area gains important bird areas status as shelter region during immigration for pelikan (max. 2000) and çeltikçi (max. 1536).
Main Characteristics: sweet water lakes, swamp
THERMAL SPRINGS
Important springs Hüdai Thermal Tourism Centre, Gazlıgöl Thermal Tourism Centre also Ömer and Gecek Thermal Tourism Centre.
Ömer and Gecek Thermal Resort
Location: North-west of Afyon, on the highway to Kutahya.
Transport: 15 km from Afyon. The nearest airport is in Isparta, 150 km south.
Water temperature: Between 51° - 98° C.
pH value: 6.5 - 7.3
Physical and chemical properties: Chlorine, bicarbonate, sodium, iron (4.9 mg/l), arsenic (l/15 mg/l.), carbon dioxide (423.1 mg/l.), metaboric acid (24.7 mg/l.), fluoride (4.32 mg/l.) and boron (10 mg/l.).
Recommended applications: Drinking, bathing and inhaling.
Helps to heal: Rheumatism, skin conditions, cardiovascular and digestive disorders, calcium deposits and aching joints, liver and gall bladder problems, eating and nervous disorders, gynaecological disorders.
Accommodation: Orucoglu Thermal Resort (4 star) - 428 beds. Omer Thermal Resort - 315 beds. Gecek Resort - 130 beds.
Gazlıgöl Thermal Resort
Location: 22km north of Afyon, on the highway to Eskisehir highway near Demiryolu.
Transportation: The nearest airport is in Isparta, 150 km south.
Water temperature: Between 40° - 71° C.
pH value: 6 - 7.5
Physical and chemical properties: Bicarbonate, sodium, hydrogen sulfide (3.75 mg/l.) and carbon dioxide (360 mg/l.), and metaboric acid (47.79 mg/l). Classified as hyperthermal (64°C) and hypertonic. br>
Helps to heal: Rheumatism, cardiovascular disorders, kidney and urinary tract conditions, liver-gall bladder dysfunction, disorders of digestive system and poor metabolism, calcium deposits and skin conditions.
Accommodation: Gazligol Thermal Facilities - 240 beds.
Hüdayi Thermal Resort
Location: 66km south-west of Afyon, 7km south-west of Sandikli.
Transport: Buses from Afyon. Nearest airport is Isparta, 150km south.
Water temperature: 70°C
pH value: 6.3 - 6.9
Physical and chemical properties: Sodium, calcium, sulphur, bicarbonate, fluoride and carbon dioxide, and is radioactive.
Helps to heal: Rheumatic ailments, aches and cramps, cardiovascular disorders, calcium deposits and aching joints, mental and muscular fatigue, nervous disorders and gynaecological disorders.
Accommodation: Kaplica Hotel - 64 beds. Yeni Thermal Hotel - 264 beds.
Afyon is an intersection place at the west of Anatolia and as a natural gate it binds north to south, west to east. Winters are cold and snowy, Summers are hot and dry, spring and autumns are rainy on the other hand a classic steppe climate is seen .
Afyonkarahisar takes its name both from the castle at the south of the city and opium plant. Begining from 7000 BC till today cultures passing from Calcolithic to Late Bronze Age, Hittite, Phyrig, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Civilizations located in the borders of the city. After the conquest of Anatolia by Seljuk Turks on 1071 Afyonkarahisar was taken under the rule of Turks. After this date Afyonkarahisar was dominated by; Seljuk State, Sahipoğulları Principality, Germiyanoğulları Principality and finally in 1428 by Ottoman Empire.
The kitchen of Afyon is rich with its great variety of meals . Sakala suop, zürbiye, duvaklı turkey, sırtsırta (double turkey), aubergine pastry, karnıyarık, flaky pastry filled with poppy, şepit are some of the examples of the local meals. Cızdırma, hamursuz, övme, cimcik hamuraşı, creamy bread kadayıf are some of the delicious examples of pastry.
Hand woven carpets coloured by pure root dye of Bayat district and hand woven silk carpets of Dazkırı are original productions of the region. They can be bought from various stores in the city centre.
- Experiencing curative waters of Afyon's Thermal Springs,
- Visiting İhsaniye-Ayazin (Metropolis) region, Sandıklı Akdağ -Tokalı Canyon, Peri Bacaları (Fairy Chimneys) at İscehisar,
- Visiting Afyon Archaeology Museum, Ulu Mosque, İmaret Mosque, Afyon Castle,
- Tasting Creamy bread kadayıf,
- Buying Bayat's root dyed rugs and Dazkırı's silk carpets
Sites
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Afyon
Sites
Archeological Sites: 113
Urban Sites: 1
Natural Sites: 16
Historical Sites: 6
Other Sites
Archeological and Natural Sites: 26
Archeological and Urban Sites: 1
Historical and Urban Sites: 1
Total: 164
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural
Heritages: 675
TOTAL: 839
Contact Information
Provincial Cultural Directorate
Tel: (272) 213 76 00
State Fine Arts Galeries Directorate
AFYON Tel: (0 272) 214 20 28
Fax: (0 272) 213 76 01
Museum
Afyon Museum Address: Kurtuluş Cad. Afyon
Tel: (272) 215 11 91
Historical Sites and Ruins
Metropolis - İhsaniye/Ayazin Village Apemeia - Dinar/Center Amorium - Emirdağ/Hisarköy
Governorship : (+90-272) 215 12 46 - 215 06 60
Municipality : (+90-272) 214 42 55 - 215 22 53
Hospital : (+90-272) 212 08 02
Police : (+90-272) 213 80 04 - 213 80 05
Gendarme : (+90-272) 213 71 83
Provincial Directorate of touris : (+90-272) 213 54 47 - 214 12 21
Tourism Information Office : (+90-272) 213 54 47 - 214 12 21
Provincial Directorate of Culture : (+90-272) 213 76 00
Afyon Governorship http://www.afyon.gov.tr/
Aydın Municipality http://www.aydin-bld.gov.tr
Menderes University http://www.adu.edu.tr/
Ağrı ,taking place on a 1650 meter high plateau, named after the majestic mountain that can be seen from the city centre. Ağrı is a gateway of east where you can have an overall view of Türkiye from the highest point. Ağrı hosted various nations and civilisations throughout history. It is one of the important tourism centres of the east with suitable tracks of the legendary mountain for mountain climbing and trekking in summers, skiing in winters.
Area: 11.376 km²
Population: 437.093 (1990)
Traffic Code: 04
Districts : Diyadin, Doğubayazıt, Eleşkirt, Hamur, Patnos, Taşlıçay, Tutak.
Roadway and airway arrivals are available. Airport is 7 kilometre from the city centre.
Chough Station : (+90-472) 212 09 63
Railway Station : (+90-472) 2l3 79 l9
Airport : (+90-472) 216 04 02 - 216 04 01
ISHAK PASHA PALACE
It is a palace that was built on a hill in east Beyazit in 1789 by İshak Pasha who is the son of vizier Hasan Pasha. Having approximately 360 rooms and lounges ,the palace fits the qualities of a traditional Ottoman Palace . It covers a field of 760 m2 and it is told that the construction process of the palace took 99 years. All the buildings of the palace take place around two "U" shaped courts, each within the other, and in all the architecture of these constructions (mosque - harem flats - free eating place for poor people - public bath, recreation hall for only men - ceremony hall and entertainment hall - tombs etc.) a perfect masonry can be observed. In the art of carving and wall embellishments , the traces of Ottoman, Seljukian and Persian Civilisations are apparent.
İshak Pasha Mosque take place in the second court of the palace, between harem flats and selamlık (recreation halls for only men) flats.The Mosque dominates all the palace with it's dome and minaret. With sharp curved arches and decorated huge portals the mosque reminds Seljukian architecture more than the Ottoman . Plastic naturalist large plant figures on stones that strange for Turkish art shows effects of Caucasus style.
minaret that, square planned and built with fully Turkish style, is a monument on its own. Octagon tomb built at near the outer walls of mosque towards the direction of Mecca, it has two storey that fit on Seljuklian tomb architecture style.
Outer surfaces of mosque and tomb (dome included) built with cut stone, window sides and some surfaces embroidered with Rococo style flower figures.
Cinviz Castle it is loccated near Kalekulu village, 20 kilometer south east of Tutak.
MOUNT AGRI
Turkey's highest mountain, Mount Ağrı (5165 m.) had drawn attention of scientists, mountaineers and wanderers and became a subject to various stories, folk songs and myths.
According to the widespread belief, the mountain ,which is mentioned in Holy Bible and the Pentateuch, takes an important place in tourism. The world was covered with evil things during The Prophet of Noah.In order to punish human beings, God ordered Noah to construct a ship. Prophet Noah, his spouse, his sons and their spouses as well as 7 male and 7 female of all species in the world and 2 male and 2 female reptiles would be taken on board. Prophet Noah had constructed the ship as the god ordered and entered the ship with the creatures. 7 days later, all the creatures except the ones within the ship had been vanished as a result of the flood that had continued for 40 days and 40 nights. With the withdrawal of flood the ship had grounded on Mount Ağrı, and the creatures had left the ship happily and spread all around the world.The
Mountain which has a special place in religion is very fascinating with its majestic appearance rapidly ascending to sky on a smooth surface,with its snowy peeks even in summer and with its vegetation and animal species.
Religion Tourism
İshak Paşa Palace Mosque (Doğubeyazıt): The place, constructed on a hill at Beyazıt by Hasan Paşa's son İshak Paşa who became grand vizier in 1789 , is complying with Ottoman’s palace organization with its rooms and halls, which are reaching the number of 360. It is said that the construction of the palace,760 square meters area, took 99 years. On the architecture of the building collected around two courtyards within each other and "U" shape (mosque - harem chambers - food aid chambers - hamam, reception room - ceremonial and amusement room - mausoleum etc.) perfect masonry, and on its engravements and wall adornments Persian, Seljuk and Ottoman civilizations’ mutual impacts can be seen.
İshak Paşa Mosque is,within the second courtyard of the palace, between harem and reception rooms. Body walls are two times higher than the palace. Mosque, dome and minaret is overlooking to all of the palace. Its huge portals with sharp arches and turbans reminds of Seljuk architecture rather than that of Ottomans. Big plastic naturalist plant adornments on the rock are showing the impacts of Caucus alien on Turkish art.
Square planned minaret, fully constructed with Turkish style have a monumental appearance on its own. Octagonal monument, constructed adjacent to external walls, at kıble (the direction of Mecca) side of the mosque, has two layers complying with Seljuk monument architecture tradition. Window corners and some surfaces of the mosque and the monuments externally fully made up of cut rock (including dome) and are decorated with Rococo style embroideries that figure out trees and flowers.
Mount Ağrı: Turkey’s highest mountain, Mount Ağrı (5165 m.) had drawn attention of scientists, mountaineers and wanderers and subjected to various stories, türkü (folk songs) and myths.
According to a widespread belief mentioned in the Holy Bible and the Pentateuch, an evil covered the world during The Prophet Noah. With the aim of rebuking human beings, God ordered Noah to construct a ship. Prophet Noah, his spouse, his sons, and one apiece from all creatures in the world will be on board of the ship. Prophet Noah, had constructed the ship in parallel to the order of the God and filled the ship with the creatures.All creatures on the ship had been vanished as a result of the Flood. After the flood had come to an end, the ship grounded on Mount Ağrı, and creatures within it left the ship and spread all around of the world.
Mountain, which is very special in terms of religion due to this religious tale, is very impressive with its majestic appearance,height, its snowy peaks even during summer months,fauna and flora.
Ağrı - Mount Ararat
Turkey's highest mountain, Ararat, has a legendary status due to its geologic location and the fact that it is believed to have been the final resting place of Noah’s Ark. This peak, mentioned in the Bible, has several names in different languages, the main ones being Ararat, Kuh - i Nuh and Cebel ul Haristir.
Prof. Frederick Von Parat successfully reached its summit, which Marco Polo said no-one would ever climb, on 9 October 1829. The former president of the Mountaineering Federation, Dr. Bozkurt Ergor on 21 February 1970 made the second ascent. Thousands of visitors came in 1980, and ten years later climbing was banded but this was lifted in 1998 when the Mountaineering Federation gave permission to a group of climbers.
Height: 5165 m.
Location: Eastern Anatolia, near the border with Iran and Georgia, between the Aras and Murat Rivers.
Best Time for Climbing: July to September. Winter climbing is very difficult but extremely rewarding.
Characteristics: Mount Ararat (5165m) is the highest peak in Turkey and Europe. It is a volcanic mountain made up of basalt, which changes to andesite lava around 4000 m. At the summit there is a glacier, and on the eastern slope is the Serdarbulak ridge, with Kucuk (Little) Ararat at 3896m. The height of Mount Ararat, along with its glaciers, geological formations, people, and mountain meadows covered snow has an alluring, almost magical appearance.
Transportation and Accommodations: The Trabzon-Erzurum-Tehran International Highway winds around the foothills of Mt. Ararat and leads to Iran. There are regular air, rail and bus connections between Ankara and Erzurum. Dogubeyazit is the closest city to the mountain, easily accessible from Mt. Ararat and Erzurum. There are a number of restaurants and lodging places in the city and the surrounding area.
Climbing Equipments: Crampons, rope (11mm), an ice pick and safety gear such as an ice-auger and climbing tape.
Summer Ascents: Sleeping bags made for temperatures of -5, -10 ºC, anorak, wind jacket, other camping gear and important supplies.
In order to climb Mount Ararat and/or Little Ararat, permission is required and it is mandatory that climbers begin their journey from the following points.
* Ascents of Mt. Ararat can only be attempted on the portion of the face that is within the district boundaries Dogubeyazit, and must follow the Dogubeyazit - Topcatan village - Eli Ciftligi route.
* Ascents up Little Ararat may only be made along the northwest face. The easiest route in terms of communication and accessibility, and the most commonly followed one, is the southern route.
* Climbers staying at Dogubeyazit can make their final preparations for climbing here and continue by car to the village of Eli. After getting water here, the first campsite, which is at 2800 m, takes 7-8 hours to reach. On the second day, after a 4-6 hour climb, one can expect to reach the next campsite at around 4200 m. It is obligatory for climbers to be equipped with crampons, rope and ice-picks. It takes about 8-10 hours to reach the peak and to return to the first campsite at 2800 m.
Ağrı - Bubi mountian Winter Sports Center (Winter tourism)
WINTER SPORTS
AĞRI - Bubi Mountain
This ski resort is on the mountain of Bubi, in Eastern Anatolia, 18km south-west of the centre of Agri.
Arrival: There are flights from Ankara and Istanbul, and transport from Agri to the resort is only by private vehicles.
Geography: The ski season runs between December to April. The area has a terrestrial climate, and the resort is covered with alpine meadows, which is covered with 1-2m of snow in the winter.
Facilities: There is a ski lodge belonging to the Agri City Directorate, and a café. There is a T-bar and chair-lift.
THERMAL SPRINGS
Ağrı is rich with its thermal centers. There are Yılanlı, Davut and Köprü thermal springs in Diyadin . Spring waters are beneficial for rheumatism and dermatological problems.
BUZ CAVE
The cave taking place on the slope of Mount Ağrı , near Telçeker town, fascinates the visitors with stalactites and stalagmites. Regular daily tours are arranged to the cave.
ORNITHOLOGY AREAS
Sarısu Plains
City: Ağrı
Provinces: Patnos
Surface Area : 4800
Altitude : 1850 m
Protection: N/A
Bird Species: It gains important bird areas status with turna (10 pairs) population.
Main Characteristics: sweet water swamp
Doğubeyazıt Sazlığı
City: Ağrı
Provinces: Doğubeyazıt
Surface Area : 8750
Altitude : 1520 m
Protection: N/A
Bird Species: Important numbers of (10 pairs) çayır delicesi reproduce within the region.
Main Characteristics: sweet water swamp, steppe
Ağrı is surrounded by Kars and Iğdır at north, Erzurum and Muş at west, Bitlis and Van at south, and Iran border at east. Most of the territory of Ağrı is mountainous and undulate.The mountains of Ağrı strech in series. Rich, grassy plants cover the surface of the province. Grasses refresh at spring and extinct at fall because of the cold weather. Winters are cold whereas summers are dry and hot.
Located at the east edge of Türkiye, Ağrı became a settlement begining from the ancient times and a stage for various civilisations . Being a part of Anatolia and a cradle of various rich and advanced civilizations, the history of Ağrı can be traced to 18th century BC. Hurris are one of the oldest civilisations settled in Ağrı. In the middle of the 7th century the dominance of the province had passed to Arabs. When Seljuk Turks entered to Anatolia ,the province was dependent to Byzantines yet it was dominated by Seljuk Turks in 1054.The province that was once a sanjak before the period of Republic was named as Doğu Bayazıt .It was taken to Karaköse in 1927 and finally called as Ağrı in 1938.
Because of the great amount of stockbreeding in the region there is a considerable consuption of meat and animal products. There are fish and local restaurants around the cute Balık gölü (fish lake) .
Mohair gloves and socks are suggested as original local cloth accessories .
- Visiting İshak Paşa Palace,
- climbing Mount Ağrı, the highest mountain of Türkiye and Europe, (Don't forget to take permission),
- Tasting Abdigör köfte (meatball),
- Buying some pair of mohair gloves and socks for winters.
Sites
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Ağrı
Sites
Archeological Sites: 7
Urban Sites: -
Natural Sites: 4
Historical Sites: -
Total: 11
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural
Heritages: 18
TOTAL: 29
Contact Information
Provincial Cultural Directorate
Tel: (472) 213 76 00-01
Fax: (472) 215 39 18
Governorship : (+90-472) 215 77 66
Municipality : (+90-472) 215 10 23
Hospital : (+90-472) 215 30 96
Police : (+90-472) 215 28 93
Gendarme : (+90-472) 213 71 83
Provincial Directorate : (+90-472) 215 37 30
Tourism Information Office : (+90-472) 321 20 09
Provincial Culture Directorate : (+90-472) 213 76 00
Frontier Civil Administration Office: : (+90-472) 321 24 54
Ağrı Governorship http://www.agri.gov.tr/
OHAL(Emergency Rule Administration) http://www.ohal.gov.tr/
Traffic Code: 68
Aksaray is located at middle Anatolia region, it was an important trade centre on the ancient silk road, and nowadays it is still placed on intersection point of main roads lies between east to west and north to south. Historical background of city can be traced to 8000 BC. Years and there are cultural creations those related to various civilisations. Aksaray that sited as the beginning gate of Capadocia, offers various and interesting vacation facilities to its visitors with apart from cultural values and also natural riches.
Districts: Ağaçören, Güzelyurt, Gülağaç, Eskil, Ortaköy, Sarıyahşi.
Aksaray is placed on intersection point of road ways lies between east to west and north to south, and at the entrance place of Capadocia.
IHLARA VALLEY
40 kilometre away from Aksaray. Valley can be reached by turning at the 11th kilometre point of Aksaray - Nevşehir roadway. Canyon constituted by breaks and collapses come out with getting cold of lavas that contains dense basalt and andesite substances and run over from Hasandağ mountain. On that split area an Melendiz brook find way to flow and give today's shape to canyon, that brook was named in early ages 'Potamus Kapadukus" which means river of Capadocia. Valley lies 14 kilometre long.starts from Ihlara, come to an end at Selime. Valley's hight reach to 100 - 150 meter at some places. Across the valley there are innumerable shelters, tombs and churches that all engraved in to rocks present. Some of the shelters and church's are related each other with tunnels that similar to underground cities.
MUSEUMS AND ANCIENT CITIES
Aksaray Museum: Museum is founded in the "Zinciriye Medresesi" an building remains from Karamanoğulları governmental period 14th century at the year of 1969, it is still continue its activities in the same building. Museum placed on Zincirli quarter, centre county of province Aksaray. At the museum Archaeological and ethnographic work of arts are exhibited.
Museum Tel: (+90-382) 213 16 67
Under Ground Cities: In spite of under ground cities are generally concentrated on Güzelyurt and Gülağaç counties, there can be seen some under ground cities at the whether Centre county or Ortaköy county. At the Güzelyurt county centre and at the Manastır (monastery) valley there are three revealed under ground cities present. At the Gülağaç county Saratlı under ground city is revealed and lighted.
Antic Nora Viranşehir (Helvadere Town): Nora town was builded on a slope of Hasandağ mountain, placed 30 kilometres south of Aksaray. It was an important military base because of strategically position. Town preserve its importance at the Rome and Byzantine period too, so there are lots of churches are present now. Out standing buildings are remained from Byzantine period. Those churches can be partly damaged but also some of various frescos are still take attention on them.
Acemhöyük (Persian mound) Antic Settlement: Acemhöyük is at the Yeşilova 18 kilometer north - west from Aksaray. In the mound an great palace and its depot remaining from Asur Trade Colonies Period, brought to light with the systematically excavation process until year of 1948. Moreover; aquiline mouthed jugs, signets and ceramics founded.
