Antakya Guide

Located in the Mediterranean Region, Antakya is the central district of Hatay, the southernmost province of Turkey. Reflecting its history with the same vividness even today, Antakya has been selected as a city of peace by UNESCO. In Antakya, which impresses with its nature as well as its historical and cultural features, you can see the beauties of the Asi River, which originates from the Lebanese Mountains and flows into the sea in Turkish territory.    

The first settlement in Antakya, which has a history of approximately 2300 years, dates back to 8000 BC. The city, which was dominated by civilizations such as Egypt, Hittite, Persia and Macedonia, was founded in 300 BC by Seleucus, one of the commanders who shared his empire after the death of Alexander. The city was named Antiocheia after Antiochus, the name of Seleucus' father.   

The city, which came under the rule of the Roman Empire in 60 BC, lived its most beautiful ages. Antakya became the 4th largest city in the world during the Roman period. Since it is on the road route connecting Mesopotamia to the Eastern Mediterranean, the importance of Hatay in historical times is clear.

Antakya was captured by the Seljuk sultan Alparslan in 1084 when the gates of Anatolia were opened to the Turks after the 1071 Malazgirt Victory. The city, which was besieged by the Crusaders from time to time, was finally passed to the Ottomans during the reign of Yavuz Selim with the Battle of Mercidabık in 1516. After the War of Independence, Antakya remained under French rule for a while and in 1937 the Independent State of Hatay was established. In 1939, Hatay was annexed to the Republic of Turkey.   

Antakya's weather is windy and the sea is wavy. The wind of the city and the waves of the sea can be a good opportunity for those who are interested in surfing.   

Antakya is also in an important position for historical and cultural tourism with the ruins brought by hosting many civilizations throughout history. It is a city frequented by tourists all year round due to both cultural, business and congress tourism.