AREA: 5.403 km²
POPULATION: 1.109.754 (1990)
TRAFFIC CODE: 31
DISTRICTS: Hatay (center), Altınözü, Belen, Dörtyol, Erzin, Hassa, İskenderun, Kırıkhan, Kumlu, Reyhanlı, Samandağı, Yayladağı.
Antakya, the biblical Antioch, is situated on the Asi River (Orontes) in a fertile surrounding. Antakya was once the capital of the Seleucid kings and the life they lead in Antakya was renowned for its luxury and pleasures during Roman times. The city was the center of Christianity and had been visited by St.Barnabas, St.Paul and St.Peter. The city was also famous as a center of artistic, scientific and commercial activities.
The Hatay Museum deserves a particular interest, in that it houses one of the richest collections of Roman mosaics in the world.
A little outside the city is the holy site where St.Peter's Grotto is situated. The cave church is the place where St.Peter preached and founded the Christian community. It was declared as a holy place by Vatican in 1983. The Iron Gate of Antioch is to the south of the grotto among the ruins of the city. One can sense these far off times since little has changed since that time. The Castle of Antioch will give you a panoramic view over.
Antakya is steeped in history and mythology at every step Harbiye, 8 km. after Antioch, is the place where Apollo fell in love with Daphne and tried to have her, but Mother Earth, in order to save Daphne, turned her into an elegant tree. The site is full of these trees accompanying the orchid gardens, and waterfalls where you may have a pleasant meal. St. Pierre Church, Haron Carving are the main historical remains.
For both beach and sightseeing opportunities Samandag is perfect. Seleuica Pieria, 6 km south of Samandag, is the ancient city which was a busy port at the time when Paul and Barnabas made their first missionary journey from here. The Titus-Vespasianus Tunnel which was built to divert the rain waters, even by today's standard, is a superb example of engineering. Near by there are 12 rock tombs to be visited.
A drive to Kapisuyu village will provide you with a fascinating scene from the Zeus Temple. There is an excellent view from there of the harbor, sandy beach and fertile plain lying below.
There are many picnic and camping areas. Hunting, fishing and thermal springs' facilities are the other attractions.
SITES OF INTEREST: Soğukoluk and Yayladağı forest recreation areas Arsuz beaches, Alalah (Tel Açana), Tel Tayinat, Çatalhöyük (Kanula), Harbiye (Dophne), İssos, El-Mina, Arsuz (Rhossos or Rosus), Seleukeia Pieria settlements and city, Antakya (Antiokheia) city walls, Traianus Sukemeri, Heronion, Koz (Kürşat), Payas, Bakras, Sarıseki, Şalen and Darb-ı Sak (Bayezıd-i Bistami) castles, St. Petrus Grotto, Cin (genie) Tower, Girls' Palace (Kasr El-Benet), Sokullu Mehmed Pasha complex, Habib Neccar Mosque, Sokullu complex, Hatay Archeology Museum.
Provincial Cultural Directorate
Tel: (326) 214 92 17
Fax: (326) 213 33 86
Cultural Centers
An Exhibition hall with 418 seating capacity for theatre, conferences, etc.
Library
Contact Address: Şehit Mustafa Sevgi Cad. No:8/A -
Antakya
Tel: (326) 216 06 52
State Fine Arts Gallery Directorate
HATAY
Museum
Hatay Museum
Address: Gündüz Cad. No:1 Hatay
Tel: (326) 214 61 68
Fax: (326) 213 33 86
Historical Sites and Ruins
St. Pierre Church - Antakya /
Kuruyer
Aççana Ruins - Reyhanlı
(Merruş) / Varışlı K.
Çevlik Ruins - Samandağ /
Kapısuyu Village
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Hatay
Sites
Archaeological Sites: 113
Urban Sites: 1
Natural Sites: 4
Historical Sites: 1
Other Sites
Archaeological and Natural Sites: 1
Historical and Natural Sites: 1
Total: 121
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural Heritages: 447
TOTAL: 568
Significant Days
Local Days of Celebration:
Saint Pierre Rites
Antakya St. Pierre Church (For Catholics)
29 June
Commomeration Day for Çanakkale Martyrs
Antakya
18 March
Commemoration Day for Mehmet Akif Ersoy
Antakya
27 December
Commemoration Day for Yunus Emre
Antakya
5 April
Commemoration Day for Mevlana
Antakya
17 December
29 October Holiday of the Republic (Cumhuriyet Bayramı)
Antakya
28-29 October
Freedom from Occupation Days:
Freedom Day - Erzin (Yeşilkent)
Erzin (Yeşilkent)
8 Ocak
Freedom Day - Dörtyol
Dörtyol
9 Ocak
Arrival of the Turkish Soldiers at İskenderun
İskenderun
5 July
Arrival of the Turkish Soldiers at Kırıkhan
Kırıkhan
6 July
Arrival of the Turkish Soldiers at Reyhanlı
Reyhanlı
8 July
Freedom Day - Hatay
Antakya
23 July
Freedom Day - Hassa
Hassa
15 November
Festivals:
Antakya International Tourism, Culture and Art Festival Antakya
21-23 July
International İskenderun Culture Festival
İskenderun
5-9 July
Kırıkhan Municipality Melon Festival
Kırıkhan
15-16 July
Hıdrellez Culture Festivities
Antakya
5 May
Significant Weeks:
Commemoration Week for Atatürk
Antakya
10 November