Aşıklı Tumulus: Aşıklı Höyük is placed at the Kızılkaya village, nearly 1 kilometre south of village on the shore of Melendiz brook, and 25 kilometres south - east from Aksaray.
Aşıklı is in side of an place spread by volcanic tufa at the Capadocia of Aksaray, first settlements began at 8 thousand BC. Aşıklı Tumulus, is one of the most important ruin places founded at Anatolia and nearly east that exhibits oldest 'first village settlements' remains from Aceramic Neolithic Period.
RELIGIOUS MONUMENTS
Ulu Mosque, Eğri Minaret (Red Minaret), Tapduk Emre Tomb (Tapduk Emre Village), Sheikh Hamid-i Veli (Somuncu Baba) Tomb (at city Centre), Kılıçarslan Tomb (at city Centre): Sheikh Cemaleddin-i Aksarayi İtifakhanesi, Suffering place and small mosque are most important mosques and tombs of Aksaray.
Ulu Mosque (Karamanoğlu Mosque, Center): It is written on the inscription of the mosque on an accumulated hill that it was constructed to Architecture Mehmet Firuz Bey by Karamanoğlu Mehmet Bey between 1408 and 1409. Most important characteristic of the mosque which is a typical piece of Karamanoğlu art is its minbar(pulpit beside the mihrab reached by a long, straight flight of steps), which is constructed from ebony, as one of the master piece of art of wood of Seljuk period.
Eğri Minaret (Red Minaret, Center): It belongs to Seljuk period, and thought to be constructed between 1221 and 1236. It is also known as Red Minaret as it is made up of red bricks.
Taptuk Emre Village and Monument (Taptuk Emre Village): 20 kilometers north of the province of Aksaray, the village was founded on the skirts of small Ekecik Mount, and mentioned that it was belongeds to Taptuk Emre. There are mosque and monument, at the most upper part of the skirts of the mountain. A sarcophagus was placed on the grave of the Taptuk Emre without damaging it
Yunus Emre Mausoleum (Ortaköy - Reşadiye Village): It is within Reşadiye village 20 kilometers from the province center of Ortaköy, Aksaray. The hill on which mausoleum is present, is also known as hill of visit (ziyaret tepesi) by people.
Kaya Mosque (Güzelyurt): It is at the Güzelyurt province center. It is thought to be remained from XIVth century.
Selime Sultan Mausoleum (Selime Village): Mausoleum within Selime village reflects the early period characteristics in connection with both architecture and decoration. Rocks and bricks were embellished on within the other. It is dating back to the beginning of XIIIth century according to its architectural style and materials.
Church Mosque (Saint Gregorius Church) (Güzelyurt): It is in Güzelyurt province center reflecting the pieces of art of Chirstianity period , and has a great importance for Orthodox society. It is constructed in 385 A. D. inspired from the shape of the close cross. The church which is modified with various additions and repairs, then turned into a mosque with converting its bell tower into a minaret.
Saint Anargiros Church (Güzelyurt): It is at the Güzelyurt province center. Closed cross planned church, was constructed with fully engraving into rock including its domes and columns. Church was finally repaired in 1884. It is understood from the date 1887 on its dome that it was constructed three years after repair of the frescos. There are people who coming for pilgrimage from Vatican city today.
On November,1 which is the religious day of Saint Anargiros, patients are praying till to morning with organizing a great ceremony in the church.
Saint Georges Church (Kırkdamaltı Church, Belisırma): It is the highest church in the region, and thought to be constructed between 1283 and 1295. An inscription encircle all over the church. All subjects narrated in the Holy Bible and a picture of Seljuk Sultan, II Mesud are depicted on the fresco of the church.
Selime Cathedral (Selime): There are two lined columns within the cathedral, which is on a high place engraved into rocks. These columns are separating cathedral into three landing stairs.
Castle Monastery Church (Selime): It is one of the biggest religious organizations in Cappadocia. Monastery is dating between VIIIth and XIVth century or Xth century, and figured frescos within the church are dating between the end of Xth and beginning of XIth century. There are illustrations such as the depiction of Jesus Christ rising to the sky, Herald and Virgin Mary.
Yüksek Church (Center): Church, which is also known as monastery , is a stone masonry on steep rocks. It is about three kilometers away from city center.
Kızıl Church (Sivrihisar): It took the name Kızıl Church as it is made up of red cut stone. Church is dated back to Vth- VIth century.
Sivişli Church (Güzelyurt): This is a rock engraved church within the borough. Portraits of Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary in the middle and Apostles on the sides of the dome are present.
Antique Nora Viranşehir (Helvandere Borough): This small town 30 kilometers south of Aksaray, at the skirts of Mount Hasan, had been settled since Roman and Byzantium period. There are lots of churches within the town, which preserve their importance during Roman and Byzantium periods, today. Structures that have erected still belong to Byzantium period. Although these churches are partially demolished, various frescos are still draw attention.
Ağaçaltı Church (Daniel, Pantanossa, Ihlara): It is within Ihlara Valley, at the south side of entrance stairs of the valley. On the frescos, there are illustrations of Revelation, Visit and Birth, Escape to Egypt, baptism of Jesus Christ and death of Virgin Mary. And scene of ascend to sky is present on the dome.
Pürenli Seki Church (Ihlara): It is composed of four parts engraved on rock. There are graves on Narteks ground. Frescos are dated between the beginning of Xth century and XIIth century. Its pictures illustrate various scenes from Holy Bible and childhood of Jesus Christ such as Prophecy of the Prophets, Virgin Mary and Bishops, Herald, Visit and Worship of the Shepherds.
Kokar Church (Ihlara): Subject matters on the frescos dated to the end of IXth century or second half of XIth century are very rich. The descriptions as to the Last Supper, Crucifixion, Burial of the Messiah, Ascending to Sky, Duties of the Apostles sometimes reflect an integrity subject matter,which is very interesting. Adornments within two grave chambers of the church are the first samples made with red paint.
Eğritaş Church (Ihlara): It is mentioned within an inscription on the east wall that the Church, understood as one of the oldest structures of the valley and a huge temple was devoted to Virgin Mary. Though damaged, the frescos on which the descriptions of Jesus Christ sitting between two angels, Virgin Mary between two angels and six bishops, dream of the Prophet Joseph, Escape to Egypt, Baptism, Entrance to Jerusalem still draws attention with its very colorful and live drawing.
Sümbüllü Church (Ihlara): Monastery places are engraved into rock mass as two layers. There are pictures of Virgin Mary between Archangel Michael and Gabriel, Jesus Christ and three Hebrew juveniles in the oven as well as saints.
Yılanlı Church (Ihlara): Narrow cross branches at north and south is surrounding the central place adorned with an embroidered cross on its ceiling. There are pictures such as Crucified Jesus Christ, Entrance to Jerusalem, Burial of the Egyptian Virgin Mary, Visit.
Bahattin Samanlığı Church (Belisırma): It is a church with a single corridor. One alcove like dome engraved on north - and west - side walls, and three alcoves like domes engraved on south wall form the ceiling with the shape of a cradle.
Direkli Church (Belisırma): One can reach the monuments of the priests and residants of the staff of the church through the door within the church. There are pictures as two lines on the columns over church. Inscriptions can be seen at both sides of Saints and Apostles. It is a monastery church dating back to XIth and XIIIth centuries.
Ala Church (Belisırma): It is a church engraved on rocks at the east side of the valley and north of the village. It was constructed after Christianity had been set free. There are pictures of Saints and Apostles on the upper part of its front side. There are pictures of Birth, Anastasis, Entrance to Jerusalem, Egypt, Sanctification of Virgin Mary.
Karagedik Church (Belisırma): It is established on a hill covered with grass leaning against a steep rock. It is a huge church constructed in XIth Byzantium style, and it reminds the Çanlı( With Bell) Church.
INNS
Alayhanı Inn: is in the border of Alayhan village on the Aksaray - Nevşehir highway. Inn's front side and courtyard are collapsed. Estimated that Inn builded by far border governmental ruler Pervane Bey at the period of 2nd Kılıçarslan.
Öresin Inn: is an inn remains from Selcuklu's at the 22nd kilometres of Aksaray - Nevşehir highway. Centre dome and gate of inn are collapsed. Windows are crenel type shaped. It has sections those each one has six arches.
Sultan Inn: is builded by Alaaddin Keykubat between the 1228 - 1229 years. Inn is a masterpiece art of Selcuklu's Period by the perspective of architecture, stone masonry and decoration arts. It was builded purposes for to make, Konya - Aksaray roadway safe that way was important for military and trade purposes. Inn has classical formation of Selcuklu Inn organisation with summer, winter, barn sections and with a small mosque.
Ağzıkara Inn: is placed at 15th kilometre of Aksaray - Nevşehir highway, Ottoman source document's mention inn as Hoca Mesud Inn. Building process started at 1231 AC. in the Alaaddin Keykubat period, it is finished at 1239 AC. In period of Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev. It is fully organised with public bath, charitable establishment, summer and winter sections. Main gate of Inn contains every property of Selcuklu stone decoration art.
THERMAL RESORTS
At Aksaray sentences contains thermal tourism automatically remains Ziga Hot Springs. Ziga is 35 kilometer away from Aksaray on the Ihlara roadway. Waters are usefull first of all for rheumatism illnesses than for metabolism disorders, digest system illnesses, skin diseases, eye illnesses and gynaecological diseases, and more over for neuralgia, nervate and broken - prominent type diseases.
SPORTING ACTIVITIES
Mountain - Nature Tracking: Hasandağı Mountain is capable for mountaineering and winter sports. Presently Mount Hasandağ be in demanded by home and foreign mountain climber. At the mountain with the establishment of Klimatizm, that forest interior resting place, nomadism, mountain bike sports, mounted tour excursion and nature tracking are possible.
Fishery with Fishing Line: Mirrored carp and fresh water bass species are breed at Mamasun, Hirfanlı and Kültepe dam lakes. Moreover again crap, bass, trout and yayın fish breed at the out numbered present ponds. There are lots of coral fishes at Uluırmak river which river spring from Melendiz Mountains and flows to Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake). fresh water kerevites that breed at Mamasun Dam Lake are exported to foreign countries.
Aksaray province is belong to Interior Anatolian Region's climate; terrestrial climate type so summers passes with hot and dry, winters passes withcold and snowy days.
Aksaray province is placed in the Capadocia region, inhabiting of human starts from 8th thousand BC. Aşıklı Tumulus is one of the first village settlement place in Anatolia remains from Aceramic Neolithic Age. According to historical process Aksaray province was breed place for various civilisations. Acemhöyük placed near the city centre was one of the most important trade centres in the period of Asur Trade Colonies between the BC. 3000 - 2000 years. Afterwards on the province Hittite, Rome, Byzantine, Selcuklu and Ottoman Periods are experienced.
Christianity began to spread towards Anatolia with Disciple Saint Paul and his students at first century AC. This process take huge against reaction from çok tanrılı Rome Empire, so than first Christians are settled this region for.
Aksaray coking tradition consist density of flour, meat, milk products and vegetable. Sıkma (tighten), çörek (bun), mayalı (fermented), erişte (kind of macaroni), kuskus pilavı(kind of rice), dolma mantı, katıklı aş, soğanlama (with in onion), tarhana çorbası (kind of soup), hoşmerim, bamya çorbası (okra soup), yoğurt çorbası (yogurt soup), arabaşı , sarığı burma (katmer), pelte, kayganayı are some of the famous meals and cookies of provinces. at the Helvadere town is famous with its delicious trouts.
At the province Taşpınar's rugs are famous.
- Visiting Ihlara Valley and Güzelyurt, seeing Eğri Minaret,
- Tasting tourt at Helvadere - tasting Saç tava at Ihlara Valley,
- Buying Taşpınar rugs,
- Watching festivals of Ihlara and Eski (old) and Yeni (new) Gelveri Festivals at 15 - 30 August arranged in Güzelyurt (these festivals assigned for visit of Greeks to region whom used to live at same locality.).
Sites
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Aksaray
Sites
Archaeological Sites: 92
Urban Sites: 2
Natural Sites: 8
Historical Sites: -
Other Sites
Archaeological and Natural Sites: 3
Urban and Archaeological Sites: 2
Historical and Urban Sites: 1
Total: 108
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural Heritages: 446
TOTAL: 554
Contact Information
Governorship : (+90-382)213 50 20
Municipality : (+90-382) 213 54 92
Hospital : (+90-382) 212 91 00
Police : (+90-382) 215 07 15
Gendarme : (+90-382) 215 22 02
Provincial Directorate : (+90-382)212 46 88
Camps
Ağaçlı Camping
Aksaray
Tel: (382) 215 24 00
Provincial Cultural Directorate
Tel: (382) 213 08 82
Fax: (382) 213 09 42
Museum
Aksaray Museum
Address: Zinciriye Mah. Aksaray
Tel: (382) 213 16 67
Fax: (382) 213 09 42
Aksaray Governorship http://www.aksarayvali.cjb.net/
Area: 5.520 km²
Population: 357.191 (1990)
Traffic Code: 05
Districts: Amasya (center), Göynücek, Gümüşhacıköy, Hamamözü, Merzifon, Suluova, Taşova.
Located in the region of Middle Black Sea, Amasya is founded on the slopes of Mt. Harşena in Yeşilırmak Valley. With its over 7000 year historical background it became a capital of a kingdom, trained scientists, artists, poets, and became a training city for sultan's sons. First steps of the Independence War of Turkey also took place in Amasya. Along with these historical and cultural riches , Amasya especially takes attention with Yalıboyu houses constructed along the shore of Yeşilırmak . If you want to see a fascinating antic city where history and nature mingles and where you can see the best marble apples, cherries, peaches and okras of the world, Amasya is waiting for you with its cosy and hospitable people.
Amasya is connected to its neighbour provinces Samsun, Çorum and Tokat with a governmental roadway. At the same time it is on the Europe - Iran international (E-5) High way. Nearest arrival points for sea way and air way are at the Samsun province which is 130 kilometre far away from Amasya.
Road way: is 1,5 kilometres away from city centre, arrival obtained by small buses for city arrival and by coach firms private services.
Coach station Tel : (+90-358) 218 80 12
Railway: Amasya is placed on the Sivas - Samsun railway, city is 261 kilometre and little more away from Sivas and 134 kilometre away from Samsun. There are two coach stations (Amasya - Hacıbayram) and six train stations istasyon (Kızılca, Kayabaşı, Eryatağı, Bovazköy, Suluova, Hacıbayram) present in the borders of province.
Train station Tel : (+90-358) 218 12 39
AMASYA HOUSES
Hazeranlar Mansion Hazeranlar mansion is the most beautiful mansion at Yalı boyu (across the waterside residence) houses series. Mansion is one of the most elegant civil architecture samples of Ottoman period. Mansion built by Defterdar Hasan Talat Efendi for the name of his sister Hazeran Hanım at the year of 1872.
other gate is connected to Hatuniye mosque courtyard. Double shuttered males greeting hall gate opens to an area with low ceiling. There are four rooms at each corners and liwan of centre hall take place between the rooms. There are unadorned stairs with banister connects the east liwans to the entrance floor. Living rooms and bedrooms, court, coffee room, room with oven, parents and males greeting hall rooms and also toilet take place at the storey around the center hall.
CASTLES,ROCK TOMBS
Amasya Castle it is placed on precious rocks named Harşane mountain at the west of Yeşilırmak river and city centre. There are 4 main gates in castle, which are named Belkıs, Saray (palace), Maydonos and Meydan (Public Square), there is an water well named Cilanbolu in castle too, moreover water hole and dungeon present in castle. A laddered under ground way from the castle that reach to 70 meter below river towards the kings tombs dated to IIIth BC. There are tower and mosque ruins present too.
King Rock Tombs There are 5 unit tombs placed at slope of Amasya Castle that all are engraved on the lime stone rocks which rocks extended like a straight wall. With the construction and location properties they take attention at the first sight. Their surroundings engraved till they completely separated from the main rock, than they reunite to the main rock with stairs. There are some ones large and some ones small totally 18 rock tomb units present. The famous geographer Strabon (BC 63 - AC. 5) whom born at Amasya, delivers an information that Rock tombs was belonged to Pontus Kings.
Aynalı Cave (Rock Tomb) is approximately three kilometres away from city centre, and on the way of Ziyaret district which way separated to the right from surrounding high way towards Samsun. It is the best - decorated and completed tomb among other King Rock Tombs. At the vault section there are 6 pictures on each right and left walls, which figure out 12 disciple. And there are some figures that include men and women on the west and east walls, although there is a composition figure contains the Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Disciple on east wall.
Ferhat Water Canal canal was built at the Hellenistic Period to fulfil city's water necessity, it has approximately 75 width and 18 kilometers long. It was built with processes of digging canals based on the balance system, carving some tunnels and bounding brick walls at some places.
KULLIYE VE THEOLOGY SCHOOLS
Bimarhane (place of cure) It is a unique building that remains from İlhanlı Period to nowadays. Is was built for the name of the Sultan Mehmet Olcaytu, Ruler of İlhanlı State and his wife Ilduz Hatun at the year of 1308. Especially front side of the building is valuable by perspective of artistic values. On the shackle stone of gate there is an human relief that kneel down, it is a peculiar property only seen at Amasya Bimarhane building.
Sultan IIth Bayezid Külliye: Külliye is built for the name of Sultan IIth Bayezid at the years of 1485-86; it contains mosque, theology school, charitable establishment, tomb and fountain. It the last developed sample of sideways residential (planned like big L) mosque architecture which was popular at the last quarter of XVth century. At the Külliye beside of mosque there are theology school, charitable establishment and guesthouse are present. It is estimated that old plane trees, which form a line with each of two minarets, are as old as külliye.
Haliliye Theology School buling is at the Gümüş district centre in Gümüşhacıköy county, it was built by Halil Pasha, whom was the Governor General of Çelebi Sultan Mehmed, at the year of 1413. Is a square typed theology school with covered courtyard.
Kapı Ağa Theology School It is built by Hüseyin Ağa , who is Gate's Ağa (Director) of Sultan IIth Bayezid, at the year of 1488. Octagon type schema, that was common at frontal Asia tombs and Selcuklu monument tombs, is firstly applied to this theology school by the means of function.
MOSGUE AND TOMBS
mosque are worthy enough to visit. Other important mosques of Amasya are Gümüşlü Mosque, Bayezid Pasha Mosque, Yörgüç Pasha Mosque, Sofular Abdullah Pasha Mosque, Şirvanlı (Azerbaijani) Mosque, Abide Hatun Mosque ve Halifet Gazi Vault.
Gök Medrese Mosque (Center): Gökmedrese mosque, deemed to be constructed in Amasya (1267) by one of the governors of the Seljuk Empire, Torumtay, is a structure with three cupolas, covered with dome and vaults, reaching to the depths with a certain shape. Its hewn stone architecture, have a serious, sedate style with its ratios and simple adornments. Long entrance division of the mosque is used as theology school.
Burmalı Minare Mosque (Center): It was constructed by Vizier Ferruh and his brother Haznedar Yusuf during Seljuk Sultan, Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev II in 1237 and 1247. Classical octagonal shaped Seljuk vault adjacent to the left side wall of the entrance and wringling minaret added afterwards are the certain characteristics of the mosque.
Sultan Bayezıt II Kulliye (Center): Kulliye constructed in the name of Sultan Bayezit II in 1485 - 86; is composed of mosque, theology school, charitable establishment, monument and şadırvan (water tank with a fountain).
It is the advanced final sample of the mosque with side place (L planned) architecture, constructed during the last quarter of the XVth century. There are two minarets of the mosque. There are theology school at west and charitable establishment and guest - house at east. Old plane tress at the level of both minarets, are estimated to be as old as kulliye.
INN, PUBLIC BATHS AND BAZAARS
Ezine Inn It is at the left side of the road in the Ezinepazar district, and placed at the point of 35th kilometre on Amasya - Tokat highway. Inn is built by Mahperi Hatun, who is the wife of Selcuklu Sultan, Alaaddin Keykubad.
Taş han (stone Inn) is placed at Merzifon county, Inn built by rectangular plan that is resembling to 17th century architectural style.
Bedesten (bazaar of craftsmen) Bedesten is at the Merzifon county built by rectangular plan shops with domes surrounds center courtyard.
Eski Hamam (old public bath) Eski Hamam is at the Merzifon county, by the information written on inscription it was built at the year of 1678.
PROMENADE
Yedi Kuğular Kuş Cenneti (Seven Swan Bird Sanctuary) (Yedikır Dam) is at the 7th kilometre of Amasya - Suluova highway. Region is charming picnic place with beautiful nature surrounds dam lake, walking course, fish breeding establishments, social facilities of DSİ and common amateur fishery at lake. Dam lake began to protection place for birds, there are more than 34 species of birds like; swan, wild goose, wild duck, angut, cormorant and heron, etc., lives at lake;.
