Antalya Facts & Worksheets

A city blessed with historical significance and breathtaking natural beauty, Antalya is Antalya Province’s capital and Turkey’s fifth-most populous city. Regarded as Turkey’s “tourism capital,” Antalya, located on Anatolia’s southwest coast and bounded by the Taurus Mountains, is the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast outside of the Aegean region, with a population of over 2.6 million.

See the fact file below for more information about Antalya, or you can download our 25-page Antalya worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

DESCRIPTION

• Antalya, a city in Turkey on the Mediterranean coast, is a fascinating melting pot of old-world charm, modern culture, and stunning landscapes. Featuring ancient relics from the Lycians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines, the city is home to Hadrian’s Gate, built during the Roman Empire, and the Aspendos Theatre, which has been kept in good condition. Kaleiçi, the city’s Old Town, is a maze of winding cobblestone alleys decorated with Ottoman-era mansions that provide insight into the city’s illustrious history. 
• The golden sands and turquoise waters of Antalya’s beautiful beaches, including Konyaaltı and Lara, entice sunbathers. 
• Luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses, and a vibrant Mediterranean speciality restaurant make this city a tourist hotspot. Antalya invites visitors to discover its historical treasures, indulge in its delectable cuisine, and marvel at the breathtaking coastal scenery with its mix of old charm and modern conveniences.

HISTORY

• Each of the many ancient civilizations that have left their imprint on this coastal jewel is represented in Antalya’s rich history. The city was established in the 2nd century BCE by King Attalos II of Pergamon and was initially called Attaleia. Sites like Hadrian’s Gate, built to commemorate Emperor Hadrian’s 130 CE visit, attest to the city’s thriving status as a major port city during Roman dominion.
• The Seljuk Turks later turned the city into a thriving cultural and commercial hub after claiming their stakes from the Byzantines. During this time, the Seljuks had a significant impact, as seen by the famous Yivli Minaret and the Kesik Minaret Mosque.
• During the Ottoman era, Antalya’s architectural achievements, such as the Hıdırlık Tower and the Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Mosque, enriched the city’s historical narrative. The town changed dramatically at the turn of the twentieth century, becoming an essential hub for Turkey’s tourist industry.

GOVERNMENT

• The city of Antalya is part of the Turkish Republic and operates according to the rules set down by the Turkish government. With a division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial departments, Turkey’s political system is defined by its status as a unitary parliamentary republic.
• Municipal councils and elected mayors oversee day-to-day operations at the local level of Antalya’s administrative structure. The mayor manages the city government’s and its departments’ daily operations.
• Antalya is a part of Turkey’s more extensive administrative system at the province level. The Turkish central government appoints governors to head the various provinces. Coordinating governmental operations at the provincial level is the governor’s responsibility, who also serves as an ambassador for the federal government in the area.
• Members of parliament (MPs) elected from Antalya represent the city in Turkey’s Grand National Assembly and are thus also a part of the national government.

CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

• Traditions passed down through the generations in Antalya are strongly influenced by the city’s different and varied cultural background and long history.

Traditional Dances

• The Halay is a vibrant and community dance commonly performed during gatherings and festivities. The dancers create an upbeat and enthusiastic ambience by forming a circle, holding hands, and swaying to the pace of the music.
• The male solo dance known as the Zeybek represents courage and power; it has roots in the Aegean but has found a home in Antalya. Skill and cultural pride are on display as dancers execute complex footwork.

Local Festivals

• Traditional celebrations of the harvest season are known as harvest festivals. In these celebrations, people come together to enjoy communal meals while singing and dancing to show their appreciation for the land’s bounty.
• Weddings in Antalya are typically very traditional ceremonies that include a lot of music, dance, and traditions. The “Henna Night” is a meaningful pre-wedding ceremony that brings ladies together to decorate the bride’s hands with henna.

Folk Music

• The bağlama, a classic stringed instrument from Turkey, frequently appears in the folk music of Antalya. Songs unite people via shared experiences of love, the natural world, and past events, strengthening ties to cultural heritage.
• The Turkü and Bozlak regions reflect the culture’s history and people’s feelings via song. Festivals, weddings, and other social events frequently feature their performance.

