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Antalya
Antalya in Turkey is known to balance the old and the new. Its stone walls have ancient stories to tell along with the wooden balconies of the Ottoman homes on its narrow streets as one wanders all the way unto the harbour. The sunny climate is tempered by the cool seawinds that blow toward land in the region.
Turkey’s largest film festival, the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, takes place here, as well as the Mediterranean International Music Festival, the Antalya Honey Festival Gündogmus, the Antalya International Folk Music and Dance Festival Competition, the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival and the Antalya Piano Festival
The cultural heritage in the city is evident from the time you walk out into the street. Kaleiçi, harbor enclosed by the charming city walls house the oldest part of the city. Here, the Yivli Minare, Kesik Minare and historic houses are to be found with evidence of striking Turkish architecture.
Ancient cities in the region are famous for the visitor to explore, such as Aspendos, Perga and Termessos which are closest to the city centre. Its beaches such as Konyaaltı, Lara and Karpuzkaldıran are also known throughout the country, alongside its reputation for famed waterfalls of Düden, Manavgat and Kurşunlu.
The region of Antalya is known for its wonderful crop of produce making it a famed agricultural center of the country, mainly citrus, olives, bananas, sesame, eggplant, tomatoes, among others. In fact, the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality’s covered wholesale food market complex alone is sufficient to meet around 60% of the fruit and vegetable needs of the country.
These fresh produce in the region define the local cuisine. It is no wonder then that guests seeking a traditional meal will be greeted with filled yufka bread (thin bread baked on a metal pan) rolled up, soups, with vegetables and fruits. Over a cold apple tea, guests are invited to sample the famous piyaz made with tahini (crushed sesame seeds), şiş köfte, tandır kebap, domates civesi, şakşuka and various cold Mediterranean dishes with olive oil. One local speciality is tirmis, boiled seeds of the lupin, eaten as a snack.