Borabay Lake By turning left at the 44th kilometre of Amasya - Taşova highway, you will be get in Taşova - Samsun highway, again turning left at the 14th kilometre of Taşova - Samsun highway you can reach a wonder of nature Borabay Lake. Borabay Lake and surroundings declared as tourism centre. Inside the woodland there are 9 bungalow type houses that each one 3 bedded. Lake is resort place of either home or foreign tourists by the facilities; camping opportunity, large coffee - house, places for picnic, nature tracking and resting opportunities.
Baraklı Waterfall It is at the Taşova county, 30 kilometres away from Taşova county centre, and in the borders of Özbaraklı district.
THERMAL SPRINGS
Terziköy thermal spring is one of the most important springs of the province. Gözlek thermal spring, Hamamözü (Arkut Bey) thermal spring and Ilısu thermal spring are the other thermal springs of Amasya.
Terziköy Thermal Spring (Curative Tourism)
Terziköy Thermal Resort
Location: 30km south of Amasya, south of Samsun, in the Black Sea region.
Transport: Many buses to Amasya from all over the country, then private vehicle to Terzikoy. Nearest airport at Samsun.
Water temperature: 37°C
pH value: 6.6
Physical and chemical properties: Bicarbonate, calcium, small amount of carbon dioxide.
Recommended applications: Drinking and bathing
Helps to heal: Rheumatism, eating disorders and liver, intestinal, kidney and urinary tract conditions.
Accommodation: Motel - 90 beds.
Ornithology Areas
Yedikır Dam
City: Amasya
Provinces: Suluova
Surface Area: 593
Altitude: 517 m
Protection: Yes
Bird Species: It gains important bird areas status with angıt (max. 1099).
Main Characteristics: dam lake
The climate of the region shows a transitional quality between the Black Sea climate and continental climate . The summers are neither dry as continental climate nor rainy as Black Sea climate.Likewise, the winters are neither mild as Black Sea climate nor hard as continental climate.
was hosted to Hittite, Frig, Kimmer, Lydia, Persia, Rome, Byzantine, Danismend, Selcuklu, Ilhanli and Ottoman civilisations at history between Antic Age to present days. At the year of 1386 Amasya included to Ottoman Empire Reign, province was famous as "şehzadeler (sons of sultan) province" by the special concern of Ottoman Sultans and their sons. Turks take control of Amasya, by the conquest of Melik Ahmet Danişmend Gazi at the year of 1075. At the year of 1285 Ilhanli State take control, than at the year of 1381 Eretna Governmental take control, at last Şehzade (prince) Yıldırım Bayazıd conquest province to Ottoman Reign at the year of 1386.
Amasya take importance at the similar to its old important roles in the passing years of history. First step of Liberation War of Türkiye started in Samsun at 19 May 1919, National Struggle's second step started with arrival of Mustafa Kemal to Amasya at 12 June 1919. At Amasya; plans for Liberation Struggle prepared, and decision given to assemble the congress of Erzurum and congress of Sivas. Sentences of "nations independence will be liberated by the again nations determination and stability" take place in Amasya circular, declared in Amasya at 22 May 1919.
Amasya has a rich cooking tradition not only with its valuable historical and cultural roots but also with its rich vegetation due to the ecological structure of the province . Çatal çorba (Knife soup), cırıkda-cızlak (akıtma), helle çorbası (soup), ekmekaşı (papara (bread meal)), kesme ibik çorbası (soup), toyga çorbası (soup), cilbir, bakla dolması (staffed broad bean), hengel (kind of meat pasty), pancar (beet with preserve of dried meat), kabak kabuklu pilav (rice with marrow scale), sirkeli ciğer, yuka tatlısı (yufka patlıcanlı pilav tatlısı), gömlek kadayıfı, halbur cookie, zerdali (wild apricot)gallesi, bread with balck cherry (Amasya çöreği), sini su pastry (Amasya type water pastry) and Yakasal pastry can be given as an example for meals special to locality.
Food and beverage facilities licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
Tourism Facilities Data Base Updating Project is still in progress.Upon the end of the current process some of the nonexistent parts related to Tourism facilities and regarding information will be given.
Hand made scarf, colored cotton kerchief, home made kuşburnu marmalade, rice and apple are some of the suggested materials.
- Visiting the Mummies section of Amasya Museum and Hittite God Statue (Teşup),
- Walking around Amasya Houses in Yeşilırmak ,Yalıboylu ,
- Visiting King Rock Tombs ,
- Visiting Bayezid Külliye II (complex), and Bimarhane,
- Seeing Borabay Lake,
- Eating Amasya's Marble Apple,
Sites
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Amasya
Sites
Archeological Sites: 41
Urban Sites: 1
Natural Sites: 5
Historical Sites: -
Other Sites
Archeological and Natural Sites: 2
Archeological and Urban Sites: 1
Total: 50
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural Heritages: 462
TOTAL: 512
Contact Information
Governorship : (+90-358) 218 10 33
Municipality : (+90-358) 218 80 00
Hospital : (+90-358) 218 40 00
Police : (+90-358) 218 50 05
Gendarme : (+90-358) 218 12 49
Provincial Directorate of Tourism : (+90-358) 218 50 02 - 218 74 27
Tourism Information Office : (+90-358) 218 74 28
Provincial Directorate of Culture : (+90-358) 218 29 80
Provincial Cultural Directorate
Tel: (358) 218 29 80 Fax: (358) 218 72 59
State Fine Arts Gallery Directorate Hazeranler Konağı 05100 - AMASYA
Tel: (0 358) 218 18 69
Fax: 218 72 59 Museum Amasya Museum Address: Atatürk Cad. Amasya
Tel: (358) 218 69 57
Amasya Governorship http://www.amasya.gov.tr
Area: 30.715 km²
Population: 3.236.626 (1990)
Traffic Code: 06
The history of Ankara and its surroundings stretches back to the Hatti civilisation of the Bronze Age. Two thousand years before the time of Jesus, the Hittites become the dominant power of the region, and were then followed by the Phyrgians, Lydians and Persians. In the 3rd Century BC, a Celtic race known as the Galatians made Ankara their capital city. The name Ankara comes from the word 'Ancyra', which means 'anchor.'
Ankara gained prominence under the leadership of Ataturk during the national resistence which followed World War I. It was declared the capital of the new Turkish Republic on October 13th 1923 when the National War of Independence freed Turkey from foreign occupation.
Occupying one of the most prominent parts of the city is Anitkabir, the magnificent mausoleum constructed to commemorate Atatürk. This structure, which was completed in 1953, is a synthesis of antique and modern architectural themes, and proves the elegance and strength of Turkish architecture.
The oldest parts of the city surround the Castle. The Alaaddin Mosque found inside its walls is still one of the best examples of Selcuk art and wood craftsmanship, in spite of the fact that it was restored by the Ottomans. The area has experienced a rejuvenation with the restoration of many interesting old Turkish houses, and the opening a several art galleries and fine restaurants which feature examples of traditional Turkish cuisine. Near the gate of the castle is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which is a beautifully restored portion of the old bazaar. It contains priceless artifacts belonging to the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras as well as the Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartu and Roman civilizations.
Ankara has a vibrant cultural and artistic life with many select ballet, theatre, opera and folk dance performances. The city's Philharmonic Orchestra, which always plays to a packed house, is especially famous.
DISTRICTS
Altindag
Altindag is 1 km from the city centre and has been occupied from prehistoric times. An important centre during the Selçuk and Ottoman periods, the city has many important sites of interest to visitors. Among them are the Ankara Castle, the Temple of Augustus, the pillar of Julian, the Roman Baths, the Republic memorial, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, the State Museum of Painting and Sculpture, the Museum of Ethnography, the War of Independence Museum and the Museum of the Republic. Also in this district are the tombs of Karacabey, Ahi Serafettin, Haci Bayram Veli Efendi, Karyagdi, Gulbaba and Izzettin Baba and the Haci Bayram, Aslanhane, Ahi Elvan, Alaaddin, Zincirli, and Kursunlu Mosques.
Cankaya
One of the most important districts in Ankara, this large area contains many places of interest. The Ataturk Orman Ciftligi, Eymir Lake, Elmadag Ski Facilities, Ahlatlibel Sport and Entertainment Centre are all within this area.
The huge list of primary tourist attractions includes: Anitkabir, the Ataturk Museum, the Ataturk Memorial (Zafer Aniti-Sihhiye), the MTA Natural History Museum, the Security Memorial, the Ethnographic Ataturk Memorial, the Natural History Museum, the Archeology Museum of Middle East Technical University, the State Painting and Statue Exhibit, Memorial Park, the Botanical Garden, Abdi Ipekci Park, Guven Park, Kurtulus Park, Kugulu (Swan) Park, the National Sovereignty Park, Ahmet Arif Park and sport facilities such as the Municipal Ice Skating rinks and the Indoor Pool at 100 Yil. There is also a Toy Museum (Cebeci-Ankara University Education Faculty), the Hittite Memorial, Atakule and the Turkish National Parliament buildings.
Kecioren
Kecioren is one of Ankara's central districts, and host to the world's biggest meteorology centre, as well as several departments of Ankara University, the Ataturk Sanatorium and the Gulhane Military Medical Academy. Also here is the Old Ankara Agricultural School, used by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as a military headquarters during the War of Independence, and is now a museum.
Yenimahalle
Yenimahalle is within the city and has attractions which reflect the rich history of the area. Its highlight is the Akkopru Bridge, built in 1222 by the Selcuk ruler Ala'addin Keykubat along the old Bagdat Commercial road over Ankara Creek, which has four large arches and three small.
Outside the city
Akyurt
Akyurt is 33 km from the city centre, and was occupied from the Early Bronze Age until the 14th century. A large tumulus 15 meters high and 200-300 meters in diameter was found 1 km northeast of the village of Balikhisar, which is a settlement from the 3rd millenium BC, and belongs to the Early Bronze Age.
Ayas
This area, located 58 km from Ankara, is famous for its thermal springs. The radioactive waters of the Karakaya thermal springs and the mineral drinking water, 23 km west of Ayas, are known to be beneficial for those in poor health. The vineyards at Karadere, Ova, Ariklari and Kirazdibi are some of the district's natural resources.
Bala
The forest at Beynam National Park, 35 km from Bala on the district border, is an important recreation spot for city residents of Ankara, as well as the locals of Bala.
Beypazari
Located 99 km from Ankara, Beypazari's history goes back to the Hittites and Phyrgians. Beypazari and its surroundings have been controlled by the Galatians, Romans, Selcuks and Ottomans, and at one time was an episcopal centre. From historical artifacts and ancient maps, we know that its original name of Lagania was later changed to Anastasiopolis.
This charming district is famous for its historical houses, silver craftsmen and for its carrots. Within the district are many places of interest, including the Bogazkesen tomb, Suluhan, the Old Baths, the Sultan Ala'addin Mosque, the Aksemseddin Mosque, the Kursunlu Mosque, the Rustem Pasa Baths, the tomb of Gazi Gunduzalp (Hirkatepe), Kara Davut's Tomb (Kuyumcutekke) and the tomb of Karaca Ahmet.
The Tekke Highlands
The Egriova highlands, 10 km from the town, the lake and geological structures resembling 'fairy' chimneys around the village of Dereli, are some of the district's more interesting sites.
Camlisdere
The district of Camlidere is located 108km northwest of Ankara. There is a mosque belonging to the Selcuk period in the nearby town of Pecenek. It is possible to come across the remains of graves and settlements from the Byzantine Era as well.
Cubuk
Cubuk is 39 km from Ankara's city centre. The ruined castle at Aktepe and the Carved Rock (Oyulu Kaya) grave in the village of Karadana are remains of Hittite settlement. Later the area would be ruled by the Phrygians, Galatians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines and Selcuks respectively, and it was also area of some importance during the Ottoman Empire. The forest around Cubuk Dam and Lake Karagol are important recreation spots.
Elmadag
The Phrygians, Lydians, Persians and later Romans all ruled in the vicinity of Elmadag, located 41km from the city centre. The motifs and styles of the local hand-woven carpets, rugs, and various bags stretch all the way back to the Selcuk era. Carpet-making still happens in the villages of Tekke and Akcaali, while rugs and handwoven bags still preserve their cultural roots in the villages of Akcaali, Deliler, Hasanoglan, Karacahasan and Kayadibi.
Etimesgut
The district of Etimesgut is 20 km from the center of Ankara. Both the Phrygians and Hittites are known to have had settlements in this area. This area was settled mostly by Turks immigrating from western Trakya after the declaration of the independent Turkish Republic.
The historical Gazi Train Station and the Etimesgut Train Station, which was used by Ataturk on his travels to and from Istanbul, are both interesting sites. Ahi Mes'ud and Ahi Elvan, both great important people, named this district and Ahi Elvan's Tomb is found in the courtyard of the Elvankoy Mosque.
Evren
The history of this area, situated 178 km from Ankara, dates right back to the Hittite Period. Within the district along the Evren-Sariyahsi road, about 2km from Evren, is a tumulus, at which have been found ceramic artifacts dating back to the first millenium AD. Sigircik Castle, 2km southwest of Catalpinar village, belongs to the late Byzantine and Ottoman period.
Golbasi
Situated 20 km from Ankara, Golbasi and the surrounding area is important to Ankara in terms of recreation, summer getaway and tourism, as well as hosting important industries. Mogan and Eymir lakes with their natural beauty, clean fresh air and fishing make the area appealing to tourists and locals.
The villages in this area all have a fascinating historical background, with many sites worth seeing. For example: the tumuluses and artifacts found in the villages of Selametli, Gokcehoyuk and Bezirhane; the Roman burial sites and columns in the village of Taspinar; the Byzantine coins and artifacts found in Karaoglan; and the remains of churches belonging to the early Christian period in the villages of Yurtbeyi and Karaoglan.
Gudul
Located 89 km northwest of the Ankara, Gudul's history dates back to 3500-3000 BC. Huge caves found along Kirmir Creek, which flows through the district, have yielded evidence of Hittite settlement.
Haymana
Haymana's thermal springs, 73 km from Ankara, are world-famous and were used even as far back as the Hittites. After the Hittites, the thermal spring facilities were repaired during the Roman era; and a town, whose ruins can still be seen, was founded 1.5 km east of Haymana and eventually became a therapy centre.
Kalecik
Situated 71 km from Ankara, Kalecik is believed to have first been inhabited in the early Chalcolithic Period between 3500-4000 BC. Notable historic sites in the district include the Hasbey, Saray and Tabakhane Mosques, the Tombs of Kazancibaba and Alisoglu, the Develioglu Bridge spanning the Kizilirmak River and Kalecik Castle.
Kazan It is not exactly known when Kazan, 45km from the city centre, was first established. Excavations have uncovered a number of historical artifacts demonstrating that the area has been used by number of different civilizations for settlement.
Kizilcahamam
Situated 83 km from Ankara, Kizilcahamam is the most heavily forested town in the province. The Sey Hamami thermal springs, 16km from Kizilcahamam, have rich mineral waters which are among the most important thermal springs in the country.
Nallihan
Nallihan's history is similar to that of the surrounding cities. The county seat, Nallihan, 161 km from Ankara, was established in 1599 when Vizier Nasuhpasa had a han built there - hence the name. The roof of this 3000 sq. meter han is in poor repair, and the mosque and a Turkish bath date back to the same time. The Uluhan mosque in Uluhan (Kostebek) village was constructed in the 17th century, and is a valuable historical structure.
Polatli
Polatli, 78km from Ankara, was established around 3000 BC but its centre then Gordion and the surrounding area, which was the largest Phrygian city in the world. Gordion was ruled in succession by the Hittites, Phrygians, Persians, Romans and Byzantines, and was added to the Ottoman Empire in 1516 by Yavuz Sultan Selim.
The village of Yassihoyuk and the surrounding area, which lies 20 km northwest of the present-day Polatli, can truly to considered a birthplace of history. There are 86 tumuluses and royal burial sites in the area, as well as numerous artifacts from the city.
Sereflikochisar
148 km from Ankara, Sereflikochisar was first settled between 1400-1300 BC. In the Selcuk era there was a castle around the hill right next to the town, and a second castle on an even higher hill. The Salt Lake, which is the second largest lake in Turkey is also in this district. The Hirfanli Dam and lake found to the north provide irrigation for this arid region and there is fish farming as well. The Salt Lake, the Kursunlu Mosque, Kochisar Castle, and Parlasan Castle are all popular tourist destinations.
By Road
It is possible to get to any point in Turkey from Ankara by bus, and even further afield with services to surrounding countries - even Moscow. The main bus station is 5km west of Kizilay, with over 100 bus companies operating from there. Many local buses go there, and most companies will have a service minibus operating to and from the city centre.
By Air
The International Esenboga Airport is 30km north of the city center. Transportation is provided by HAVAS shuttle buses, as well as taxis. There are flights to all the other cities in Turkey, with many each day to Istanbul.
Useful Contacts:
Turkish Airlines (THY) at Esenboga Airport:
Tel: (+90 312) 398 0000 / 1517 or (+90 312) 398 0550.
THY City Offices Tel: (+90 312) 419 1492; (+90 312) 428 0200.
Fax: (+90 312) 428 1681
HAVAS Esenboga Airport
Tel: (+90 312) 398 0000 ext. 1649
By Train
There are direct rail services to the following destinations:
Istanbul, Izmir, Balikesir, Isparta and Burcdur, Zonguldak, Adana, Elazig and Diyarbakir. As with all reservations in Turkey, the fast trains get booked up quickly, as do sleepers, so booking ahead is strongly recommended
Useful contacts:
Information: (+90 312) 311 0620/23
Reservations: (+90 312)311 4994 and 310 6515
MUSEUMS
Anitkabir
The mausoleum of the Republic's founder and leader, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Anitkabir was built on the hill of Rasattepe and has an impressive entrance. It was designed by architects Prof. Emin Onat and Doc. Orahn Arda, and completed in 1953. Ataturk was removed from the temporary burial site at the Ethnographic Museum and brought here with great ceremony the same year.
Within the Anitkabir complex are the Tower of Independence, the Tower of Liberty, The Road of Lions, Mudafaa-i Hukuk Tower, the Soldier's Tower, the Tower of Victory, the Tower of Peace, the April 23 Tower, the Misak-i Milli Tower, the Reform Tower and the Victory Reliefs. The hallowed Mausoleum hall itself is a colonnaded temple with huge bronze doors but little in the way of decoration. Opposite is the tomb of Ismet Inonu, the first prime minister of the Turkish republic and president after Ataturk's death.
The Anitkabir museum is located between the Tower of the National Pact and the Tower of the Revolution. A number of Ataturk's personal belongings are exhibited, including clothes that he wore, and gifts presented to him by visiting foreign dignitaries.
Museum Tel : (+90 312) 310 53 61
Opening hours: Winter - 0900-1200 & 1300-1700. Summer - 0900-1230 & 1330-1700, closed Mondays.
Anatolian Civilisations Museum
Located on the south side of Ankara Castle in the Atpazari area, the Museum consists of the old Ottoman Mahmut Pasa bazaar storage building, and the Kursunlu Han. Because of Ataturk's desire to establish a Hittite museum, the buildings were bought upon the suggestion of Hamit Zubeyir Kosay, who was then Culture Minister, to the National Education Minister, Saffet Arikan. After the remodelling and repairs were completed (1938 -1968), the building was opened to the public as the Ankara Archaeological Museum.
Today Kursunlu Han, used as an administrative building, houses the work rooms, library, conference hall, laboratory and workshop. The old bazaar building houses the exhibits. Within this Ottoman building, the museum has a number of exhibits of Anatolian archeology. They start with the Paleolithic era, and continue chronologically through the Neolithic, Early Bronze, Assyrian Trading Colonies, Hittite, Phrygian and Urartu periods. There is also an extensive collection of artifacts from the excavations at Karain, Catalhoyuk, Hacilar, Canhasan, Beyce Sultan, Alacahoyuk, Alacahoyuk, Kultepe, Acemhoyuk, Bogazkoy Gordion, Pazarli, Altintepe, Adilcevaz and Patnos as well as examples of several periods.
The exhibits of gold, silver, glass, marble and bronze works date back as far as the second half of the first millennium BC. The coin collections, with examples ranging from the first minted money to modern times, represent the museum's rare cultural treasures.
Museum Tel : (+90 312) 324 31 60 / 312 62 48.
Opening hours: 08.30 - 17.30, closed Mondays
Ethnographical Museum
This museum was founded in the Namazgah area of Ankara, on a hill with a Muslim graveyard, and was opened to the public on July 18, 1930. The courtyard was closed in November 1938 when it served as the temporary burial site for Ataturk, and reopened when his body was moved to Anitkabir. This section is still preserved as a tomb in symbolic respect of the memory of Atatürk, as the Museum served as his tomb for 15 years.
