The Meeting Point of Civilizations: Antakya

Antakya is an ancient city where the paths of civilizations, cultures and religions intersect with its thousands of years of history. St. Paul, one of the important centers of the first Christians and one of the first churches of Christianity. It is rumored that the name of Christianity was used here for the first time in Antakya, where St. Peter's Church is also located. It wouldn't be wrong to call Antakya an open-air museum with its narrow streets, historical texture and white stone houses.

With its history, cosmopolitan culture and rich cuisine nourished by this culture, you will never regret coming to Antakya; Hatay Antakya hotels offer many options from five-star luxury hotels to historic houses and converted boutique hotels. Hatay Antakya hotel prices; They differ according to the comfort and service they offer. From our site, the most suitable for you Hatay. You can choose the Antakya hotel.

Where to Go, What to Do in Antakya , What to Eat?

The first Olympic games in the world were held in Antakya during the Roman Empire. As an interesting feature, it is said that the first street lamps were used on Herod Street, as it was called today, and Kurtuluş Caddesi. Of course, both of Antakya in Turkey and one of the world's oldest settlements is clear that an important center for many civilizations. Such that; a mosque can share the same wall with a church. Arabic, Armenian and Turkish are spoken in their villages. Holidays are celebrated together, festive meals are served at crowded tables. Antakya is almost a giant mosaic.

Of course, it is the question mark in many people's minds. Let's eliminate. Antakya is the central district of Hatay. In the researches conducted in the region, traces dating back to a hundred thousand years ago were found. Its name has also been mentioned in history along with Alexandria and Rome.

Mountains of Amos and Habib- Spreading on both sides of the Asi River between the Neccar Mountain, Antakya was founded in 300 BC by Seleucus I Nikator, one of the commanders of Alexander the Great. He joined the Roman Empire in 64 BC. Meanwhile, the emerging Christianity spread in Antakya for the first time after Jerusalem, and those who believed in Jesus were named Christians here for the first time. In 638, Antakya, which was conquered by Abu Ubeyde Bin Cerrah, witnessed the fierce struggle of the Crusader and Islamic armies. Eventually, it came under Ottoman rule in 1516, during the Egyptian campaign of Yavuz Sultan Selim.

Of course, there are too many places to visit in Antakya, whose history has been enriched with many stories. Perhaps your first stop on your Antakya trip is the St. Petersburg church, which we mentioned above, known as the world's first Catholic church. Pierre Church. It is a cave church carved into the rocks on the slope of Habib-i Neccar Mountain, 2 km from the city center. Pierre was also declared a place of pilgrimage by Pope Paul VI in 1963.

St. After leaving Pierre, if you follow the signs for the Hell Boatman, you will be greeted by the Haron figure carved into the rocks. This giant relief, which can be reached with a 700-meter climb, was made to fight off a plague epidemic in the time of Antiochus.

Titus Tunnel, which was built in the Roman period and thought to have been built for protection from floods, and Besikli Cave right next to it are the points that should be visited in Antakya.

Turkey's No. Antakya Archaeological Museum, one of the museum is also hosting the largest mosaic collection in the country. Don't miss the Suppiluliuma Statue and the Antakya Tomb.

One of its buildings is the Habib-i Neccar Mosque, which is considered the first mosque in Anatolia. Hz. Habib-i Neccar, who named the mosque built in 636 by Ebu Ubeyde bin Cerrah, one of the commanders of Umar, is a martyr whose story is described in Surah Yasin in the Quran. The Ulu Mosque in the center is from the Mamluks. Also, be careful not to get lost in the streets of Antakya's labyrinthine historical city.

In Samandağ, about 1 hour away from Antakya, Hz. There is the Khidr Tomb. This place is Hz. Moses and Hz. It is known as the place where Khidr meets. Samandagi also connected Vakıflı Village, the last remaining Armenian village in Turkey. Hıdırbey Village, which is also connected to Samandağ, is also known as Hz. Known for the Musa Tree.

Of course, when you came to Antakya, you can taste the famous künefe. not to look. Let us remind you that doner, until the künefe, is one of the famous flavors of Antakya. After künefe and döner, you can end your feast with an Affan Coffee. Then you can take a peace break at Harbiye Waterfall, also known as Defne's tears.