Antalya Turkey (September 2023)

After we left, we had to drive across the Taurus Mountains to go to Antalya with the climate changing from the dry semi-arid Steppe climate to the Mediterranean climate. But, our bus had an issue and we had to wait until the issue was resolved. We saw the sunset before we arrived in Antalya, reportedly the largest tourist destination in Turkey.

Antalya was part of the Pamplylia region that appears in the Bible. 

"After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed." (Acts 14:23-26)

Here, you see the region of Pamphylia and, the names of places including Pisidia, Perga, and Attalia. Attalia was the modern-day Antalya, the Perga is now Aksu as discussed later in this post. It was so amazing to rediscover what I saw in the bible in reality. 

The following day, we realized that our hotel was right at the shore of the Mediterranean Sea with a breath-taking view. It was so refreshing and beautiful!

We had a city tour to Aksu, formerly Perga as discussed earlier, which was a huge Roman Ruins. It was far bigger than I expected, We saw a theater, stadium, Roman Gate, Roman Bath Complex, Hellenistic Tower, Calderium Steam Bath, Agora, Main Stree, and Acropolis where the rulers lived. It was huge! Particularly, it was reported that the Roman Bath Complex is the world's largest. Impressive. The water was flowing down from the Acropolis through the Main Street to the lower part.

Then, we went to Belkis formerly Aspendos Roman Theater. This structure was built in the 2nd Century AD with 15 thousand marble seats. What was amazing was that it is still in use after almost 2000 years. Republic Plaza... Minerats... Clock Tower... Hadrian's Gate... AKRA beautiful hotel with excellent foods... Used sauna...

We then visited Antalya Museum where we saw a lot of sculptures. There were so many that many of them were almost left unattended. 

Antalya is better known for its beaches and sea access than anything else. Its beaches may not have the white sands that the Caribbean beaches do, but the warm Mediterranean Sea was enough for people to enjoy and appreciate.

We enjoyed Antalya a lot for its beach access as well as its archaeological significance. - Jeffrey