The Ethnographical Museum has examples of Turkish art from the Selcuk period until the present day. There is a library for specialists in Anatolian ethnography, folklore and art history located in the museum. The building is rectangular with a single dome, and the stone walls covered with travertine. The pediment is marble with ornate carvings, and a staircase of 28 steps lead to main entrance. There are three entrances to the building which has 4 columns. The column-lined inner court is reached by passing through a domed hall. A marble pool in the middle of the open courtyard is surrounded by a number of large and small rooms. The two-story administrative building is adjacent to the museum.
Museum Tel : (+90 312) 311 95 56
Opening hours: 0830-1230 & 1330-1730, closed Mondays
State Museum of Painting and Sculpture
Built in 1927 as the Turk Ocagi by architect Arif Hikmet Koyunoglu from the orders of Ataturk, it has paintings and plastic art of Turkish artists. Temporary exhibits of both foreign and Turkish artists are sponsored.
Museum Tel : (+90 312) 310 20 94
Opening hours: 0900-1200 & 1330-1700, closed Mondays.
Museum of the Republic
Originally planned to house the People's Republic Party, it was actually the second building for the Turkish National Parliament, as its first was too small to meet the needs of the developing Turkish Republic.
The building's interior sections are arranged around the three sides of the two-story Parliament Hall, located in the centre of the building. Exhibited here are the Parliament Hall with its original furnishings, the rooms where Ataturk's principles and reforms were discussed. Photographs and various personal belongings reflect the era of the first three Prime Ministers: Ataturk, Ismet Inonu and Celal Bayar. In the meeting hall, there is a wax re-incarnation of section of the Great Speech delivered by Ataturk, between the 15-20 October 1927.
Museum Tel: (+90 312) 310 71 40.
Opening hours: 09.00-12.00 & 13.30-17.00, closed Mondays.
Museum of the War of Independence (1st Parliament Building)
The building situated in Ulus Square housed the first Turkish National Parliament, from April 23 1920 to October 15 1924. It was later the headquarters of the People's Republic Party, and then the Law School. In 1952 it was turned over to the Ministry of Education and on April 23 1961 it was opened to the public as the Museum of the Turkish National Parliament.
The building consists of the hall, the corridor, the Chambers of the Ruling Council, the Committee Room, the Break Room, the Administrative Rooms, the Parliamentary Meeting Hall, Office of Parliament Head, the storage for photographs and other items, and the basement which is used as an exhibition hall.
Opening hours: 08.30 - 12.15, & 13.30 - 17.15, closed Mondays
Ataturk's House (Museum)
The Atatürk Museum In The Atatürk Model Farm
The Railway Museum
Built in 1924, this historic stone-cut building consists of two floors, each 340 square metres. Exhibited here are items demonstrating the technological developments of the state railroad.
Museum Tel : (+90 312) 310 35 00.
Opening hours: 1330-1700, except Sundays and Mondays.
The Ankara Ataturk Cultural Centre & Museum of the Revolution of the Republic
Opening on December 27 1987, the walls of the ground floor are covered with reliefs depicting the War of Independence, the reforms, the Republic of Ataturk, and his ideas concerning art, youth and independence. One by one the different sections of the wall are lit up and the visitor is taken on a tour of the reliefs with a musical accompaniment. These demonstrations have been prepared in Turkish, English, German and French.
In the basement, the War of Independence, reforms and development of Turkey and the relevant institutions that played an important role, are documented through words, pictures and models. There is also a 25-minute multimedia presentation documenting the Turkish journey from Central Asia, to the founding of a republic after the War of Independence, and all of Atatürk's reforms which followed.
Museum Tel: (+90 312) 342 10 10
Opening hours: 0830-1730, closed Saturdays and Sundays
MTA Natural History Museum
In the museum are examples from the fields of paleontology and geography, including fossils, minerals and rocks. There is also the skeleton of the Maras Elephant, the giant Amonit that lived in the vicinity of Ankara 193 million years ago, and the fossilised footprints of humans who lived in Anatolia 25,000 years ago and were found in Manisa.
Museum Tel : (+90 312) 287 34 30
Opening hours: Weekdays - 0900-1700. Weekends 1000-1500.
METU Museum
The museum, found on the campus of the Middle East Technical University (Orta Dogu Teknik Universitesi), has exhibits featuring the slowly disappearing folk art, and finds from archeological excavations. There are artifacts recovered from the Phrygian tumulus in Besevler belonging to the Chalcolithic, Early Bronze and Phrygian periods.
Museum Tel : (+90 312) 210 1010
Opening hours: 0830-1700, except Saturday and Sunday.
Gordion Museum
The museum was established in 1963 beside the tiny village now known as Yassihoyuk. Today, the Gordion Museum offers a chronological exhibition with characteristic examples from each of the periods represented. There are three displays consisting of artifacts from the Early Bronze age, featuring King Midas and ending with the Phrygian Era. Among the exhibits are clay jars from the Late Iron Age, and cutting tools and instruments used in textile production belonging to the Late Phrygian Era.
In the Panoramic display, located in the new exhibition room, there is a typical structure dating back to the 7th century BC which was found in a strata belonging to the conquest of the city. The last section gives visitors a chance to see seals and coins recovered from Gordion.
The new excavations have been planted with trees that the Phrygians used to make their furniture: cedar, aromatic juniper, Turkish boxwood, yellow pine, walnut and yew. The newly arrived Mosaics and the Celtic Grave is another section. The Gordion Museum consists of the exhibition hall, the new exhibition hall, the Phrygian Mosaics, the Administrative offices, Toilets, Storage, the Laboratory, the Mosaics, the Celtic Grave and the living quarters.
Museum Tel: (+90 312) 638 2188
Opening hours: Summer - 0830-1730 daily. Winter - 0830-1700, except Monday.
Beypazarı Culture and History Museum
Alagoz Military Headquarters Museum
When the Turkish army was retreating to the Sakarya Line during the War of Independence, Commander-in-Chief Mustafa Kemal Ataturk set up his headquarters and directed the war from this farmhouse, decorated in typical Turkish taste.
The building, once used as a military headquarters, was donated by the sons of Mahmut and Serafettin Turkoglu, the sons of Turkoglu Ali, to be used as a museum and built by the National Education Ministry. The building and its garens were restored by the ministry and ceremonially opened to visitors on November 10 1968. Today it is a branch of Anitkabir Museum and some of Ataturk's garments and weapons are also displayed.
Museum Tel: (+90 312) 641 65 13
Opening days to visit: Everyday except Saturday and Sunday.
State Meteorological Service's Museum
Used as War Department Staff Headquarters during the War of Independence, this historic building with its modern equipment serves over 1100 stations of varying size. The room in which Ataturk stayed and laid out strategy for the battles of the War of Independence have been turned into a museum called Ataturk's Room. The stove, table and curtains found in the room are all original. In addition, the Meteorology Museum with its old tools and devices used for predicting weather, is open to visitors.
Opening hours: 0900-1200 & 1400-1700.
Vehbi Koc Museum and the Ankara Research Center (VEKAM)
The house in Kecioren which belonged to Vehbi Koc, was restored and opened in 1994 as the Research Centre. The archives contain a wide selection of books, documents, photographs and films regarding Vehbi Koc and Ankara. It is open to researchers and the public.
Opening hours: 0900-1730, except Tuesdays.
The Toy Museum The Toy Museum is part of the Education Science Faculty of Ankara University Museum.
Museum Tel: (+90 312) 363 33 50
Cankaya Köşk Museum
Museum of the State Cemetery
Museum Tel: (+90 312) 221 0627
Opening hours: Summer - 09.30-17.00. Winter: 0930-1630. Weekends 10.00-17.00, except Mondays and Tuesdays.
Education Museum
Museum Tel: (+90 312) 311 95 56 / 311 30 07
Opening hours: 0830-1230 & 1330-1730, except Mondays
The Museum of Professional Education Faculty of Gazi University
Museum Tel: (+90 312) 212 6 60/45
Opening hours: 0830-1200 & 1300-1730, except Saturdays and Sundays.
Aerospace Museum
Museum Tel: (+90 312) 244 85 50 / 4059 / 4114
Opening hours: 0900-1630, except Mondays and Tuesdays
Mehmet Akif Ersoy House
Museum Tel: (+90 312) 305 21 23
Opening hours: 0830-1200 & 1330-1730, except Saturdays and Sundays
The Museum House of Mehmet Akif Ersoy
Ataturk Residence during the National Struggle
Tel: (+90 312) 309 05 15 / 40 84
Opening hours: 0900-1200 & 1300-1700, except Sundays and Mondays.
Mapping Museum of Ministry of National Defence General Command of Mapping
Museum Tel: (+90 312) 363 70 09 / 2038
100th Year Sports History Museum
Atatürk's Residence During The War of Independence
The Postal Service Stamp Museum
Museum Tel: (+90 312) 316 62 63
Opening hours: 0830-1230 & 1330-1730, except Saturdays and Sundays.
Museum of T.C. Ziraat Bankası
The National Education Administration's Museum for the 75th Anniversary of the Turkish Republic.
Museum Tel: (+90 312) 310 37 50 / 4348
Opening hours: 0830-1230 & 1330-1730, except Saturdays and Sundays.
Sefik Bursali Historic House
Museum Tel: (+90 312) 441 2390
Opening hours: 0900-1200 & 1300-1700, except Monday.
Girls Technical Education Institute Museum
The Toy Museum of the Faculty of Educational Sciences (Ankara University)
ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS, ANCIENT CITIES
Gordion
The capital city of the Phrygian empire, the remains of the renowned city of Gordion are near the Ankara-Eskisehir highway at the confluence of the Sakarya and Porsuk rivers, 21 km northwest of Polatli, and 90 km from Ankara, in the village of Yassihoyuk.
The history of Gordion goes back to 3000 BC (Early Bronze Age). It was an important settlement during the Assyrian and Hittite periods (1950 BC - 1180 BC) and, of course, the Phrygian era (900 BC - 620 BC), during which it was the capital city. It was named after King Gordios, the king who made it the capital. The famous knot made by King Gordios was cut in two by Alexander the Great in 333 BC, when he wintered in Gordion.
The period of Alexander the Great (300 BC -100 BC) began in Gordion with his conquest. Following that, the area came under the control of the Romans (1st century BC to 4th century AD) and then the Selcuks (11th - 13th century AD). All of this occurred in the short space of 4000 years.
Gordion Museum
Ahlatlibel
Ahlatlibel is located 14 km southwest of Ankara on the old Taspinar Village - Gavurkale - Haymana road. This Early Bronze Age site was an important settlement in Anatolia.
Bitik
The Bitik Tumulus is 42 km northwest of Ankara. The excavations have uncovered, from top to bottom, dwellings belonging to the Classic Age of the 5th century BC and going back to the Late Bronze Age. The Phrygian and Hittite dwellings are less important than the others. The artifacts at Bitik from the Late Bronze Age document the interest in Eastern and Western Anatolia.
Etiyokusu
Located 5 km north of Ankara on the banks of Cubuk Creek, it was excavated in 1937 by Professor Sevket Aziz Kansu under the auspices of the Turkish History Association. At the lowest level, tools belonging to the Late Stone Age were recovered. The level above that was similar to the culture of the Early Bronze, and that of nearby Ahlatlibel. At the very top level the remains of a large palace belonging to the different periods were unearthed.
Gavurkale
60 km southwest of Ankara, this area from the bed of Babayakup Creek, which flows right beside the hill, has been the site of continuous settlement. The hill was given the name Gavurkale (Infidel Castle) because of the broken down walls.
Gavurkale has drawn the attention of many. On the southern exposure of the steep cliffs is a relief of two gods walking, one behind the other, and across from them sits a goddess. There is a wall made of gigantic stone blocks surrounding this rocky outcrop. The stone reliefs here is just one example of these uniquely Hittite monuments found scattered throughout the country.
Researchers have determined that this was an important walled city. At first it was thought to have been a Hittite worship centre, but later it was realised that the Phrygians settled here as well. The site was visited in 1930 by Ataturk himself. In the following years a number of surface investigations were conducted, and in 1998 new excavations were begun at Gavurkale by the Chair of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
Karalar
Karalar is a village about 60 km northwest of Ankara, and is important because of the fact that it witnessed continuous settlement during the Classic Age. In the region known as Asarkaya, the architectural remains of a Celtic castle. Artifacts belonging to the Hellenistic Age have been found in the tumulus. Ancient coins discovered in the area indicate that there were commercial ties with Egypt and Syria.
The Temple of Augustus
Situated adjacent to the Haci Bayram Mosque in Ulus, the temple was built in the 2nd century BC in honour of the Phrygian Goddess Men. The remains of the temple we see today are those of the temple built in honour of the Roman Emperor Augustus as a sign of fidelity by the King Pylamenes, the son of the Celtic ruler Amintos. During Byzantine times windows and other additions were made and it was turned into a church.
The perimeter is made up on four walls lined with columns, and around it are the column holders: 15 down the length of each side, six along the width, four in front of the temple door and two in the back. The only standing part of the temple is the door with its ornately carved posts. A copy of Emperor Augustus's last will and testament, the original of which is found in the Temple in Rome, enumerates his accomplishments and is located on the temple wall adjacent to the tomb.
Julian's Column
This is located beside the pool between the financial directorate and the governor's building.. It is about 15m high, with a number of rings along its length, and has no inscriptions. It is said to have been set up in honour of Emperor Julian when he passed through Ankara (361-363 AD). It is known locally as the Belkis Minaret.
Roman Baths
Located on Cankiri Street between Ulus Square and Yildirim Bayazit Square, the baths sit on a platform about 2.5m above the street.
The baths date back to Caracalla (212-217 AD). The Cankiri Street entrance to the Caracalla baths leads to a wrestling arena, which was covered with a portico surrounded with columns. On one side of this courtyard are 32 columns with a total of 128 over the whole area. The actual baths are located immediately behind the wrestling arena. Besides the unusually large size of the structure, the baths have a very typical layout consisting of the Apoditerium (dressing area), the Frigidarium (cold-section), the Tepidarium (warm section) and the Caldarium (hot section).
Ankara Roman Theatre
Located between Hisar and Pinar streets, the theare was first discovered in 1982 and a salvage excavation began on March 15 1983 by the Museum Administration. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations continued the excavations until 1986. What was uncovered was the remains of a typical Roman theatre dating back to the 2nd century AD. In addition to a number of statues and statue pieces, all that remains are the foundations and walls of what was once a vaulted parados building, orchestra, amphitheatre and a stage.
Akkopru
This, the oldest bridge in Ankara, crosses the Ankara Creek in front of Varlik Mahallesi. The Selcuk ruler Alaaddin Keykubat I had it built in 1222 while Kizilbey was governor of Ankara.
Hoyuk (Tumulus)
Located with the boundaries of Turkhoyuk village, it consists mainly of marble columns and gravestones belonging to the Roman and Byzantine eras.
Kul Hoyuk is situated within the city limits of the town of Oyaca. It is reached by turning right about 50 km out on the Ankara-Haymana highway, towards the villages of Boyalik, Culuk, Calis and Durupinar. The tumulus is 1.5 km down this road on the right-hand side.
There are continuing excavations going on in this medium-sized tumulus, under the direction of the Museum of Anatolia Civilizations. The Hittite Cult Centre, 8 km to the west near Gavurkale, indicates that this was probably an important Hittite settlement.
Besides the hidden cistern, built in the traditional style of grand monumental Hittite, there are the remains of huge foundations which can most likely be dated back to the Early Bronze Age and the beginning of the Hittite Empire. In light of the ceramic, bronze and other archeological finds, it is known that the area was inhabited about 5000 years ago.
Karaoglan
Karaoglan is 25 km from Ankara along the road to Konya. The different strata in the tumulus have yielded remains from the following cultures: Chalcolithic, Early Bronze, Hittite, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine. This is one of the most important Hittite and Phrygian sites in the Ankara Golbasi region.
Bestepeler Tumulus was the first to be excavated, in 1926 by Makridi. In 1945, during construction in the area, it became necessary to remove several of the tumuluses. Two of them were investigated and a number of clay jars and other tools belonging to the Phrygians were recovered. Experts concluded that these were contemporaries of the Phrygian graves at Gordion. It was at this time that they realised that the Phrygians placed their dead in graves dug on level ground, and then built a structure over the site with logs. The whole thing was then covered with dirt from the surrounding area to make a small hill. The dead were always buried with a number of gifts.
Yumurtatepe (Demetevler) Tumulus is on the left hand side of the road at the Ciftlik - Demetevler intersection. It was excavated by the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations during the 1986 and 1987 excavation seasons, which identified the tumulus as belonging to the Early Bronze Age. It is a single structure, and a number of earthenware vessels were recovered.
FORTRESSES, CASTLES
Ankara Castle
The castle, which has guarded the city for centuries, is now a symbol of Ankara and its history is as old as the city itself. Although it is not exactly known when the castle was built, it is commonly believed to have been built by the Romans, then repaired and expanded by the Selcuks. It towers 110 meters above Bentdere Creek (Hatip Creek) which runs along its base.
There are two parts, an inner and an outer castle, with over 20 towers. The outer castle encloses the old city of Ankara within its heart-shaped walls. The four-level inner castle is made partly of Ankara stone and partly of stones gathered from other structures. The two large gates of the inner castle are called the Outer Gate and the Castle Gate. The towers within the castle vary between 14-16 metres in height. Today within the castle walls there are a number of Ottoman-style houses dating as far back as the 17th century.
Kalecik Castle
Kalecik Castle is 78 km from Ankara on the road to Cankiri, and is a strong landmark from the modern town as it was founded on a cone-shaped hill. It is connected to the mountains in the southwest by a ridge and sits high above the plain formed by the Kizilirmak (Red River).
RELIGIOUS MONUMENTS
Some of the city's most important mosques are: Agac Ayak, Ahi Elvan, Ahi Yakup, Aslanhane (Ahi Serafettin), Cenab-i Ahmet Pasa, Alaaddin, Cicekcioglu, Direkli, Eskicioglu, Hacettepe, Haci Arap, Haci Bayram, Ibadullah, Karacabey, Kocatepe, Kursunlu, Tabakhane, Tacettin and Zincirli.
Hacı Bayram Mosque
Hacı Bayram-ı Veli
Hacı Bayram-ı Veli, whose real name was Numan-bin Koyunluca Ahmet was born in the Solfasol village of Ankara in 1352 (753 H.)
He is the founder of the Bayrami sect, a sufi poet and composer of hymns. Upon competing his education in Ankara and Bursa, he started to teach at the theological school called Karamedrese in Ankara, which was built by a philantrophic lady called Meklike Hatun.
Hacı Bayram Mosque
It is located in the Ulus section of Ankara next to the Augustus temple.
Originally built in 831 H (1427/28), the mosque as it stands today shows the characteristics of late 17th century and 18th century mosques.
It has a lengthwise rectangular plan and the sections at north and west are later additions.
At the south east wall of the mausoleum, there is a two - gallery minaret with a square plan, stone base and brick body.
There is an inscription of Word of the God (Kelime-i Tevhid) in large Arabic calligraphy (sülüs) on the protrouting southern wall of the late-comer's section.
Single interior space is covered with a wooden ceiling. The hexagonal large rosette in the center of the ceiling is framed with six rows of flowered borders. The same rosette in smaller scale can be seen on the central rectangular panel of the ceiling of the annexed section west to the women's section. The edges of the ceiling of the inner space of the mosque are decorated with flower patterned cornices. The same type of cornices are also used in the women's section.
The lower windows of the mosque are rectangular and have iron grids. On the exterior they are bordered with niches with pointed arches. Upper windows are pointed arched, have plaster gratings and stained glass and bordered with chiselled plant motives.
On the interior, Kütahya tiles are placed up to the top of the windows. After the tiles, transition to plain wall is made with a border of chiselled palmette.
The plaster Mihrab is built with a moulding technique and is in the form of stalacti niched. Pieces from Koran are inscribed in five rows on the pediment of the Mihrab
The Word of God can be seen on Mihrab borders as decoration. Colored Mimbar is made with false "kündekari" technique and displays a fine workmanship.
The painted engravings on wood are made by the engraver Nakkaş Mustafa. Two inscriptions on kıble side indicate that the mosque was restored in 1714 by one of the grandsons of Hacı Bayram-ı Veli, Mehmet Baba.
Hacı Bayram Mausoleum
The mausoleum which is dated as 1429, is next to thee mihrab wall of the mosque.
It is a structure with a square plan, octagonal drum and a leaded dome covers it. The front façade is marble. Portal is particularly defined on the façade. It has a slided arch decorated with black and white marbles in a rectangular frame and on the inside there is an entrance door arch decorated with interlocking colored stones in a zig zag pattern. The wooden exterior and interior entrance doors are at Ankara Ethnography Museum. The window to the left of the portal is bordered with a multi colored friese and has iron grills. This is one of the best examples of 15 th century mausaleums of Ankara
There is another mausoleum in the garden of the mosque which has octagonal plan and a dome. This work which is known as Osman Fazıl Pasha Mausoleum belongs to the 18th century.
