Of all the Turkish resorts, this one is the most widespread. Moreover, the Turks themselves practically do not know how to rest. But they know how to make your stay here comfortable, convenient and memorable for a long time. The history of Antalya also begins with guests (from Greece), who became the founders of the now famous settlement.
Greek roots of a Turkish city
Historians claim that thanks to the inhabitants of Ancient Greece, who were in a hurry to conquer the world, a new settlement appeared on the map. The founder is called Pergamum Attalus II, the Greek king. He not only ordered the founding of the city, but also gave him his name - the original name - Attalia. It happened in 159 BC.
The settlement was not Greek for long, the antique period is characterized by frequent changes of power. So, Emperor Hadrian, together with his army, conquered the city, made it his winter residence. Later, the Roman Empire was replaced by the equally famous Byzantine Empire.
Weakening the city
By the 8th century AD, the region began to decline, aided by many factors. The most important reasons that led to the economic and cultural decline in the history of Antalya can be summarized:
- a terrible earthquake that caused serious destruction;
- the constant raids of the Arabs, which lasted throughout the 7th – 8th centuries;
- attacks by sea pirates, weakening the position of local shipping.
In addition, Islam began to spread in the 11th century, brought by the Seljuks, gradually ousting the Christian religion. The confrontation between the Seljuks and Byzantium continued for quite some time. At first, it was possible to contact the enclave of the empire only by sea. In 1119, Emperor John II established a land route to Antalya.
In the 13th century, the Seljuks still defeated the Byzantines and subjugated the city for many years. In 1423 they were replaced by the Ottoman Empire, Antalya finally became a Muslim city. By the beginning of the twentieth century, there are ten times less worshipers of the Christian religion in the city than followers of Islam.
During the twentieth century, Antalya experienced the same events as the entire region, one way or another taking part in military or peaceful events of a global scale. In the second half of the century, the active development of the resort area in the vicinity of the city begins, and therefore there is growth in all spheres of the economy and culture.
