TURKISH RIVIERA

In Antalya, the pine-ciad Toros (Taurus) Mountains sweep down to the sparkling clear sea resulting coastline of rocky headlands and secluded coves.

The region, balbed in sunshine for 300 days Of Ihe year is a paradise for sunbathing, swimming, and sports activities lite windsurfing, waterskiing. sailing, mountain climbing and spelunking If you come to Antalya in March or April, you can ski in the mornings and in the afternoons swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Awarting your discovery are important historical sites set in a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado and banana plantations.
The Turkish Riviera is the tourism capital 01 Turkey. Its full range of accommodation, from tourist class to deluxe hotels, and the hospitable people of Antalya will make your holiday comfortable and enjoyable.

Antalya has been continuously inhabited since its founding in 159 BC by Attalos II a king of Pergamum, who named the city Attaleia after himself The Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks successively occupied the city before it came under Ottoman rule. The elegant, fluted minaret of the YMI Minare Mosque in the center of the city, built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century, has become Antalya's symbol. The Karatay Medrese (theological college) in the Kaleiçi district, from the same period, exemplifies the best of Seljuk stone carving. The two most important Ottoman mosques in the city are the 16th century Murat Paşa Mosque, remarkable for its tile decoration, and the 18th century Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Mosque.

The Antalya Altin Portakal (Golden Orange) Film and Art Festival, held in the autumn attracts many participants and visitors The ancient theater in Aspendos makes an impressive setting for Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival. Antalya also hosts annual jewellery fairs.