Ankara Augustus Temple
It was built by the Roman Emperor Augustus, probably in the years 25 - 20 B.C at the location which was the Kyble and Men sacred location. The marble temple which is 36 x 54,82 stands on a multi- step podium
The temple is significant for its Latin and greek inscriptions which depict the doings of Augustus. Augustus Tampe has survived until our times in considerably good shape
Tombs
Ahi Serafettin, Azimi (Ismail Pasazade Haci Esad), Cenab-i Ahmet Pasa, Hacibayram Veli, Ismail Fazil Pasa, Karacabey, Karyagdi, Kesikbas, and Yoruk Dede (Dogan Bey).
Catholic Churches
St. Paul's Church
118 Ataturk Bulvari No, Kavaklidere (In the grounds of the Italian Embassy)
Tel: (+90 312) 426 65 18
St. Theresa Church
Isiklar Caddesi, 15 Kardesler Sokak, Ulus
Tel: (+90 312) 311 01 18
Mother Mary Church
Birlik Mah. 3, Cad. No. 35 Oyak, Cankaya (Beside the Vatican Embassy)
Tel: (+90 312) 495 35 23
Service times: Sunday: 09.45 (English) 11.00 (French)
Anglican Church
St. Nicholas Church Sehit Ersan Cad. 46, Cankaya (Inside the Embassy of Great Britain) Tel: (+90 312) 468 62 30 / 32 85
Service times: Sunday 10.00 (English)
Synagogue
Sakalar Mah. Birlik Sok. 8, Samanpazari
Tel: (+90 312) 311 62 00
INNS, CARAVANSERAIS, SHOPS, BAZAARS
Cengel Inn
It is located below the castle, on Sefa Street in Atpazari Square. From the inscriptions found there, it is concluded that it was built in 1522.
Kursunlu Inn
On the road leading to Ankara Castle, it was built by Fatih's vizier, Mahmut Pasa, in 1421. It is a typical example of Ottoman Inn built in a city.
Mahmut Pasa Bazaar
Built by Vizier Mahmut Pasa between 1421 and 1459, it is adjacent to Kursunlu Inn and on the road to the castle. The building is a perfect square, with an east-west orientation. It consists of two parts: the bazaar storage area with 10 domes, and the shops which face outwards. The domed part of the building is now the exhibition hall of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
Sulu Inn
Sulu Inn, also known as Hasan Pasa Inn, is located in the Haci Dogan neighbourhood between Tekneciler Street and Sulu Inn Street. It is claimed that Sulu Inn was built in 1685 by Seyhulislam Cevvar Zade Mehmet Emin Bey and then donated to the Zincirli Mosque. However, to contradict that, the records indicate that it was donated to the mosque in 1141 by Abdulkerimzade Mehmet Emin Bey.
Zagfiran (Safran) Inn
Located in Atpazari, Zagfiran Inn was built in 1512 by Haci Ibrahim Bin Haci Mehmet, a resident of Kayseri who settled in Ankara. Since the organisation was charted in 1512, it is presumed that it was built around this time. Half the Inn is private, half of it is devoted to praying for the soul of the builder, and taking care of the fountain at the entrance to the Lutfi Inn. There is a small mosque inside.
MEMORIALS
Memorials Mimar Sinan Memorial
This memorial is a marble statue of the greatest Turkish architect, Mimar Sinan (1409-1588), wearing clothes original to his own style of dress, and located in front of the Language, History and Geography Faculty. Made by scultor Huseyin Anka, it was commissioned by the Real Estate Loan Bank in 1956.
Guvenlik Memorial
In Guven Park, in the city centre of Kizilay, it was made in 1935 out of local stone. Because it was presented as a gift to the Turkish national police, it is known as the Security Memorial.
Mithat Pasa Memorial
In 1966, the Turkish Republic Agricultural Bank commissioned Professor Huseyin Anka of the Fine Arts Academy in Istanbul to make this sculpture. It is located beside the General Headquarters of the bank in Ulus.
Ulus Republic Memorial
This was erected in 1927 in honour of the heroes of the Turkish War of Independence, and lies in Ulus Square.
Triumph Memorial
On Ataturk Boulevard in Yenisehir in front of Ordu Evi, the Triumph Memorial is a bronze statue of a uniformed Ataturk, standing on his feet and leaning on his sword.
The Bust of Lady Zubeyde
In front of the Ismet Pasa Girls Institute, the bust of Ataturk's mother Zubeyde was erected March 31 1964 by the United Turkish Women's Centre, in honour of the greatest of all Turkish mothers.
THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, ALM'S HOUSES, BATHS
The Old Baths
The Old (Eski) Baths are right across from the Gazi High School. Although the dressing rooms of the baths are in ruins, the sauna and cold rooms including the boiler room are still intact. From the architecture and building techniques used, the structure can be dated back to the 15th century.
Karacabey Baths
Built in 1444, the Karacabey Baths are on the Talat Pasa Boulevard. Originally designed as a double bath, the west wing consists of adjacent dressing rooms and the east wing, built in a style distinctively different from the west wing, houses the saunas. The whole structure forms an almost perfect square.
Sengul Baths
Located on Istiklal Mahallesi on Aci Cesme Street, the Sengul Baths were designed as a double bath for women and men. Sengul Baths on Istiklal Street used to belong to women, and now belongs to the men. From the construction technique and building materials used in the dressing rooms, which are found side by side, it is obvious that the building was built in the 19th century.
RECREATIONAL AREAS
Altinpark
The 640,000 square metre park is on Irfan Bastug Street in Aydinlikevler, and consists of a wide range of facilities which are all open to the public, including sports centres, cultural centres, restaurants, as well as gardens and lakes.
Tel: (+90 312) 317 96 70 / 317 96 96
Fax: (+90 312) 317 6852
Atakule
Atakule has a great influence in Ankara's modern appearance. The 125-metre tower stands 118.2 metres above the ground, and the 600 sq. metre multi-purpose cocktail bar at the top of the tower is used for weddings, seminars and conferences. The revolving restaurant (111.8m) makes one full revolution every hour. The lookout terrace at 104m is open everyday from 09.30 to 23:00, and there is a café/bar at 100m.
Tel: (+90 312) 440 77 01
Fax: (+90 312) 440 77 02
Ataturk Forest Park
Established by Ataturk, the park is one of the most important recreational areas in Ankara and contains teahouses, picnic areas, a zoo and produces a number of products. City buses, minibuses and community trains provide transportation.
Gençlik Parkı
Between the Train Station and Opera buildings, this is a popular entertainment centre in the summer, with an amusement park, tea-gardens, food shops, summer theatrical productions, a large pond with paddle boats and canoes, restaurants and a variety of amusements. All the facilities in the park are open between May and October.
Bayindir Dam
The Dam is on the Samsun Highway, 12 km from Ankara. With its natural beauty, teahouse, camping area and swimming pool, it is a recreational area popular with foreigners and locals alike. There are buses and minibuses that provide transportation.
The Cankaya Ridge
Located near the Presidential Mansion and the Ataturk Museum, the Ridge offers a picturesque view of the whole city. Even on summer days, park is relatively cool, with sweet shops and teahouses.
Cubuk Dam
The forested area around Cubuk Dam, 12km from Ankara, has picnic areas, small restaurants, teahouses and wonderful hiking trails. It is an excellent place to tour by car, and there are also city bus routes to the area as well.
Golbasi
Located 25 km southwest of Ankara on the Konya Highway, on the shores of Lake Mogan, it has restaurants and coffeehouses as well as a beach and teahouses. This recreational area makes the summer heat more tolerable, especially the swimming pool beside the lake, which is also an excellent place for canoeing. There is a good range of transport provided by city buses.
Other Recreational Areas Include:
MTA Rose Garden, Kurtbogazi Dam, Sariyar Dam, Beynam Recreational Forest, Camkoru Recreational Forest, Guven - Karagol Recreational Forest, Hosebe Recreational Forest, Karagol Recreational Forest , Sorgun Recreational Forest, Sogutozu Recreational Forest, Tekkedagi Recreational Forest and Uluhan Recreational Forest.
PRESERVED AREAS
Closest to the city is Soguksu National Park is in Kizilcahamam, 78km from Ankara, with many species of trees. The wildlife inhabiting the park includes wild boars, bears, wolves, foxes, deer, martins and vultures. Outside the park are partridge and pheasant production farms which are managed by the park directorate. It is a good location for nature walks, trekking and mountaineering, and the park has accommodation and restaurants.
Soğuksu National Park
THERMAL SPRINGS
The most important thermal springs in the province are: Kizilcahamam-Sey, Ayas, Ayas Karakaya, Beypazari-Dutlu-Tahtali, Kapullu, Cubuk Meliksah, and Haymana.
Ankara Thermal Springs
Kızılcahamam Tourist Thermal Spring
Location: Kizilcahamam, 80km north of Ankara.
Water temperature: Buyuk Thermal Spring - 47°C; Kucuk Thermal Spring - 44°C; Kizilcahamam - 19.5°C; Acisu - 34°C; Sey Hamami - 43°C; Acisu Spring - 37°C.
pH value: Buyuk Thermal Spring - 7.06; Kucuk Thermal Spring - 7.45; Kizilcahamam - 6.62; Acisu Thermal Spring - 6.20; Sey Hamami and Acisu Spring - 6.52.
Physical and chemical properties: The various springs contain some or all of the following: hyperthermal, hypertonic, isothermal, bicarbonate, sodium, chlorine, arsenic, carbon dioxide, calcium, carbon dioxide.
Recommended applications: Drinking and bathing
Helps to heal: Drinking - liver, gall bladder, stomach and intestines, internal and external secretions, and poor metabolism. Bathing - heart, vascular system and rheumatism.
Accommodation: Belediye Thermal Hotel - 130 beds. Cam Hotel 81 Beds.
Sey Hamamı Tourist Thermal Resort
Location: 2km from Guvem, which is 15km north of Kizilcahamam and around 80km north of Ankara.
Transport: Guvem is on the highway between Ankara and Cerkes.
Water temperature: 43°C
pH value: 6.5
Physical and chemical properties: Bicarbonate, sodium, calcium, carbon dioxide and fluoride.
Recommended applications: Drinking and bathing
Helps to heal: Rheumatism, joint pain and calcium build-up, stomach and intestinal conditions, poor circulation, nervous disorders, liver and gall bladder conditions and eating disorders.
Accommodation: 14 rooms and 28 beds in the facility.
SPORTING ACTIVITIES
Bird Watching
Good places in the area for birdwatching are: Col Golu, Mogan Golu, Kizilcahamam Ormanlari, Kavakli Dagi, Inozu Vadisi and Sariyar Baraji, Beynam Ormani and Tuz Golu.
Sakarya Basin
Çöl Lake
City: Ankara
Provinces: Bala, Haymana
Surface Area : 4700
Altitude : 1045 m
Protection: N/A
Bird Species: Büyük cılıbıt is reproducing within the region. Huge numbers of water birds (max. 76.154), including sakarca (max. 14.000), angıt (max. 6847) and çamurcun (max. 10.486) winters in the lake (data before 1989.) Flamingo (max. 5500), dikkuyruk (max.27) and uzunbacak (max. 1000) can generally seen in the lake during the period after reproduction. There are yeşilbaş, uzunbacak, kılıçgaga, akça cılıbıt and kız kuşu among the other birds reproducing within the region.
Main Characteristics: salty lake, swamp
Mogan Lake
City: Ankara
Provinces: Gölbaşı
Surface Area : 1500
Altitude: 973 m
Protection: Yes
Bird Species: It gains important bird areas status with reproducing populations of alaca balıkçıl (30 pairs), Macar Ördeği (50 pairs), pasbaş patka (10 pairs) and dikkuyruk (2 pairs). At the end of autumn and before spring, huge numbers of water birds (max. 78.590), including Macar ördeği (max. 673), pasbaş patka (max.200) and sakarmeke (max. 70.100) can be observed.
Main Characteristics: sweet water lake, swamp
Kızılcahamam Forests
City: Ankara
Provinces: Çamlıdere, Kızılcahamam
Surface Area : 9500
Altitude : 900 - 1849 m
Protection: partially
Bird Species: It gains important bird areas status with reproducing populations of kara leylek (5 pairs), sakallı akbaba (2 pairs), küçük akbaba (15 pairs), kızıl akbaba (2 pairs), kara akbaba (most of them are areproducing within National Park, 6 pairs) and küçük kartalın (3 pairs). At the south of Kızılcahamam, huge numbers of vultures and storks can be seen around a slaughterhouse at the coast of Kırmır Stream.
Main Characteristics: forest, mountain
Kavaklı Mountain
City: Ankara, Bolu
Provinces: Güdül, Dörtdivan
Surface Area : 8100
Altitude : 1000 -1983 m
Protection: Yes
Bird Species: It gains important bird areas status with kara akbaba (5 pairs) population.
Main Characteristics: mountain, forest
İnözü Valley
City: Ankara
Provinces: Beypazarı
Surface Area: 50
Altitude : 675 - 750 m
Protection: N/A
Bird Species: It gains important bird areas status due to kara leylek (5 pairs) and bıyıklı doğan (1 pair) populations.
Main Characteristics: rocky mountains, valley
Sarıyar Dam
City: Ankara, Eskişehir
Provinces: Beypazarı, Nallıhan, Mihalıççık
Surface Area : 8400
Altitude: 475 m
Protection: partially
Bird Species: Among the important species, breeding within the region, gece balıkçılı (120 pairs), which nests on the rocky mountains at south coast as well as kara leylek (20 pairs), which nest at rocky mountains, küçük akbaba (10 pairs) and bıyıklı doğan (1 pairs) can be mentioned. "Nallıhan Kuşcenneti" is an important shelter point during immigration for numerous leylek (max. 11.300) and angıt (max. 2400).
Main Characteristics: dam lake, rocky mountains
Kızılırmak Basin
Beynam Forest
City: Ankara
Provinces: Gölbaşı
Surface Area : 2100
Altitude : 1200 - 1521 m
Protection: Yes
Bird Species: It gains important bird areas status with breeding two pairs of şah kartal.
Main Characteristics: forest
Winter Sports
Located 20km from Ankara, with an altitude between 1500 and 1850m, the Elmadag Ski Centre is ski centre has a 10-room hotel, chalets, a ski lift, restaurant and bar. The ski seasons runs from January to March. Ankara also has two ice-skating rinks; at Bahcelievler in Sondurak, and in Kurtulus Park.
Elmadağ
The Elmadag Ski Resort, which is on the northern slopes of Elmadag mountain range, is a few kilometres south-east of the centre of Ankara, which has made it more popular.
Arrival: At just 18km from the city, and close to the airport, there are many private vehicles going to the resort.
Geography: The resort is on the northern slopes of Elmadag between the altitudes of 1500-1850m. The area is treeless and covered with alpine meadows. The season runs between January and March, with a terrestrial climate, and snow thickness between 30-60cm.
Facilities: There are government-owned ski lodges, plus two restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, sauna, disco and restaurants. The T-bar has a 548m route, and the ski run is at an easy/medium level.
Hunting
Foreigners can only hunt in parties organised by Turkish travel agencies which have been authorised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. These agencies provide all information concerning seasons, authorised zones, permits, weapons and ammunition. A list of agencies can be obtained from the Union of Travel Agencies (TURSAB).
For more information, contact: - Forest Ministry, National Parks and Wildlife General Directorate, Gazi Tesisleri No 11, Gazi, Ankara.
Tel: (312) 221 1769/212 6300. Fax: 222 5140.
- Youth and Sport General Directorate, Hunting and Marksman Federation
Ulus Ishani A Blok 4 Kat No 404, Ulus, Ankara.
Tel: (312) 310 6160/310 3960. Fax: 310 6160.
The province of Ankara has a wide variety of wild game, the most important of which are partridge, hazel grouse, rabbit, ducks and geese. In the forests of Nallihan, Beypazari, Kizilcahamam, Camlidere, Cubuk and Gudul, there are bears, lynx, wild hogs and deer.
Fishing
Fishing in the Ankara province can be divided into four different categories: rivers, dams, lakes and ponds. For river fishing there are the Kizilirmak, Sakarya and Kimir rivers and their tributaries. Lake fishing is done at Lake Mogan, Lake Eymir and Lake Karagol. There are also a number of dams in the province for excellent fishing.
Youth Tourism
Having the great majority of her population being composed of young people,Turkey embodies camp centers and facilities enabling the young people living in abroad and in country the opportunity to enjoy an easily acquired holiday.
- TUREM - The Tourism Training Centers of The Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- Forest Camps of The Forest Ministry
- Youth Camps Sponsored By The Youth and Sports Administration
- The Higher Education Housing and Loan Association
- Hostels
- Transportation Services For Students
- International Cards and Agencies Which Provide Them
- Institutions Which Sponsor Youth Activities
Climate
Ankara is surrounded by the provinces of Kirsehir and Kirikkale on the east, Eskisehir to the west, Cankiri to the north, Bolu to the northwest and Konya and Aksaray to the south. The province of Ankara is an area covered with the plains that have been formed by the Kizilirmak and Sakarya rivers located in the northwestern part of Central Anatolia. This area is made up of both forests and arid plains.
Vegetation is limited to that normally found in the steppes, and trees are practically non-existent. Thorny plants are the most commonly seen but there are Russian olives, willows and poplar trees growing wherever there is water, and these trees are an important part of steppe vegetation. The plateau surrounding Ankara is characterized by isolated mountains and as one moves north, with the increase in annual rainfall, the barrenness of the steppe starts to give way to more lush vegetation.
The climate varies within this larger province. While the southern part of the province has a climate characteristic of the steppe, in the north the temperate and rainy conditions of the Black Sea make themselves felt. In this area where the hot summers and cold winters characteristic of a continental climate prevail, the hottest months are July-August and the coldest month is January.
The capital of the Turkish Republic, Ankara, was founded almost in the middle of Central Anatolia. Due to its central location, the export of cloth made from the hair of the famous Angora goats turned Ankara into a major stop on the caravan route, and an important business centre especially during the Selcuk and Ottoman eras, in the city once named Angyra. The Galatians were the first used it as a capital city. Although it is known to have been a small settlement during the Hittite period, no artifacts belonging to this period have been found. Excavations conducted in many of the local burial mounds have turned up Phrygian artifacts. After the Phyrgians, the city was occupied respectively by the Persians, Alexander the Great, and the Galatians. In 25 BC, the Emperor Augustus annexed the city and its Galatians kingdom. In the 4th century AD, there was a surge in Christianity in this region, where Saint Paul is said to have started the church. The 7th and 8th centuries saw the rise of Islam, and the city suffered many raids by the Persians and Arabs. The outer walls of the castle were built during this time. Between 871-893, Turks and Crusaders took turns occupying the city but in 1127 AD the city was brought under the domination of the Turks and given the name Enguriye. In 1402 as a result of the battle between Yildirim Beyazit and Tamerlane, the city was briefly in the hands of the Mongols. In 1414, however, it came under the rule of the Ottomans. During the war of independence in 1920, Ankara was chosen as a military base and in 1923 was declared the capital by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, due to geographic, strategic and political considerations as well its role in the War of Independence. The foundations of the modern city were then laid, by bringing in city planners from Europe.
The cuisine of Old Ankara displays much of the home-cooked food of the Turks, with the oven and tandoor, and cellars for winter supplies. There is a wide variety of dishes in Ankara: Soups such as as dutmac, keskek, miyane, sutlu, tarhana and toyga. Meat dishes include Ankara tavasi, alabortme, calla, coban kavurmasi, iliskik, kapama, orman kebabi, patlicanli et, sizgic, siyel and siper. To accompany, there is a wide variety of pilaf (rice dishes) such as bici, wheat pilaf, ogmac asi and pit pit pilaf. There are also stuffed dishes like efelek dolmasi, manti, sirden dolmasi (humbar) and yalanci dolma. The pastries of Turkey are delicious, and include alt-ust boregi, ay boregi, bohca, entekke boregi, hamman, kaha, kol boregi, papac, Pazar boregi, tandir boregi.
Ankara's shopping centres are clustered around Ulus, Kizilay and Kavaklidere. One popular place for visitors is the Cikrikcilar Yokusu and its shops, near Ulus. Around the castle in Ulus, in the area of Cikrikcilar Yokusu and Samanpazari, there are shops which sell traditional handicrafts such as textiles, copper, ceramics, wickerwork and leather, as well as a variety of jewellery, decorations, gift items and all types of antiques.
In the Bakircilar Market, there is a wide selection of goods on offer like souvenirs, antiques and clothes as well as copperware and jewellery. At the end of the ascent to the castle is a small bazaar with stands selling spices, dried fruit and nuts and other products.
