Karain Cave, 30 km north-west of Antalya, is one of Turkey's oldest known settlement sites. Remains of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens have been found there; evidence of fire-making, bone-tool manufacture and hunting has been documented in the cave's layers.
Founded in the 2nd century BC by Attalos II, King of Pergamon, Attalia quickly became an important trading hub on the Mediterranean thanks to its natural harbour. During the Roman period the city's walls were extended; Hadrian's Gate (AD 130), which still stands today, is the most magnificent structure of that era.
The ancient harbour, now restored and used as a marina, still has most of its archaeological layers yet to be uncovered.
"Attalia is one of the places where nature has given architecture its finest gift." — Strabo, Geographika
An important episcopal centre during the Byzantine period, the city passed into the hands of the Anatolian Seljuks in the 12th century. The Yivli Minaret Mosque (1230) is the most mature example of Seljuk architectural understanding in Antalya.
The Kesik Minare (Broken Minaret) — originally a Roman temple, then a Byzantine church, then a mosque — is the embodiment of Antalya's multi-layered history in a single structure.
Entering Ottoman rule in 1423, Antalya continued to flourish thanks to its position on trade routes. The historic bazaar fabric, caravanserais and bathhouses date from this period.
The Kaleiçi neighbourhood, enclosed within the Roman walls, contains Antalya's most authentic urban fabric. This area, where narrow streets, timber-bay houses and ancient remains are intertwined, is at the same time a living neighbourhood.
Listed Structures
642
In Kaleiçi district
Conservation Area
38 ha
Grade one
Restoration
34%
Completed share
Excessive tourism is causing a level of use far beyond the carrying capacity of the historic fabric. The complete conversion of Kaleiçi's residential function to hotels and restaurants is eliminating authentic community life.
28% of listed structures contain serious structural problems. Slow-moving bureaucratic processes are delaying urgent intervention.
An integrated conservation approach must encompass community participation, economic sustainability and a legal framework, as much as physical interventions.