Antalya Kaleiçi (inner part of the fortress) has been inhabited continuously by different cultures from the 4th century BC. It is one of the rare examples that could bring most of its cultural texture to the present day despite the earthquakes, fires, sieges as well as repairs, renovations, demolitions, estrepement, human and nature-related factors.



With its spectacular Beydağları mountain view, location on the shores of the harbor, the monuments at almost every point of the settlement witnessing the rich cultural past, the sea surrounded by the traditional houses with oriel windows, gardens with orange trees at the end of jasmine-scented streets and the bougainvillea recreation areas it offers an impressive atmosphere.

The port, the main factor for establishing the city at this point, gained military and commercial importance and it was among the most vibrant ports of the Eastern Mediterranean during the Roman Period. Especially, it became an important foreign trade port where sea connection with Egypt and Syria was established during the Byzantine and Seljuk periods.



At the beginning of the 16th century, the port lost its former importance after the Eastern Mediterranean dominance of Ottoman’s with the conquest of Egypt. In the 1970s it was transformed into a shelter area of fishing boats and in 1980s with developing tourism shelter for yachts and became known as Yacht Harbor.

Antalya city with its core Kaleiçi, dates back to the 2nd century BC, Bergama King Attalos II is the founder and the city is named after him.   The city has been expressed in various epigraphic and philological ways as well as the sources of travelers who have visited the city for 2000 years.

The city, called Attaleia together with its founder, has been named as Attalia, Sathalia, Sattalia, Setelia, Adalia, Antalia, Andaliyye according to the epigraphic and philological sources depending on different times and cultures. It was named Adalia in Turkish domination and the name Antalie and Antaliya similar to present name was first mentioned in the book of Arab geographer and historian Ibn Havkal named “ The Face of the Earth” in 10th century.



Although the human presence in the region dates back to 500 thousand years (!) in Karain Cave located 30 km north of Antalya, the known settlement in Kaleiçi is only for 2,500 years.

The fortress walls of Kaleiçi remained important until the end of the 19th century, due to need for strong defense system of a settlement.

In addition to the mentioned buildings, there are many commercial and private spaces that reflect the city’s recent history from the 19th century. The inns near the Castle Gate, Turkish baths all over the city, shops with stone facades are the most remarkable buildings and traditional residences of the city.

Authored by: Prof.Dr.Burhan VARKIVANÇ