Most of the modern shopping centres are in Kizilay, Tunali Hilmi Street and at Atakule in Cankaya. The 125m Atakule dominates the city landscape and from the revolving restaurant there is a breathtaking view of Ankara. The most elite department stores in Turkey are in the Karum Mall in Kavaklidere, as well as top restaurants.
Sites
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Ankara
Sites
Archeological Sites: 395
Urban Sites: 6
Natural Sites: 19
Historical Sites: 3
Other Sites
Archeological and Natural Sites: 4
Historical and Urban Sites: 1
Administrative Sites: 1
Historical and Natural Sites: 1
Total: 430
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural Heritages: 1205
TOTAL: 1635
Contact Information
EMBASSIES
Australia
Tel: (+90 312) 446 11 80
Fax: (+90 312) 446 11 88
Austria
Tel: (+90 312) 419 04 31
Bulgaria
Tel: (+90 312) 467 20 71. Fax: (+90 312) 468 69 56
Canada
Tel: (+90 312) 436 12 75
Denmark
Tel: (+90 312) 468 77 60
Fax: (+90 312) 468 45 59
France
Tel: (+90 312) 468 1154
Fax: (+90 312) 467 94 34
Germany
Tel: (+90 312) 426 54 65
Fax: (+90 312) 426 69 59
Great Britain
Tel:(+90 312) 468 6230
Fax: (+90 312) 468 32 14
Iran
Tel: (+90 312) 468 28 20.
Italy
Tel: (+90 312) 426 54 60
Fax: (+90 312) 426 58 00
Japan
Tel: (+90 312) 446 05 00
Fax: (+90 312) 437 25 04
Netherlands
Tel: (+90 312) 446 0470
Fax: (+90 312) 446 33 58
Russian Federation
Tel: (+90 312) 439 21 22
Fax: (+90 312) 438 39 52
Spain
Tel: (+90 312) 440 2169
Fax: (+90 312) 439 51 70
Sweden
Tel: (+90 312) 468 02 54
Fax: (+90 312) 466 45 58
Switzerland
Tel: (+90 312) 467 55 55
Fax: (+90 312) 467 11 99
Turkmenistan
Tel: (+90 312) 441 7122
Fax: (+90 312) 441 71 25
USA
Tel: (+90 312) 455 5555
Uzbekistan
Tel: (+90 312) 441 38 71
Fax: (+90 312) 441 96 15.
Tourist Offices
Provincial Directorate
Address: Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bulvari, 121 Tandogan
Tel: (+90 312) 231 55 72
Fax: (+90 312) 231 55 72
Esenboga Airport
Tel: (+90 312) 398 03 48 / 398 00 00.
Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism
Tel: (+90 312) 310 68 18
Fax: (+90 312) 310 03 42
ORCHESTRAS and CHOIRS
Presidential Symphony Orchestra
Address: Talat Pasha Bulvarı No:38 Ankara
Tel: (+90 312) 309 13 43 (4 lines)
Fax: (+90 312) 311 75 48
Ankara State Turkish Folk Music Choir Directorate
Address: Atatürk Cultural Center Hipodrom - Ankara
Tel: (+90 312) 342 47 90 - 91
Ankara State Polyphonic Music Choir Directorate
Address: Atatürk Cultural Center Hipodrom - Ankara
Tel: (+90 312) 341 27 45 - 46
Ankara State Classical Turkish Music Choir Directorate
Address: Atatürk Cultural Center Hipodrom - Ankara
Tel: (+90 312) 342 37 98
State Folk Dance Ensemble Directorate
Address: Atatürk Cultural Center Hipodrom - Ankara
Tel: (+90 312) 341 19 26 - 341 07 75
State Fine Arts Gallery Directorate
Necatibey Cad. No:55 - ANKARA
Tel: (+90 312) 232 19 45
State Art and Sculpture Museum Directorate
Opera / Ankara
Tel: (+90 312) 311 82 64
Fax: (+90 312) 311 82 64
MUSEUMS
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Address: Hisar Cad. Ulus - Ankara
Tel: (+90 312) 324 31 60
Fax: (+90 312) 311 28 39
Ethnography Museum
Address: TalatPasha Bulvarı Opera - Ankara
Tel: (+90 312) 311 95 56
War of Independence and Republic Museum
Address: Cumhuriyet Cad. Ulus - Ankara
Tel: (+90 312) 311 04 73
Metropolitan Municipality http://www.ankara-bel.gov.tr/
Ankara University http://www.ankara.edu.tr/
Başkent University http://www.baskent.edu.tr/
Bilkent University http://www.bilkent.edu.tr/
Hacettepe University http://www.hun.edu.tr/
Çankaya University http://www.cankaya.edu.tr/
ODTÜ University http://www.metu.edu.tr/
Altındağ Municipality http://www.altindag-bld.gov.tr/
Çankaya Municipality http://www.cankaya-bld.gov.tr/
Çubuk Head Official's Office http://www.cubuk.gov.tr/
Çubuk Municipality http://www.cubuk-bld.gov.tr/
Gölbaşı Municipality http://www.golbasi-bld.gov.tr/
Nallıhan Municipality http://www.nallihan-bld.gov.tr/
Keçiören Municipality http://www.kecioren-bld.gov.tr/
Yenimahalle Municipality http://www.yenimahalle.belediyesi.com/
Beypazarı Municipality http://www.beypazari-bld.gov.tr/
Area : 20.815 km²
Population : 1.132.211 (1990)
Traffic Code : 07
Because of the archaeological and natural riches of the area, Antalya is also known as the Turkish Riviera. The sun, sea, nature and history combine to form a very popular resort, highlighted by some of the cleanest beaches in the Mediterranean. The 630km shoreline of the province is liberally scattered with ancient cities, harbours, memorial tombs and beaches, secluded coves and lush forests, many of which are easily accessible from the city.
With its palm-lined boulevard, internationally-acclaimed marina, and old castle with traditional architecture, all set amidst a modern city, Antalya is a major tourist centre in Turkey. In addition to the wide selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops, the city also plays host to a number of sporting events throughout the year, like International Beach Volleyball, triathlon, golf tournaments, archery, tennis and canoeing competitions. The Cultural Centre, which opened in 1995, hosts cultural and art events in the fields of music, theatre, and creative arts. The main area of interest in the city is central old quarter within the Roman walls, known as Kaleici, and there are many good museums.
Districts: Akseki, Alanya, Elmali, Finike, Gazipasa, Gundogmus, Ibradi, Kale, Kas, Kemer, Korkutali, Kumluca, Manavgat and Serik are all towns in the province of Antalya.
Akseki
After Alanya, Akseki is the oldest district in the province of Antalya, and has an appearance that befits its location in the rugged Taurus mountains, in a forested and very rocky area. The history of Akseki extends back to the Roman era, when it was known as Marla (Marulya), and has been continually inhabited until the present day. The developments in the tourism sector in the Antalya region in recent years have been seen in Akseki as well. The area is well known for the snowdrop flower, and every years sees local and foreign visitors coming every winter to see these flowers breaking through the snow, as the first sign of spring.
In the Giden Gelmez Mountains, goats are protected and limited hunting is available year-round with the purchase of a license. Another spot frequented by visitors is the trout farming facilities in the villages of Sinan hoca and Gumusdamla. The primary game in the area is mountain goat, rabbit, bear and fox.
Other areas worth visiting are the Goktepe Highland, Giden Gelmez Mountains, Cimi Highland, Irmak Valley and the 340-metre deep Bucaklan Cave, which has only recently been discovered. Buildings of interest are the Ulu Camii and medreses.
Elmali
The exact founding date of Elmali, which is located within the borders of ancient Lycia, is unknown. Excavations to the east at Karatas near the village of Semahoyuk, and to the west in the village of Beyler indicate that the area has been inhabited seen the Bronze Age.
Throughout history it has suffered the rising and falling fortune of the Lycian region, being ruled respectively by the Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman empires.
Tumuluses There are several tumuluses in nearby villages. The first is west of the city in the village of Mugren, on top of which sits a small fortress dating back to the Roman era. Surface-level archaeological research indicates that the area was inhabited in the Bronze Age by various civilisations. Another village to the west, Semahoyuk, has a tumulus but due to the fact that an Ottoman cemetery is located on top of it, no research has been done. The third and largest tumulus is in Beyler, south of the city on the Elmali - Kas road. Excavations conducted here show that the area has been continuously inhabited from the Bronze Age right up to the present time. The items unearthed in the excavations are exhibited in the Antalya Museum.
East of the city 6 km from the village of Elmali near the village of Bayindir, there are several tumuluses side by side. Artifacts dating back to the 7th century BC were unearthed during the excavations. Now on display in a special section of the Antalya Museum, these findings represent a cross-section of life during that era. A statuette of pure silver and two of ivory bear witness to the fact that the art of sculpture in ancient Anatolia had reached a level of some sophistication.
Memorial Tombs There are tombs in Karaburun and Kizilbel. The walls of the King's Tomb in Karaburun, on the Antalya - Elmali road, is decorated with frescoes of scenes of hunting and war. The tomb in Kizilbel is west of the city on the Elmali - Yuvayol road, and is a single room made of limestone blocks.
Define Described as the Treasure of the Century, this was discovered in 1984, just north of the Antalya - Elmali road between the King's Tomb and the village of Gokpinar. Consisting of 190 pieces of ancient silver coins, the treasure was smuggled to America by antique treasure thieves. It is still on display in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts as part of a private collection. The Athens Decadrachme, 14 pieces each worth US$600,000, is said to be the world's most valuable treasure find.
Mosques The most interesting mosques in the area include Selcuklu Camii, Kutuk Camii, Sinan-i Ummi Camii, Omer Pasa Camii and medrese.
Korkuteli
Located 67 km from Antalya, Korkuteli is surrounded by Antalya on the east, Burdur to the north, Mugla to the southwest and Elmali and Kumluca to the south. The effects of the Mediterranean climate can be felt here in this region of lakes but the further one goes inland, the more continental the climate becomes with cold winters and hot summers.
3 km west of Korkuteli is the Alaaddin Mosque, only the door of which is still standing. In the same area is the Seljuk religious school which bears the name of its founde,r and was built by El Emin Sinaeddin of the Hamidogullari dynasty in 1319.
Gundogmus
There are numerous ruins of ancient cities in the district of Gundogmus, 182 km from Antalya. The important ruins are those of Hagiasophia city, 7 km north of Guzel Bag Bucagi, but no excavations have been conducted here. There are also the ruins of Asar at Sumene (7 km from the city centre), Kese (2 km east of the village of Senir) and Gedfi (11 km southwest of Gundogmus).
Other places to visit in the area include the Cem Pasa Camii; the ruins on top of Sinek Mountain, 15 km east of the city centre between Gundogmus and Pembelik; and the ruins of Kazayir at Tasagir, on the Gundogmus - Antalya highway.
Gazipasa
Situated 180 km from Antalya, Gazipasa is a charming little town with a beach 10 km long, beautiful forests and turquoise blue coves. Iskele, the site of the Koru and Kahyalar beaches, is an important breeding ground of the caretta caretta turtles. Mostly undeveloped up until the present time, Gazipasa is on its way to being an attractive tourist centre with accommodation, recreation facilities, an airport and yacht harbour still under construction, as well as the natural and historical treasures of the area.
Antiocheia Ad Cragum 18 km east of Gazipasa, and within the village of Guney, these ruins gets its name from the Commagene King Antiochus IV, and are found on the three hills that stretch out towards the sea. It has the ruins of a castle dating back to the Roman and Byzantine era, a column-lined boulevard, agora, baths, victory arch, a church and the city necropolis. The barrel-vaulted memorial tombs with their pre-entrance porticoes are well preserved and reflect a style peculiar to the region.
Adanda (Lamos) This ancient city is located 15 km northeast of Gazipasa, and was founded 2 km north of the present-day village of Adanda, on top of a high and steep hill. It is a walled city with a large tower south of the city gate, and among the ruins are a fountain carved into the living rock and two temples. Other significant ruins are the tombs in the necropolis made of single pieces of carved stone. These remains are a good representation of the culture and art of the mountainous Cilician region.
Nephelis This ancient ruin can be reached by going through the village of Muzkent 12 km out on the Gazipasa-Anamur road and taking the gravel road south for about 5 km. The southern area is surrounded by the sea and steep cliffs. The city consists of the acropolis and the remains of dwellings spread out in an east-west fashion. The only standing structures date back to the Roman and Byzantine periods and include a Medieval Castle, a temple, a musical hall, irrigation system and the necropolis.
Selinus Located on the slopes southwest of Hacimusa Creek by Gazipasa Beach, the ancient city of Selinus is one of the most important cities in the mountainous Cilician region. On top of the hill is the acropolis as well as the walls and towers of a medieval castle, which are fairly well preserved. In the Acropolis, a church and cistern have survived the ravages of time. The other buildings of Selinus are near the beach and on the slopes, among which are the baths, agora, Islami Yapi (mansion), aqueducts and the necropolis. Most of the bones in the Alanya Museum were brought from the Necropolis and allow the workshop in the museum to exist.
Kumluca
Situated on the plane formed by the silt carried down from the mountains by Alakir Creek and Gavur Brook, Kumluca is surrounded by the towns of Finike and Elmali. In the upper reaches of Alakir Creek fed by the springs coming from Onemli Mountains and the Beydaglar Mountains, there are trout and striped mullet.
By Road : Antalya is easily accessed from most parts of the country, and the main bus station (Yeni Garaj) is 4km north of the city centre. Major routes include Istanbul (12 hours), Fethiye (8 hours), Izmir (9 hours) and Goreme (10 hours). The best route from Istanbul and Ankara is through Afyon and Burdur. In addition to the large buses and long-distance journeys, which leave from the Sehirlerarasi Terminali, there are also dolmus services to places like Kas, Alanya, Olympos and Side, from the Ilceler Terminali, although these are not air-conditioned. Most bus companies have a free shuttle service from the bus station into the city centre.
Bus station Tel: (0242) 331 12 50 / 513 26 50
Fax: (0242) 331 11 81.
By Rail : The nearest station is at Burdur.
By Air : Antalya airport is 10km east of the city centre, and has direct flights from Tel Aviv and Zurich. It is well connected to other parts of Turkey, and in summer has eight daily direct flights from Istanbul and two from Ankara.
Airport Tel: (0242) 330 32 33. 330 3600.
Fax: (0242) 330 31 30
By Boat : The marina is one of the most important in Turkey, and the Kaleici certainly one of the most photographed, lying at the foot of the old part of the city. Apart from private yachts sailing in from all over the world, there are passenger ferries to Girne (Northern Cyprus) and Rhodes.
Turkish Maritime Lines
Tel: (0242) 241 11 20.
Fax: 247 50 95
Kaleici Marina
Tel: (0242) 243 47 50.
Fax: 243 47 54
Kusadasi Harbour
Tel: (0242) 259 12 00
MUSEUM, HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL ITEMS
Antalya Museum : Founded in 1922 by Süleyman Fikri Erten and housed first in the Alaaddin Mosque in the old city and then in the Yivli Minaret, the museum was later moved to its current location. The museum consists of 12 exhibit rooms and its gardens and open galleries. In these halls the history of Antalya is given in a chronological and instructive fashion starting with the first humans and continuing without interruption to the modern era.
Museum Tel: (+90-242) 238 56 88-89
Kaleici : Today the historical old city of Antalya known as Kaleici (the inner castle) is surrounded by two walls, most of which have fallen down. The inner wall encloses the harbour in a semicircle. As a result of restoration, Kaleici has turned into a major tourist centre with guest-houses, bars, shops and restaurants, and the Roman harbour has been turned into a modern, well-equipped marina. As a result of the restoration work, the Ministry of Tourism was awarded the Golden Apple (Tourism Oscar) in April 1984 by FIJET.
Antalya Museum : Founded in 1922 by Suleyman Fikri Erten and housed first in the Alaaddin Mosque in the old city and then in the Yivli Minaret, the museum was later moved to its current location 2 km further east. The museum consists of 12 exhibition rooms and its gardens and open galleries. In these halls the history of Antalya is given in chronological order, starting with fossils, through the Stone and Bronze ages, then through the classical and Hellenistic periods. There are mosaics, the Gallery of the Gods, Phrygian ornaments, and a room with Christian art that includes pieces of the skull and jawbone of St Nicholas, the original Santa Claus. The ethnography section has a collection of Iznik ceramics, household implements and weapons. Museum Tel:(+90-242) 238 56 88-89
The City Walls : What remains today are a few bastions inside the city as well as Hadrian's Gate and its towers, the large tower facing the harbour and a few pieces of the harbour walls. One of the walls surrounds the yacht harbour and the other the city, almost like horseshoe. One of the remaining towers in the Castle Gate Square is now used as a clock tower. There are four gates in the city walls, which form entrances to the city.
Hadrian's Gate : The only city gate to have survived until the present day is the most attractive of the Pamphylia: Uckapilar (Three Gates), also known as Hadrian's Gate, which is guarded by one tower on either side. Built to honour the emperor Hadrian's visit to the city in 130 AD, the whole gate, except for the columns, is made of pure white marble. The reliefs and carvings are extraordinary.
Old Houses of Antalya : With its hot summers and mild winters, the houses in Antalya are designed to provide protection not against the chill of winter but against the merciless heat of summer. The stone overhangs and courtyards help provide air circulation. The houses in Antalya can be divided into three types based upon the design of the main hall, which also serves as a storage area. The three types are I halls, L halls and U halls. In the design of these houses, great attention was paid to meeting the necessities of daily life, while also providing harmony with nature and the environment.
Perge : Situated 18 km east of Antalya, Perge is in the city limits of Aksu Bucagi. Because of its location on the Cilicia - Pisidia road, it was a vital part of the province of Pamphylia, and was founded around the same time as the other cities in the area (7th century BC). It was an important city for Christians of Perge who had worshipped the mother goddess Artemis. St. Paul and Barnabas visited the city and wealthy benefactors like Magna Plancia had a number of important memorials built here.
The first excavations began in 1946 by Istanbul University and they resulted in many important discoveries: The theatre consists of three main sections: the seating, orchestra and stage. It held 12,000 spectators, with 19 rows of seats on the lower section, 23 on the top section, and a 52-metre stage.
The stadium measures 34 square metres, with 13 rows of seats on top of the vaults. The eastern and western sides have 30 vaults each and the northern side has 10. For every three vaults there is an entrance to the stadium, and the other two were used as shops.
The Agora was the commercial and political centre of the city, with shops surrounding the central courtyard, some of which have mosaics on the floor. The agora measured 76 square metres, with a circular structure in the centre with a diameter of 13.40 metres.
The colonnaded boulevard lies between the Hellenistic Gate and the nympheum on the slopes of the acropolis. On both sides of the street, 20 metres in width, are porticoes, some up to five meters high, behind which are shops. The street is divided into two by a 2-metre wide water canal running through the middle.
Other structures include the necropolis, city walls, gymnasium, Roman Baths, memorial fountain and the Greek and Roman gates.
Termessos : The ruined city of Termessos, lying 34km west of Antalya in a rugged mountain valley, was founded by the Solymi people, from the interior of Anatolia. Among the important remains are the 4200-seat theatre and the Roman stele that Augustus had built at the beginning of the first century AD. The Odeon, the covered meeting hall, has seating for 600 people. The five inter-connecting underground cisterns were used for the storage of water and olive oil.
Other important remains include the Agora, with an open western side and other sides colonnaded; the heroic memorial of Hereon on top of a 6-metre high platform; the Corinthian-style temple, the Temple of Zeus, the Lesser and Greater Temples of Artemis, the gymnasium and the watch towers. In addition, there are more than 1200 rock tombs.
Olympos : Lying between Kemer and Adrasan is the ancient harbour village of Cirali, the ruins of Olympos and the site of the Chimaera. The history of Olympos dates back to the 2nd century BC when it was an important Lycian city, although it was empty by the 6th century. The Olympians worshipped Hephaestos (Vulcan) the god of fire, probably connected to the eternal flame, or Chimaera, which still emerges from the mountain. Known also as Yanartas (burning stone), the flame is caused by the burning of natural gas emerging from the mountain. Apart from the ruins, Olympos is well known for its simple treehouse camps, where most tourists stay, and a natural environment thanks to forests and vineyards near to a beautiful beach.
Ariassos : The ancient remains of Ariassos, around 50km from Antalya, are located on a slope and contain baths and rock tombs.
Phaselis : On the coast, 60km south of Antalya, Phaselis was founded by the Rhodians in the 7th century BC, and was known as the most important seaport in Eastern Lycia. On the west of the city is Hadrian's Gate, with shops and baths on either side. The city is accessible both by road and sea.
Limyra : Believed to have been in existence since the 5th century, Limyra is still in existence despite a massive earthquake in the mid 19th century although was emptied in the 7th and 9th centuries after the Arab invasions. The city, which is 11km south, composes of three section; the acropolis, areas of settlement, and necropolis.