Cuisine

• Antalya cuisine reflects the region’s abundant agricultural resources, coastal location, and cultural influences.
• Piyaz is a classic Turkish salad with white beans, tomatoes, onions, and hard-boiled eggs. It’s dressed with vinegar, olive oil, and various herbs. It goes well with grilled meats or kebabs and is a tasty and refreshing side dish.
• Antalya is known for its succulent kebabs, such as the tandır kebab made with slow-cooked lamb or beef and the şiş kebab made with grilled, marinated meat skewers. Flatbread and yoghurt are common accompaniments.
• Hünkar beğendi, a traditional Ottoman meal, is made with slow-cooked beef or lamb and served with a smooth eggplant puree—translation: “sultan’s delight,” a nod to its regal roots.

Ceremonial Practices

• Ceremonies surrounding the rite of passage for young boys are marked by joyous gatherings, traditional music, and customs; these celebrations are known as circumcisions.
• The Islamic festival known as the Feast of Sacrifice (Kurban Bayramı) is characterized by group prayers, community meals, and the ceremonial killing of animals. Everyone in the family gathers together to celebrate the special day.

LANDMARKS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

• Many ancient sites attest to Antalya’s long and illustrious past, which dates back millennia. Antalya is home to the following famous sites:
• One of Antalya’s most recognizable landmarks is Hadrian’s Gate, a magnificent triumphal arch built in the 2nd century CE to commemorate the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is the gateway to Kaleiçi, the ancient part of the city.
• The Aspendos Theatre is famous for its superb acoustics and is an astonishingly well-preserved ancient Roman theater. It has been hosting the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival since its construction in the second century CE.
• Yivli Minaret: This Seljuk-era monument in Kaleiçi dates back to the 13th century. It stands out on the Antalya skyline with its unique fluted style and elaborate brickwork.
• Located on a hilltop with a port view, the Hıdırlık Tower has been a historic site since Roman times. From there, you can see the whole city and the Mediterranean Sea.
• The Kesik Minaret Mosque originated as a Roman temple in the second century and served as a Byzantine church and, finally, a mosque during the Seljuk era. Known as “Broken Minaret” and “Kesik Minaret,” its moniker reflects its varied past.
• Perge is an ancient city dating back to at least the Bronze Age. It was an important city in ancient Pamphylia and later became part of the Roman Empire. The site includes well-preserved ruins such as the Roman theater, stadium, and Hellenistic gate.
• Aspendos is renowned for its ancient theater, one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. It was built in the 2nd century CE and has a seating capacity for around 15,000 spectators. The site also includes an aqueduct, basilica, and agora.
• Termessos is an ancient Pisidian city located on a rugged mountain slope. It is known for its well-preserved remains, including the city walls, gymnasium, theater, and the Heroon (monumental tomb).
• Olympos is an ancient Lycian city in a picturesque setting near the coast. The site includes Roman and Byzantine ruins, such as a theater, necropolis, and a Roman temple.

Antalya Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Antalya across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Antalya. Regarded as Turkey’s “tourism capital,” Antalya, located on Anatolia’s southwest coast and bounded by the Taurus Mountains, is the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast outside of the Aegean region.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Antalya Facts
2. Attaleia
3. Match It
4. Fact Check
5. Discovering the City
6. Compare and Contrast
7. Time Travel
8. Acrostic Poem
9. Finish it
10. Antalya Tale
11. Cultural Collage

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Antalya located?

Antalya is a city situated on the southwestern coast of Turkey, along the Mediterranean Sea.

What is Antalya known for?

Antalya is renowned for its stunning beaches, historical sites, and vibrant culture. The city is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its ancient ruins, such as the Roman Hadrian’s Gate and the Hellenistic-era Antalya Museum.

What is the climate like in Antalya?

Antalya has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city enjoys sunshine throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a warm and pleasant climate.

Are there any famous beaches in Antalya?

Yes, Antalya boasts several famous beaches, including Konyaaltı Beach and Lara Beach. These beaches are known for their crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and the backdrop of the Taurus Mountains, providing a picturesque setting for visitors.

What outdoor activities can one enjoy in Antalya?

Antalya offers a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the surrounding mountains, go hiking in the nearby national parks, or engage in water sports along the coast. Additionally, boat trips, jeep safaris, and hot air balloon rides are popular activities for those seeking adventure.

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