Were these Houses once someone’s home? They whisper tales of Antalya’s past. These Houses stand as silent witnesses. They saw empires rise and fall. They watched Antalya transform into the vibrant city it is today.
Let’s step back in time and explore the story of these Houses. Antalya, the fifth-most populous city in Turkey, boasts a rich history. It was founded around 200 BC by King Attalus II of Pergamon. The city was initially known as Attaleia. The Romans soon conquered it. The city thrived under Roman rule. New monuments like Hadrian’s Gate were constructed.
These Houses in Antalya likely saw the rise of nearby ancient cities. Patara, Xanthos, and Myra in Lycia flourished. So did Perga, Aspendos, and Side in Pamphylia. Sagalassos, Antioch, and Termessos in Pisidia also grew. These cities were already important before Roman influence.
Over the centuries, Antalya changed hands several times. The Seljuk Empire took control in 1207. The expanding Ottoman Empire followed in 1391. Ottoman rule brought relative peace and stability for five hundred years. Even during the Italian occupation after World War I, these Houses stood firm.
The architecture of the Houses reflects Antalya’s diverse history. Stone, brick, and wood were popular building materials. The design was influenced by lifestyle, trade, and wealth. Houses in Kaleici often had a stone ground floor and a wooden first floor.
These Houses saw Antalya become a major city in the Byzantine Empire. It was the capital of the Byzantine Theme of the Cibyrrhaeots. Antalya became a major naval station. It was a commercial center. The harbor was convenient for trade between the Aegean Sea and Cyprus. Merchants from Armenia, Saracen, Jewish, and Italian communities passed through the city.
In the 13th century, the Seljuk Turks conquered Antalya. The city became the capital of the Turkish beylik of Teke. The Arab traveler Ibn Battuta visited Antalya between 1335 and 1340. He described it as a most beautiful city with separate quarters for different communities.
In the 17th century, Evliya Çelebi wrote of narrow streets with 3000 houses. These were divided into Turkish and Greek neighborhoods. By the 19th century, Antalya’s sovereign was a “dere bey”. This translates to landlord or landowner.
As the 20th century dawned, Antalya had two factories spinning and weaving cotton. The economy centered on its port. Antalya was known for its picturesque charm. The city wall was a major attraction for visitors.
These Houses have seen Antalya grow into Turkey’s biggest international sea resort. Large-scale development and governmental funding transformed it. Antalya is now a prime destination for tourists. The city attracts millions of foreign visitors each year.
Today, as you stand before these Houses, imagine the lives lived within their walls. These Houses whisper stories of resilience. They speak of cultural exchange. They tell of Antalya’s journey through time. They are more than just buildings. They are living history. They are a reminder of Antalya’s captivating past.