Antakya

Antakya, which has been home to many civilizations with its history dating back to 300 BC, has become an important centre of the celestial religions. And outside of Jerusalem, Christianity was first spread in this city. Believers of Jesus were called Christians in Antakya for the first time.  The people of the three great religions have lived in peace and tolerance in Antakya for centuries and exhibited an image that will set an example for the whole world, which is why UNESCO has chosen it the city of peace. Antakya, a very important settlement, became the 3rd largest city in the world after Rome and Alexandria in the 1st century AD.

After the long struggle Antakya, which was occupied by the French in November 1918, established its own state called Hatay State on October 2, 1938. On June 29, 1939, Hatay National Assembly had its last session and has decided to join Turkey. When the last French soldier left Antakya on July 23, 1939, the liberation of Antakya was realized.  

Distances to Antakya

How to get to Antakya?
*Transportation by air:
The fastest way to reach Antakya is via Hatay airport, which is also open to international flights.There are direct flights from Ankara, İstanbul and other cities to Antakya, especially from Istanbul. For those who cannot find a plane to Antakya, the other closest airport is in Adana.

*Transportation by land: 
Quite easily from any point in Antakya, Turkey transportation is provided. As of its location, there is a direct bus for transportation to Antakya at any time of the day. Those who cannot find a bus directly to Antakya can come to Adana or Mersin and reach Antakya easily by minibuses.

Antakya in-city transportation:
Transportation in Antakya city is provided by buses and minibuses from Hatay metropolitan municipality. Since everywhere in Antakya is close to the centre, you can also go on foot. Car rental is recommended for those who want to visit the places to be seen in remote locations.

Where to stay in Antakya?
Antakya has accommodation options suitable for all kinds of budgets. As a result of the studies carried out in the Old Antakya region, many hotels, pensions and boutique hotels have become one of the accommodation options. In the vicinity of the old Antakya bus station, there are also cheap guesthouses, while the hotels around the bridge and the surrounding area serve the visitors.

Shopping in Antakya:
In Antaktakya where silk production is made, products made from silk and Laurel soap, which is only produced in Antakya, are among the most preferred souvenirs.
Pomegranate syrup, pepper paste, tomato paste, salty yoghurt, Antakyaian cheeses, precipitate, fresh oregano, crushed green olives are recommended for those who want to come to Antakya and buy local food.

Antakya Civilizations Choir:

The Antakya Civilizations Choir is composed of three members of three religions to contribute to the promotion of Hatay and to create a bridge between civilizations. Founded in 2007, the choir aims to guide humanity to truth, beauty and goodness through the language of music. There are people from different religions belonging to Alevi, Sunni, Armenian, Orthodox, Catholic and Jewish in the choir which sings hymns, songs and folk songs of different religions. Antakya Civilizations Choir not only performs concerts in Antakya but also in many countries of the world.