Kırkgöz Han Caravanserai

In the reign of the Seljuk Turks caravans carrying goods from the Far East roamed through the area of Anatolia. In order to facilitate the trade and support the merchants in their hard work a dense network of caravanserais (inns for travelers) was then established in Asia Minor. The last stop before the port of Antalya was Kırkgöz Han caravanserai, situated in Döşemealtı district which is today the metropolitan area of Antalya. This magnificent building has been recently renovated with the aim of hosting various events and festivities, so if you fancy a wedding, a conference or a training event in an unusual place, then you might consider this location. The name of this caravanserai - Kırkgöz - literally means "Forty Eyes" and is derived from the old name of Döşemealtı district, which is known for its many water sources.

Kırkgöz Han Caravanserai
Kırkgöz Han Caravanserai

City Walls of Antalya

Until the 50s of the 20th century, the word Antalya was understood as only one part of today's city, that being its oldest district, known as Kaleiçi. Karol Lanckoroński, who visited Antalya in the late 19th century, described this area in the following words: "The city outlines a horseshoe shape around the angle of the bay and lies on the ground significantly higher up from the coast platform. Its part is closed tightly by the ramparts, with narrow streets and single districts divided by other walls. [...] The only thing that remained on its original place, as far as we know, are the city walls around the city, although often rebuilt and restored over the centuries". Next Lanckoroński presents a plan of Antalya, where two lines of city walls are visible: one in the form of a semicircle around the port, and the second, much larger, around whole Kaleiçi district.

City Walls of Antalya
City Walls of Antalya

The aqueduct and nymphaion of Side

In a large and prosperous ancient city, and Side was undoubtedly one of those, a system of supplying water to its inhabitants played a very important role. The water brought to the city was supplied to the baths and private residences. In the Roman period the problem of providing water of appropriate quality to the cities was solved by building aqueducts and city residents obtained drinking water from public fountains. The wealthiest citizens had running water and a sewer system at their homes, so that they did not need to use the fountain at all.

The nymphaion of Side
The nymphaion of Side

Xanthos

The ancient site of Xanthos, modern Kinik, lies 63 km south-east of the well-known tourist resort of Fethiye, on a hillside overlooking the Eṣen River in the Xanthos Valley, surrounded by the Taurus Mountains. Xanthos, meaning yellow, administered the sacred Letoon cult center 8 km to the south.

Xanthos
Xanthos

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