Arycanda : Excavations of this city reveal that it probably existed from the 5th century BC, and controlled much of the Arycanda valley. Having survived a destructive earthquake in 240 AD, the city maintained its prominence until the 11th century, and its most important structures still survive today.
Demre (Myra) : Demre was one of the most important cities of the Lycian civilisation. 25km west of Finike and 48km east of Kas, Demre was a place of settlement from the 5th century BC. The city was deserted in 9 A.D after the invasions of the Arabs. Rock tombs, theatres and the Church of St. Nicholas (said to be the original Santa Claus) are the most interesting sites in the town today.
Simena (Kale) : Receiving its beauty from its history, sea and sun, Simena is accessible from Ucagiz. The submerged city and the ancient remains at the opposite island of Kekova island, make it a worthwhile trip. There are traces of Roman and other civilisations in Simena, the history of which dates back to Lycian civilisation. There is a small theatre carved into the rock, and Roman city walls.
Side: Manavgat-Side
Manavgat of Antalya city is a tourism center, where history and nature are within eachother and all kinds of tourism activity can be performed.
How to Get
Connection of Manavgat province with other centers is only maintained by road. Bus companies within province are maintaining transportation to other cities and provinces from Antalya at west and Alanya at east. Bus companies in Manavgat and Side coaching station, are increasing their bus voyages according to tourist number, which increases during summer months. Alternative minibus voyages are organized from province to Manavgat Waterfalls, Side, Sorgun like visitable places.
Coach Station Tel: (90 242) 753 13 67
Where to Visit
Manavgat Waterfall
Waterfall, which are 3 km. north of Manavgat province, have the same name with province. It composes a valuable to see panorama with its high flow on a wide area although it falls from an amazing height. Just near to the waterfalls, you can picnic in the nature and can eat fresh fish in surrounding restaurants.
MUSEUMS
Side Museum
Hamam of the antic agora, remaining from 5th and 6th century A. D., against the agora, which belongs to Roman Period, is restored on 1960 / 61, and turned into a museum.
Most of the pieces of art exhibited within the Museum, are the findings revealed during the excavations performed between 1947 and 1967 in Side antic city by Prof. Dr. Arif Müfid Mansel. From Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantium Period; inscriptions, gun relieves, Statues, torsos, tombs, portraits, ostotexes, amphorae, altars, tomb stalls, column heads and column pedestals, which are the copies of Greek originals, built in Roman Period, are being exhibited.
ANTIQUE CITIES
Side
Side, which is 7 km. away from Manavgat, is an ancient settlement center. Side, which is mentioned by historians as founded on 1405 A. D., had met with the reigns of Lydian, Persian, Alexander The Great's, Antiogonous's, Ptolemaioses, respectively beginning from the second half of VIth century A. D. After 215 A. D., The city, which is improved under supervision of Syrian Kingdom, and turned into a science and cultural center, had left to Bergama Kingdom on A. D. with Apameia peace, then had protected its independence with Eastern Pamphilya region, and reached to a great richness and prosperity with a huge commercial fleet.
It entered under Byzantium reign after Roman reign after 78 B. C. Side, which was a Bishop center during Vth and VIth centuries, had lived its greatest times during these years.
Main gate of the city, which has a unique labor, is between two towers. There are two main streets in Side province. These streets are samples of columned streets of Ancient Age. After passing city gate, flat stones adorned area is the starting point of this street. There are columned porticos beside both sides of these streets, and shops behind them.
There is a "Nymphaeum", biggest historical fountain of Anatolia, against city gate, outside ramparts. A wide pool place is below this foundation. You can reach to a monumental structure, passing through a street after theater. This building with dimensions of 100x100 m., is an agora. Agora, which is the Bazaar area of the city, is surrounded by porticos and there are shops at three sides of it. There is a Gymnasium, surrounded by porticos and composed of three halls, on the street, south side of the Agora. In the main street at North - south direction, there is an arched structure, constructed during Roman Period. Importance of Side city's theater, in connection with architecture, is its construction on arched places instead of a slope of a hill like other roman theaters.
Theater, which is composed of three divisions, cavea, orchestra and scene, is the biggest and most monumental one among Pamphylia theaters, and has a capacity of 20.000 spectators.
There are wide cemeteries outside of Side's ramparts, and most important one of these, Western Necropolis, is 1,5 km. away. There are also temples and aqueducts in Side. Most important ones of the temples are Athena, Apollon and Men temples. Water of side is brought from Dumanlı source, within Oymapınar Dam Lake, approximately 25 km. away. This water transportation system is composed of ten aqueducts, of which some of them are two layered. Biggest one is near to Oymapınar and has 40 specs.
A huge Roman Hamam is turned into a museum, and hosts for most beautiful archeological pieces of art collection of the region. The city, which is reigned by Seljukians during XIIIth century, Hamitoğulları and Tekelioğulları during XIVth century, and finally Ottoman Empire during XVth century, was not a settlement during this period.
Although most parts of the city ramparts, which are holding structure and characteristics of Roman and Byzantium periods, has been demolished today, nearly all of the ramparts at land side had remained.
Selge
You can reach to Selge, which is an ancient mountain city, near to Köprü Stream (Eurymdon) at south slope of Toroslar, 35 km. north of Serik, from a 14 km. stabilized road with steep bends after Köprülü Canyon National Park. There are engraved rocks, coverin whole slope of the mountain and similar to Fairy Chimneys at Göreme on the road passing from köprülü canyon, which is very rich in connection to natural beauty.
City, which was belong to Psidia and then taken into Pampheylia territories, had been reigned by Lydia, Persia, Alexander the Great and Roman governments, respectively.
It is theater with 5 gates and 45 stairs at north is an important monument. At the south of rock engraved theater, stadium and gymnasium, and at west a Ionian type temple, whose ceiling is adorned with eagle décor, draws the attention. At the south of the stadium, there are Fountain and Agora. At the north of the ramparts lying southwest of the city, Artemis and Zeus monuments as well as necropolis present.
Seleukia
This antique city, which is 23 km. northeast of Side, and one hour away from Sinler Village by foot, is founded by Selevkos. There is a very beautiful natural appearance of the antic city, which is especially adorned with pine forests. From the city, which is placed on a hill, you can see all plains and sea.
Two storey agora, basilica, cistern and sewerage system can be mentioned as the sign of development of the city. Mosaics, which are revealed during the city excavations, are exhibited in Antalya Museum today.
Etenna
Etenna, which is 29 km. north of Manavgat, is founded on the hill, which is at the upper part of today's Sırt Village. At the top of the city, which is thought as a bishop center during Byzantium period, there is an Acropolis, which is composed of terraces surrounded by ramparts, and at the best preserved and highest slopes of the city. There is a Herron (a tomb for an exalted person) at the south of the city. Basilica, agora, church, hamam and cisterns are important historical ruins other than these.
INNS
Alara Inn
When you go 9 km. to the west after Manavgat, you can reach to Alara Inn. It is constructed on 13th century, by Seljukians for maintaining commercial connection between capital city of south coasts, Alanya and Konya. This maintained the people, who were traveling with caravansaries and merchants for spending the night and rest securely and comfortably.
High Plateaus
There are lots of plateaus on the Toros Mountains, which is divided into two by Köprüçayı Valley.
Most important ones are Güğlenpınar and Beloluk Plateaus, Avanos Beliği, in Tefekli Region, Gücer Plateau, Kesikbeli, Akçaalan Plateau, Topalceviz, Alıç and Demre Plateaus, Dumanlı Plateau as well as at the feet of the Bozburun Mountain İkiz Plateau. Most of the villagers are going to the plateaus for summer.
NATIONAL and NATURAL PARKS
Köprülü Canyon National Park
Location: The park is in the mountains 49km northeast of Antalya.
Transportation: Koprulu Kanyon National Park is in the Manavgat district of the Antalya province. The road along the coast from Antalya to Manavgat then passes through Tasagil and Beskonak.
Highlights: The Kopru River is ideal for rafting and camping, with trees along one side of the bank. It forms a valley between the villages of Bolasan and Beskonak, the walls of which are as high as 100m, and at 14km is the longest canyon in Turkey. Pine, cypress and cedar trees form the ecosystem of the area, and the Mediterranean cypress forest, at 400 hectares wide, is the most significant flora characteristic in the park. Hunting in the area has meant that the number of species of animals has decreased, and now the most significant wildlife includes deer, mountain goats, bears, foxes, wolves, rabbits and badgers. There are plenty of trout in various branches of the River Kopru.
Apart from the natural beauty, other places of interest include the ruins of the Roman city of Selge, 12km away. The site still has the remains of a theatre, agora, temples of Zeus and Artemis, and cisterns. The Oluk and Bugrum bridges connect the remains of the ancient stone road connecting Selge to Pamphlia.
Facililities: The River Kopru is an important area for watersports, and is ideal for rafting. Camping is also popular along the shady riverbanks, and there is food available.
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
Jeep - Safari
Tourism agencies in Antalya, Kemer, Side and Alanya are organizing Jeep Safari tours to Toros mountains. Daily tours are beginning at the early hours of the days, and continue till to the night with experiencing Offroad emotion.
Horse Riding
There are wide areas for horse riding in some hotels. There are English, Arab and Haflinger horses. Horse riding and jumping courses are performed for hourly or daily visits. Meanwhile, tours through river or to mountains are organized for minimum three days and maximum seven days.
Rafting
Köprüçay, Manavgat and Dragon rivers, as well as Cehennem Stream are perfect routes for rafting.
Don't Leave Without
Visiting Side Ruins and Museum,
Seeing Manavgat Waterfall,
Eating trout.
Aspendos: The ancient city, 48km east of Antalya, is most famous for its theatre, probably the best preserved in Asia Minor. It is still in use today, and stages the annual Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival every summer. It was the scene of a huge bloody battle between the Persians and the Greeks in 469 BC, and then ruled by the Spartans 120 years later. The city became part of the Seleucid kingdom after the death of Alexander the Great, and then became part of the Roman province of Asia in 133 BC.
The famous theatre was built in the 2nd century AD, using a Roman design, and it is still intact. Ataturk was responsible for much of the restoration, who after visiting it declared that it should be used as a theatre rather than simply a museum.
In addition to the theatre, there is an acropolis on a hilltop, of which the nymphaeum and basilica are still fairly intact.
Opening hours: Summer 08.00 - 19.00; Winter 08.00 - 17.30.
Serik İlçesi-Aspendos
Antalya's province, Serik is including an important Pamfilya city, Aspendos. Aspendos Theater, which had reached today without corruption, and has perfect acoustic, is hosting important artistic activities today.
History
Serik city, is founded in two places, one at Belkıs Village (Aspendos) and other at "Sillion" (Koçhisar Hill), near to today's Yanköy, of Bergama Kingdom on IInd century A. D. On 1817, due to being settlement regions very distant, it was named as "Seyrek" initially, and it is named as "Serik" on 1950.
Climate
Typical Mediterranean climate is reign in Serik, which is surrounded by Antalya at west, Manavgat at east, Bucak and Sütlüce Provinces at north, and Mediterranean sea at south. Summers are hot and dry and winters are warm.
Where to Visit
Aspendos
Pamfilya city, Aspendos is 48 km. east of Antalya. Aspendos can be reached with an asphalt separated from Antalya - Manavgat road. City is 8 km. east of Serik Province, at the place where Köprü Stream reaches plains from mountainous region, and is found on two hills, one is big and other is small, and one of the richest cities. Its first name is Estvadiiy as can be seen on the coins printed. Most powerful money in antic world is Aspendos coins.
City, which is founded at the beginning of 7th century B. C., had met with reigns of Persia, Antic Delos Marine Union, Alexander the Great, Byzantium, Seljukians and Ottomans. Aspendos, which is famous as an important harbor and commercial city with its position at the entrance of Evrimedon Stream, is famous with corn, rose tree made souvenirs, wine, salt and horse purchase. City is also famous with breeding the best horses of antic world.
Pieces of arts in Aspendos, had separated into two as Lower City Structures and Upper City Structures. There are agora, basilica meeting structure, nymphaeum and exedra between UpperCity Structures. Theater, stadion, hamams, aqueduct, temple and necropolis cn be mentioned between Lower City Structures. It is known that Aspendos ramparts are constructed within Hellenistic Period, and then repaired during Late Roman and Bizantium Periods.
Main structure that makes Aspendos artistic center, is theater. Aspendos Theater is the most undamaged theater, which came today from antic world. Architecture of the theater, which is established at the foot of a small hill, is Zenon, son of Thedoros of Aspendos. Its capacity is 15.000 persons. Its most important characteristic is its great acoustic. Theater is used as caravanserai during Seljukians period. Zig zag motifs on white desks, seen on some parts of stage building are belonging to Seljukian Period. Cavea part of the theater is semi circle planned, and is separated into two with a wide diasoma. A wide gallery, composed of 59 arches, surrounds all along the rear of upper cavea. Special lodges over the entrances at both sides of cavea are reserved for emperor's family and society priestesses. First one of the sitting desks from orchestra belongs to senator, judge and foreign ambassadors, and second one belongs to the notables of the city. Women were generally sit on the upper desks, within part under gallery. Remaining parts is open for all natives of the city. Stage is the most impressive part of the theater.
There are five doors, maintaining actors to step into stage at the lower floor of two layered fasad, constructed from conglomerate blocks. Small doors at orchestra level were belong to vestibules where wild animals were closed. At the middle of the side architecture with columns at upper floor a wine god Dionysos relief, who is the establisher and protector of theaters, is decorated.
Sillion
It is founded at north east of Perge, 12 km. inside the sea, at the middle of the plain, on a wide and shallow shaped steep and high hill. Antic city is reached after a 5 km. of road when turned from Eski Yörük Village, at 29th km. of Antalya - Alanya Highway.
The city, which is founded during IVth century B. C., and was a Bishop center during Byzantium period had lived the Seljukian periods. Slightly steep west side of the hill is surrounded with ramparts, remaining from Hellenistic era. These ramparts are completed with towers, gates and roads to city. Gate of the city is on the ramparts, at the west part of the hill. When you go upside of the hill at north east side house ruins, streets, at west, Selçuklu Mosque, Byzantium Church and cistern can be seen. At the south west foot of the hill, there is a theater with 8.000 persons capacity and an odeon adjacent to it.
Don't Leave Without
Seeing Aspendos,
Visiting Sillion Antique City.
Contact Information
Provincial Directorate: (+90 242) 343 27 60
Kekova : It is between Kaş-Demre. It is an ancient submerged city 500 m far from the Üçağız Village in Mediterranean.
Patara : It is on Kalkan-Fethiye road,nearly 10 km before Kalkan and is located at the south.. The colorful ceramics in the center of the city reveal that the history of the city reaches back to 5 B.C. Besides its being the birth place of St. Nicholas,it was one of the most important seaports during the times of Alexander the Great. Three gated city walls,one of which leads to Patara, was constructed by the governor Modestus in 110 . One of the most important remnants is the theater currently buried under the crystal clear sandy beaches of Patara.
Xanthos : Founded on the Xanthos river basin,Xanthos is the biggest and the most ancient city of Lycia. Having being remained independent till the invasions of the Persians in 4292 B.C,Xanthos tried hard to defend against the invasions;however, upon realizing the remote victory the people of Xanthos first murdered their women then commited suicide as a whole.Afterwards 80 family imigrating to the region refounded the city but approximately 100 years later the city was totally destroyed by a great fire. Reesatblished city thenceforth strengtened its connection with west and became an important center.Still the city can not be saved from misfortune. Upon resisting to the taxes of the Roman Brutus, the city was ruined and the people were dragged into war. And Xanthos became the city of catastrophe.
The city was founded around center of Lycia and outside it were the remnants of Roman city center. Roman theater and the findings at the west side of the theater still attracts the visitors. Harpy memorial on the rocks is one of the most important traces. Only the duplication of the work of art, the original of which is on exhibit in British Museum in England,can be seen in the region.
Kaş (Antiphellos) : One of the Lycian towns,Kaş took its name from the Greek word "Phellos" meaning stony place. With its well preserved rock tombs and theater, Kaş is a wonderful town on the Mediterranean coast.
Kas was one of the most important cities of Lycia, and is now a small resort with great historical interest. Its quaint town centre has a rocky waterfront, with good beaches nearby. There are watersports available in the area, like canoeing,jet-skiing, diving and paragliding, plus cavern diving, which uses technical equipment to explore the deep and dark caverns. For those who love travelling on the water, the Mavi Yolculuk (Blue Voyage) tours, and other excursions on boats, can be madeto the surrounding islands.
History
Habesos is the earliest known name of the ancient city, as proved from archaeological findings. But the name Antiphellos is far more familiar, and this was the harbour of ancient Phellos. Excavations here have revealed a settlement dating back to the4th century BC, possibly earlier, although it reached its height of importance during the Roman and Byzantine periods, when it was a centre for Bishops. It had also been significant in the world of sea-faring commerce, and during the Roman era wasespecially famous for its exported sponges. It was attacked by Arabs, then added to the territory of the Anatolian Seljuks, and took the name Andifli. After the destruction of the Anatolian Seljuk state, the Ottomans added it to its lands. The name Kas means ‘eyebrow’, or ‘something curved’,describing the shape of the town under the backdrop of 500m high cliffs behind.
Climate
Summers are hot and dry in Kas, quite typical of Mediterranean region, and can reach around 35 degrees during the day. Winters are warm during the day although can get cool at night, and can drop below 10 degrees.
How to Get
By Road
Kas is accessible from Fethiye, or from Antalya. If coming from Ankara, it is much quicker to take the route through Elmali and Gombe, rather than the Antalya coastal route. There are services to Istanbul (12 hours), Antalya (4 hours), and Fethiye(2½ hours), and dolmuses make the shorter journeys to the beaches of Patara, Kalkan and Kapitas. The bus station is on the north side of town.
Bus Station Tel: (0242) 836 1020
By Air
Kas is 192 km from Antalya Airport and 160 km from Dalaman Airport.
Antalya Airport Tel: (0242) 330 30 30 - 330 36 00.
Dalaman Airport Tel: (0242) 792 5291
Where to Visit
Gömbe
An ideal place to escape the summer heat is Gombe, 60km north of Kas, in the cool plateau of the Akdag mountain range. The forest-covered route with pine and cedar trees almost conceal the village, famous for its cools springs and apple orchards.Akdag is the highest mountain in this range, reaching 3024m, and the villages of Yesilgol and Ucarsu are good for trekking. The herbs which grow in this area are used in local cooking and there are several restaurants in the main square. There is afamous festival of the local Tahtacis in June, and a farmers’ fair in late August.
Kalkan (Kalamaki)
A well-maintained and quiet harbour town, Kalkan is 25km west of Kas. It is an attractive town, once a fishing village occupied by the Ottoman Greeks. It has become increasingly popular since the 1980s, with a huge holiday village covering thesouthern hillside. The small town centre which overlooks the bay is filled with quaint, traditional white-washed houses, shuttered windows and balconies with brilliantly-coloured flowers. The marina caters for the requirements of visiting yachts, aswell as several restaurants and shops in the main centre.Yacht Marina Tel: (0242) 844 3204, fax: 836 1030.
Saklikent Gorge
Beyond Tlos, Saklikent is a spectacular gorge cut into the Akdaglar mountains. 18 km long, the sides are so deep and steep that no sun penetrates, so the water always remains icy cold. Access to the start of the gorge is along a wooden boardwalksuspended above the water, then after crossing the river, it is fairly straightforward to walk through the gorge for 6km. In the summer, there are tours arranged from Kas and Kalkan.Opening hours: Daily 08.00 - 17.00.
ANCIENT CITIES
Antiphellos
This is the original name of the ancient Lycian town, although there is little left of Antiphellos except a well-preserved ancient theatre and Lycian rock tombs. One of the most important of these ruins is the Monument Tomb, a Lychian inscribed tombmounted on a high base, dating back to 4th century BC, also called King’s Tomb. Another important item is the ancient theatre, dating back to 1st century BC which once had a capacity of 4000 people.
This well-preserved theatre is the only one in Anatolia to be overlooking the sea. It lies 500m west of the main square.Northeast of the theatre is a house-style tomb dating back to the 4th century BC. It has been constructed by cutting into the natural rock, lies 3.5m high with engravings of 24 girls dancing. Near Hastsane Caddesi, on the western coast of the town,there is a temple whose foundations date back to the Roman era.
