Antalya

Antalya has a history that stretches back to the 2nd century BC, when it was founded by Attalus II, a king of Pergamon, from whom the city gets its name. Over the centuries, it fell under the control of the Romans, Byzantines, and the Seljuk Turks, each leaving an indelible mark on the city's architecture and culture. Walking through the streets today, one can see ancient Roman walls standing alongside Ottoman-era houses. The city gained significant strategic importance during the Roman period, notably under Hadrian, who visited in the 2nd century AD. Later, the Seljuks fortified the city, and the remnants of these defensive walls and iconic structures like the Yivliminare Mosque still dominate the skyline. Today, Antalya is not just a resort town but a living museum that seamlessly integrates its rich archaeological heritage into the fabric of modern life.