Antakya (District)

Antakya is a unique city in Hatay, Türkiye, captivating visitors with its thousands of years of history. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk along the world’s first illuminated street or discover a massive tunnel hidden within the mountains? Let us embark on a journey to this magnificent city where diverse cultures have coexisted!

Antakya was founded many centuries ago, in the 300s BCE, by Seleucus I Nicator, one of the generals of Alexander the Great. Seleucus named the new city “Antiocheia” after his father. During its construction, materials from the ancient settlement of Antigonia were reused.^【1】

The city’s design was also highly intelligent. Streets were laid out in a grid pattern, carefully oriented to catch the winter sun and the cool breezes from the Asi Valley during summer.

^{Antakya Kurtuluş Caddesi (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)}

In ancient times, Antakya grew so large that it began to consist of four massive quarters, each surrounded by its own walls. For this reason, it was known as a tetrapolis, meaning “four-city.” The royal palace stood on one of the islands in the Asi River, while homes stretched as far as the foothills of Mount Silpius.

During the Roman Empire, the city flourished so greatly that it became the fourth largest city in the world. It was a major trading center admired for its orchards, aqueducts, vast bathhouses, and statues.

Around 2,300 years ago, water was brought to Antakya from the Defne (Harbiye) waterfalls through massive channels to meet the city’s needs. People would watch in awe as the water flowed from the mountain slopes into the city.^【2】

Throughout history, many civilizations including the Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Seljuks, and Ottomans have lived in this city. As a result, Antakya is home to a wealth of historical heritage.

Street lighting was first introduced in Antakya along a magnificent avenue running through the city center, lined with marble columns on both sides. Today, the site of this historic street is known as Kurtuluş Caddesi and is considered the heart of ancient Antakya.

Antakya Castle, beginning along the banks of the Asi River and winding through the mountains, is among the most significant structures in the world. At one time, the castle had walls stretching 12 kilometers in length and a total of 360 towers!^【3】

Antakya is also a uniquely significant place for multiple faiths. The St. Pierre Church, built by converting a natural cave on the mountainside, is recognized as the first Christian church. Similarly, the Habib-i Neccar Mosque in Antakya is recorded in history as the first mosque built in Anatolia.

If you wish to see traces of the past up close, this museum is perfect for you. The Hatay Archaeology Museum ranks second in the world for the richness of its mosaic collection.

^{Colorful Natural Stones (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)}