Area: 5.403 km² , Population: 1.253.726
GENERAL INFORMATION
The appealing property and the reason of the migrations throughout the history to the Antakya region, are the result of suitable and appropriate climate conditions, productive and fertile lands. Beside these two facts another important characteristic of the region is its being at the intersection point of the road which connects Anatolia to Syria and Palestine over Çukurova. In addition, the most convenient ports for suitable routes to Mediterranean from Mesopotamia are also located in this region. With its current faith tourism centers, ancient cities and beautiful plateaus, the province of Hatay has a high potential for tourism.
HOW TO GET
Reaching to Hatay province from Istanbul and Ankara is possible via E-5 highway. Other possible means of transportation are the railway and the sea. The railway station and the port are located inside İskenderun District.
DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT
- Visiting Archeology Museum, St. Pierre Church, Habib-i Neccar Mosque, Antakya Castle, Çevlik Promenade area, Titus Tunnel, St. Simen Monastery, Old Antakya houses , Harbiye Promenade area, Külliye of Sokullu Mehmet Paşa , Arsuz shore line, Bakras Castle and Koz Castle,
- Tasting İçli Köfte, Aşur, Ekşi Aşı (sour meal), Humus, Cevizli Biber (pepper with walnut), Kaytaz Pastry, Katıklı Bread, Künefe, Taş Kadayıf, Kabak Tatlısı (Marrow desert) and Kereviç,
- Buying Daphne soap, Silk woven, Pepper paste, Nar Ekşisi (pomegranate sour)
HARBIYE (DAPHNE)
The ancient city is located 7 km away from Antakya city center and is a beautiful promenade place. This ancient city is the famous city of Daphne of the ancient ages. According to the legend, Apollo, son of Zeus and god of light sees a young and beautiful lady named Daphne and falls in love with her. The god wants to speak and tell her his love. But the afraid young Daphne starts to run away from the god. After a short chase, Daphne understands that she could not escape from the god. She prays "O mother earth, cover me, hide me, protect me". Then Daphne was transformed into a tree under the astonished looks of Apollo. After this event the victories of poetry and warfare starts to be awarded by the branch of the Daphne tree.
Another rumor is that the waterfalls of Harbiye was formed from the tears of Daphne. The city of Daphne was famous with its waterfalls in Selevkos periods and was a worldwide famous promenade place. There were numerous mansions, temples and entertainment facilities. The arranged Olympic games at the stadium of the city was legendary. However severe earthquakes had destroyed this beautiful ancient city and there have been no visual structures or artworks left.
Harbiye is now a famous and beautiful promenade place located at a plateau and also is an important district with the discovered and uncovered statues and touristic souvenirs. The natural silk clothing produced in the district with workbenches are highly demanded both in the country and abroad.
DEMIRKAPI
This rampart was constructed as a high and strong wall as the continuance of the ramparts over the deep and narrow valley separating Habib Neccar Mountain and Haç Mountain in order to control the impetuous floods coming from Hacıkürüş creek. This rampart was also used as an entrance gate to the city and is still standing.
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