OUTSIDE KAŞ
Patara (Ovagelemiş)
Once a principle harbour of ancient Lycia, Patara was the birthplace of Apollo, according to Greek legend. This village covering a wide area on the eastern part of the harbour is 41km from Kas and has one of the best beaches in the area, a white goldenstretch around 20km long. Patara gained importance during the Byzantine period, because it was the birthplace of St Nicholas, the 4th century bishop better known as his other identity, Santa Claus. St Paul, one of Christ’s disciples, boarded a shipfrom Patara to Rome. The ruins lie 1km from the beach, and include several Lycian tombs, a basilica, Corinthian temple and a theatre. Access is possible by dolmus from most adjacent towns, although not at night. The Lycian Roman monuments can be seen when entering Patara. From the Vespasianus Hamam, constructed between 69 – 79 AD, the adjacent footpath reaches the main, marble-covered street of Patara. At the end of the street are the wide walls of theByzantine Castle, and east of that is the Corynth Temple. Patara Theatre, built in the 2nd century BC, is at the foot of the hill and had a capacity for around 10,000 people. It was filled with wind-swept sand but after cleaning revealed its structure, and archaeological excavations are still continuing. The beach is one of the longest in Turkey, with a width of up to 1500m. Declared a Special Environmental Preservation Region by the Ministry of the Environment, it is a major breeding area for the caretta-caretta sea turtles, and during thereproductive season there are strictly applied restrictions to preserve their habitat.
Xanthos
Along the east coast of the Esen River, 45km from Kas, Xanthos was the capital and grandest city of the Lycian Union, but has had a chequered history. Surface findings from the city acropolis reveals that the settlement dates back to the 8th centuryBC. Initial research was performed by Englishman Charles Fellows in 1838, which probably explains why the Nereidler and Harpyler monuments, the Payave Tomb and Aslani Grave were taken to the British Museum in 1842. The city walls were repaired during the Roman and Byzantium periods, and strengthened with additions to the width. At the south end, a gate dates back to 2nd century BC, and behind this there is Victory Arch belonging to Emperor Vesoasianus. To thesouthwest, the original settlement of the city is the Lychian Acropolis, now badly ruined, with a Byzantine Church.
Felen Plateau (Phellos)
The region of hills over the Felen Plateau, 12km from Kas, was a highly important city during the 4th century BC. Antiphellos was the harbour of Phellos, and some of the surrounding city walls still remain. Also surrounding the city is a tomb,decorated with reliefs, 4th century tombs and rock-cut graves.
Belenli (Isinda)
Isinda, on the hills near Belendi village 13km from Kas, was a small Lycian city and surrounded by ramparts. In the middle of the city’s acropolis, two tombs with Lycian inscriptions are the main attractions. There are also many Lycian rock tombs fromthe Roman period.
Bezirgan (Pirha)
This important plateau village is 20 minutes walks from Pirha ruins, an ancient city 850m above the sea. There are many rock graves, all facing the sea, and the tombs are more irregularly positioned. The statues and reliefs that were uncovered hereare now in the Antalya Museum.
Sütleğen (Nisa)
80km from Kas, this is another important plateau village, with ruins 15 minutes walk away. Neiseus, the city’s Lycian name, is written on the theatre wall. In Nisa, there are ancient ruins from the Lycian and Roman periods, and on the front of some ofthe tombs there are images of spears, shields, women and men. Coins produced during this time are exhibited in Antalya Museum.
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
Diving
Kas has become an important diving centre which in turn is a significant part of the tourist industry for Turkish and foreign visitors. Diving clubs operate from the harbour, and compete with each other for accessing the oldest submerged ruins of theMediterranean. The area has arguably the best visibility and variety of sea life along the Turkish coast, and the relatively short distance to the dive sites means that half-day trips are very popular. Weekends during the summer can get very busy, asit offers some of the cheapest diving areas in the country. There are many impressive sea caverns around Kas which are accessible through diving. These include: Kekova Island, Asirli Island, Guvercin Inn, and Mavi Cavern, which is the most famous.
Canoeing
The Esen river, 45km from Kas, is a great place for canoeing, with several agencies in the area supplying equipment and organising tours. Beginning at the Kinik region, a 15km paddle ends at Parara beach. The river is calm so it is a relatively easyjourney, with attractive surroundings of trees and foliage. The trip also includes breaks for food, swimming and mud baths. For canoeing in the sea, the best place is the village of Ucagiz, accessible from Kas by road. The four-hour organised tripinvolves paddling past unique bays, and the historical sites of the Submerged City and Simena, with breaks for swimming and food.
Trekking
As Kas and the Lycian cities are close to each other, trekking is a popular way of exploring the region, with routes and maps available. Paths available for walking will go around the peninsula to Limanagzi, Gedife Hill, Phellos, Gokceoren, Mount Asaz,and the Gombe plateau. Kas is a good place to start the Lycian Way, Turkey’s first walking trail, which is a 30-day walk around the coast and mountains.
Sailing
Kas is one of the most important stops on the Blue Voyage, as well as a good starting point, and exploring the coast between Kas and Bodrum on motor schooner or yacht is popular with visitors. The boats for hire around the Kas Harbour are usually wellequipped with water, electricity, gas, shower and laundry service often provided.
Parachuting
Kas had proved to be one of the best places in Turkey for hillside parachuting, mainly due to the geography and climate. There are good, reputable companies operating from the town, with modern equipment and qualified supervisors.
Fishing
Kas has the cleanest and clearest waters in the Mediterranean with little or no pollution, so fishing has developed into quite a lucrative industry. The most common in this area arelobster, grey and red mullet, lobster, octopus and tuna. Recently,trout farms have been established around Gombe and Saklikent.
Beaches
Out towards the southeast of town are the beaches of Kucukcakil, Buyukcakil and Akcagerme, which are quite stony. One of the nicest in terms of its tranquil location is Limanagzi, accessible only by boat, and surrounded by a tiny cove with olivetrees. The tiny beach of Kaputas is 19km away, and lies at the bottom of 192 rocky steps from the road, giving it a unique setting when viewing it from a distance. It too is quite stony, and the current can be very strong, but an attractive andrelatively peaceful place for picnics and sunbathing.
What to Eat
Eating in Kas is quite typical of the Mediterranean. Fresh agricultural products are grown in the region every season, and the fish is especially common. Karakovan honey and pine honey, and molasses made from carob is readily available and found inthe Friday Market. In restaurants around town, there is a great selection of Turkish cuisine and seafood.
What to Buy
Hand-made small carpets and textiles are produced regionally, especially the unique barak carpets, and woven goat-hair products. Walnut trees are made into dowry chests, rolling pins and wooden spoons, and are characteristic of the area. There aremany shops along Uzun Carsi (Long Market) in the town centre, selling carpets, handicrafts, and designer clothing. The Friday Market, held in a large open field to the north of town, has a great selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, olivesand honey produced from the surrounding villages, as well as hand-woven fabrics.
Don't Leave Without
Visiting surrounding antic cities,
Seeing the submerged city of Ucagiz on a boat tour,
Trying adventure sports like hillsideparachuting and diving,
"Buying locally made barak kilims (small carpets)" ,
Tasting Karakovan Honey, carob molasses,
Shopping for fresh produce and fabrics at the Friday Bazaar.
Contact Information
Head Official's Office: (+90 242) 836 10 04
Municipality: (+90 242) 836 10 20
Tourism Information Office: (+90 242) 836 12 38
Police: (+90 242) 836 25 96
Gendarme: (+90 242) 836 10 07
Hospital: (+90 242) 836 1185
Harbor Directorate: (+90 242) 836 10 39
Coastal Guard: (+90 242) 836 24 55
MOSQUES AND TOMBS
Important mosques in the area are Yivli Minaret Complex, Kesik Minaret Camii, Bali Bey Camii, Muratpasa Camii, Iskele Camii, Karatay Medrese, and Ahi Yusuf Camii and Tomb.
Antalya Mosques and Churches
YİVLİ MINARET (Alaaddin Mosque, Center): It is in the city center of Antalya. It is the minaret of Alaaddin Mosque, which was converted into a mosque in 1230 by Seljuk Sultan, Alaaddin Keykubad.Catching one’s eyes at the first look, Yivli Minaret considered as a symbol of the city. As its structure is cut up into slices by bricks, and constructed with 8 pieces of semi - cylindrical shape, it is named as Yivli Minaret. Very thick body had gained an aesthetic structure due to these grooves. Turquoise and dark blue colored Allah and Mohammad words are written to every direction of the floor.
Kesik Minare Mosque (Korkut Mosque - Cami - i Kebir, Center): Seljuk Period piece of art, the mosque was previously constructed as Panagelia Church in the name of Virgin Mary by Byzantium during 5th A.D., and turned into a mosque by Şehzade Korkut during Bayezit II. It is also known as Korkut Mosque or Cami-i Kebir due to this reason. It is renamed as Kesik Minaret as the mosque was destructed after the a fire in 1851.
Kale Mosque (Sultan Süleyman Mosque, Alanya): It is at west side of the shipyard of Alanya. It was constructed by Seljuk Sultan, Alaaddin Keykubad I. As it was re-constructed by Sultan Süleyman between 1530 and 1566, it is also known as Sultan Süleyman Mosque.
Saint Nicholas Church (Kale - Demre): Myra (Demre) is known as the place where Saint Nicholas, known as Santa Claus (Father Christmas) in Christianity world, had performed his duty as a bishop. Moreover the church was constructed during 6th century as a memorial to Saint Nicholas after his death. Some remnants of Saint Nicholas tomb which has been stolen to Bari city by Italian sailors during the second half of our century are currently exhibited in the Antalya Museum. International Santa Claus (Father Christmas) Festival organized every year in Kale(Demre) and Kaş between December 6-8 turn into a symposium where foreigners have also participated in Antalya recently.
Aya Yorgi Church (Alanya): It is thought that the church within the Alanya Castle, was constructed by Byzantium during VIth century A. D.
Evdir Han The first stopping point on the road leading north from Antalya is the Evdir Han, lying 18km from the centre of Antalya, a rectangular structure made of cut stone and rubble. Its most interesting feature is the sharply pointed portal. Keykavus I had the han built between 1210-1219 AD.
Kirkgoz Han Kirkgoz, 30 km from Antalya, is extremely well preserved, and although built by one of the sultans departs from the traditional style of their usual hans. It is made from cut stone and rubble.
Caves
CAVERNS OF ANTALYA
Geyikbayırı Cavern
Location: Antalya
The cavern is at the Geyikbayırı village which is 26 km to Antalya. In order to reach Geyikbayırı village, Çakırlar Köyü which is to the west from Antalya could be used. To reach the cavern, a 5 minute trekking from the center of the village is enough.
Properties: The deepest point of the cave with a total length of 120 m is 6.5 meters in respect to the entrance. The cavern was found precious enough for cave tourism and the studies are still progressing. The cavern displays generally dry characteristics but it is sometimes in the kind of active cavern. It is completely dry in summer months. In precipitant seasons, as the floor water level rises, the floor of the cavern is flooded. The temperature inside the cavern is mostly cool according to the open air in summer. In Autumn, the temperature displays equivalence with the open air temperature.
Karain Cavern
Location: Antalya
The cave is found inside the borders of Yağca Village which is at 5 - 6 km. distance to the old Antalya - Burdur highway, 30 km northwest of Antalya.
Properties: The Karain cave which is one of the greatest natural caves of Turkey, is 150 m high from the travertine valley in front, ve430-450 m. high from the sea.
The cave stands in the period of the beginning of the history of the mankind, as the cavern was continuously accommodated by early humans during the prehistoric and classic periods starting from lower Paleolithic, medium and high Paleolithic, Neolithic, Calcolithic and Ancient Bronze stages. As a natural result of this, the cavern contains a thick cultural layer which can be 11 meters. But the longest and most important accommodation period of the cave is relevant with the Paleolithic period.
The usage at the classical period is more likely as an Offering Cave(Temple) and there are Greek inscriptions and niches at the cave exterior walls and ceiling. The archeological findings discovered from the archeological excavations done inside Karain Cave are displayed at the Antalya Museum and at the Karain Museum which is just near the cave.
Kocain Cave
Location: Antalya
The cave is on the 45 km. north of Antalya at Indag Mountain. It is possible to reach Kocain Cave by Karatas - Camiliköy - Ahirtas Village road which is branched from Burdur-Antalya highway at least 20 km away from Antalya city.
Properties: The cave contains the widest entrance and one section largest gallery of Turkey. There are 50-60 m. high pillars and a cistern from the Roman period inside the cavern. The cave was formed from two extremely large saloons and the entrance is 35x70 meters wide.
Konakaltı Cave
Location: Antalya
The cave is at the falezli coast of Atatürk Park in Antalya. To
Küçükdipsiz Cave
Location: Antalya
It is at the southern slope of Alakaya Hill (661m.), which is the continuance of Tünek Tepe (618m.) towards southwest.
Properties: The kind of the cave is dry and horizontal and the total length of the cave is 74 m, and the deepest point of the cave in respect to the entrance is 27.5 m. After a narrow entrance, the cave continues towards northwest with an approximate inclination of 25º. Towards the end of the cave, the frequency of travertine stalactites and stalagmites are increased. As the karstic floor waters stay at higher parts, the cave is always dry. The cave is chilly when compared with the open air. When the temperature of the open air is 20ºC, it is 17ºC at the end of the cave.
Papazyakası Cave
Location: Antalya
It is at the sideways of the stairs descending to the sea from the rear garden of the Antalya City Club.
Properties: The cave is at the middle of the travertine step descending towards the sea, at 20 m. height from the sea. The total length of the cave is 149 meters. There is no water or pond inside the cave. The development of the cave had been halted. The cave floor had become rough ground with climbs and downwards and sometimes becomes very narrow because of the rock blocks falling from the ceiling of the cave. The number of the stalactite and stalagmites are at very low numbers. There is no air current.
The Papazkayası cave is totally formed among a crack in the direction of north - south. Antalya travertine, are related completely with Cuaterner, possibly Pleistocene periods with their average thickness of 250-300 m. The cave is located below the shore cliff of 40 m. height.
Yerköprü Cavern
Location: Antalya
Properties: The cave, with the total length of 110 m. has the deepest point at 27 meters in respect to the cave entrance. The development of the cave had been halted. Because of the connection with the sea, the cave could be called as "marine cave" The cave is dry. The floor of the saloon having the connection with the sea is partially covered with sea water. The temperature of the cave is relationally chilly when compared with the open air.
The Yerköprü Cave is formed by the collapsing of a cave with initial minimum length of 150 meters among the east - west direction totally inside Antalya travertine.
It is planned to be utilized as cafeteria, casino or restaurant because of its size.
Altınbeşik Cave
Location: Antalya, Akseki
The cave is located at the western slope of the deep and very steep Manavgat Valley which is to the east of Ürdünlü village of Akseki District. It takes about one hour of walking to the cave from the village.
Properties: The cave, with the total length of 2500 m. has the highest point at +101 meters in respect to the cave entrance. It is a horizontal and partially active cavern. As the lower and medium parts of the cavern are sometimes active, small lakes are formed at the dry seasons most of the time. The upper level is always dry. The air of the cave is very humid and the average temperature is around 16-18ºC. No animal groups drawing attention are encountered.
Altınbeşik Cave is one of the most beautiful caves of Turkey. The karstic topography of the environment and the pine forests exhibit a marvellous spectacle. The cave is at the exit end of a very long and big underground system. This big system pulling Kızılova, Kambos and Söbücesuyu ends at the Altınbeşik - Düdensuyu Cave under the Oruç Sinkhole Cave. Therefore, this underground water system with a length exceeding 100 km is one of the longest and biggest karst systems of the world.
Big rock blocks are interesting at the high levels of the cave which loose the activity totally. Among these there are stalactite and stalagmites. The first 200 meters via the cave entrance forms the lower level and is permanently under water. Through the end of the lower level, there is a steep climb of 40 m. This climb and adjasent walls are covered with thick travertine of white color. This forms the most beautiful location of the cave. .
Gürleyik Cave
Location: Antalya, Akseki District
The cave is located near the Eynir Polje, which is approximately at a distance of 12-13 km. to Aydınkent (İbradi) in northwest. It is approximately at 500 - 600 m distance to the road, at the right side after trespassing Başlar village. But reaching the cave is very hard because of the big limestone blocks on the path.
Properties: After entering the cave, in the first course, a descend from a mouth at 25 m width by stairs is necessary. Especially in spring, it is hard and dangerous to proceed forward with boat because of the high amount of water inside and because of the presence of the sharp and pointed limestone tips at the cave surface. In August, the water level falls and small lakes are formed.
Kocadüden Cave
Location: Antalya, Akseki District
The cave is located at the southwest edge of the Akseki Polje. The track separated from the Akseki-Bucakkışla road at 4th kilometer passes very near to the cave.
Properties: Although the cave has horizontal localities, it mostly develops vertically and decreases down to 155 meters like stairs.
Koca Düden, which drains the surface waters of Akseki Polje river basin is developed on an important fault line formed by the Upper Creates Limestone. Koca Düden holds numerous lakes within and ends with a closed siphon.
Oruç Düdeni Cave
Location: Antalya, Akseki District
The cave is on the path of the incoming underwater flows to Altınbeşik - Düdensuyu Cave.
Properties The total length is 52 meters. It is about the collapse because of the operation caused by the underwater creek passing through the lower levels of the cave.
Dim (Gavurini) Cave
Location: Antalya, Alanya District
The cave is located at the locality of Kuzkaya village. It is at the west slope of the Cebireis mountain (1691 m.) at the east of Alanya. Reaching the cave by walking is possible either via the Dim creek valley or via the Yaylalı village at the south. To reach the cave from Yaylalı village, a walk of 50 minutes following the watering channels at the skirts of the Cebireis mountain is required.
Properties The total length of the cave is 357 meters and the cave is horizontal and dry. There is only a quiet small lake towards the end of the cave.
Dim cave is one of the most beautiful caves of Turkey. It is suitable for a visit as is at the vicinity of Alanya and as the environment is covered with forests and picnic sites. Because the cave was used as a shelter by prehistoric and historic periods, the cave was called as "Gavurini Cave" by the local people.
Beldibi Cave
Location: Antalya
The cave is an under - rock shelter located at the 40th kilometer of the coastal highway between Antalya - Kemer, just after the Çamdağ tunnel. It is at the locality of Oba village.
Properties: The cave is at 25 m. height from the coast and is in the shape of a shelter. As the cave is damaged extensively by natural destruction, the filling layers are flown away by rain waters and winds.
6 layers containing totally Mesolotic cultures were determined. The cultures found inside this cave display similarities with the alizarin, solitarian and tardenovasior cultures of Europe. At the excavations, Flintstones tools belonging to Upper Paleolithic and Mesolotic periods were obtained. Also, at the walls of this under - rock shelter, human, mountain goat and deer drawing sketches are present. The cave is an archeological side which is continuously open to local and foreign tourists.
Büyük Dipsiz Cave
Location: Antalya
The cave is located at the south slope of Alakaya Hill (661 m.) which is at the west of Antalya port 3 km. southwest of Tünek Hill.
Properties: The cave, with the total length of 40 m. has the deepest point at 29 meters in respect to the cave entrance. As the karstic floor water is present at the above layers, the cave is dry. The cave is more chilly than open air. The temperature outside is 20ºC at the beginning of November though the temperature inside the cave is 17ºC.
The cave is formed between the Creates aged residual limestone and by the conglomerate limestone formations of the same age just below this layer. After a narrow entrance, with an average slope of 25º the cave proceeds towards north.
Damlataş Cave
Location: Antalya, Alanya District
The cave is located inside the borders of Alanya and is at the coast. It is 3 km away from the city center.
Properties: The total length of the cave is 30 m. and is dry ve horizontal. It covers an area of total 200 m. The cave is 15 meters high and has a marvelous vision formed by numerous stalactite and stalagmites. With the carbon dioxide gas, high humidity, low temperature and radioactive atmosphere, the cave is extremely beneficial for asthmatic patients. Therefore the asthmatic patients form the most dense visitor groups. The formation period of the stalactite and stalagmites inside the cave are estimated to be between BC 20.000-15.000 years.
Derya Cave
Location: Antalya
The cave is located inside the Atatürk Park which is between the Konyaaltı Street and coast.
Properties: The total length of the cave is 124 m. and the deepest point in respect to the entrance is at 35.65 meters. The cave is vertical. As the south section of the cave is inside the sea, it could be named as "marine cave". The cave is dry and its development had been halted. The sections which are at the sea are covered with the partially salted sea water.
There are a small amount of stalagmite and wall travertine developed at the grand hall though towards south the amount of stalagmite ve stalactite increases. In this section, sweet water springs gush out of cracks and mix to sea water. There is a second exit to the 40 m west of the main entrance. With the width of 0,5 meters ve1 meters length, the entrance is seen as a widened crack.
Air is relatively chilly in respect to open air in summer.
Çimeniçi Cave
Location: Antalya, Alanya District
Çimenini cave is located at the vicinity of Şıhlar (old name Şeyhler) village, at the southern skirts of Cebireas mountain , to the east of Alanya. Reaching to the Şıhlar village is by the 15 km stabilized road branched from Konya- Gazipaşa highway in Demirtaş sub district and from this village the cave is at a short walking distance. There are historic remains and traces of Romans around the vicinity of the cave.
Properties: The Total length of the cave is 10 meters and except for a steep climb it is totally horizontal. Because the thickness of the limestone in which the cave has developed is in a limited and con