The purpose of this book is to introduce the reader to Antalya, and it is beyond its scope to go into detailed descriptions of the many ancient cities of Antalya and the surrounding region. However, we believe that to only tell about Antalya and deprive the reader of knowledge of the unparalleled historic sites would be unforgivable. Be that as it may, this section should not be regarded ds a complete tourist guide or as an archeological essay.

In dealing with these cities which bear the traces of past cultures and never cease to leave the visitor fascinated, first we travel west of Antalya and then east.

Termessos

This is perhaps the most interesting ancient city in the Antalya region, a Psidian city built at a height of 1050 meters in the Tauros mountains. Termessos constitutes an unusual synthesis of a large number of rare plants and animal species, which are under protection in the Termessos National Park. When turning off the Antalya-Burdur highway (11 km) in the direction of Korkuteli, the Termessos signpost will be seen 14 km further on, and Termessos itself is afuriher 9 km. A visit to this site requires time and the stamina to walk uphill, because Termessos is built entirely on a mountainous area difficult of access.

The inhabitants of Termessos were known as the Solyms but unlike those of other cities of the time they did not come from the sea and were entirely of Anatolian origin. What is known of their history commences principally at the time that Alexander the Gerat surrounded the city in 333 B.C., which he likened to an eagle's nest and failed to conquer: Termessos, after a gradual decline, was finally abandoned by the 5th century A.D. Some of the remains found there are the walls, Hadrian's Triumphal arch, cisterns, theatre, gymnasium, agora, odeon, hereon. Among the tombs which are scattered far and wide can be seen those of Alcetas, Agatemeros and the Lion decorated sarcophagi, which are extraordinary. The author of the German version of this book, Dr. med. Dr.phil. Otto Baur, and who has travelled extensively through out Anatol i a, N.Af ri ca, Greece, Italy and Spain, claims that he has never seen such a magnificent antique theatre nor necropolis to match those found at Termessos.

At a distance of 48 km. along the Antalya Burdur highway and before arriving at the Dag, turn left and Ariassos is reached 1 km. further on. A city of anti quity, Ariassos was built in a valley and could survey its surroundings. The gate, baths, rock tombs and mausoleum are worth seeing.

Phaselis

One km. after turning south 57 km. along the Antalya-Kemer highway (in itself a beautiful ride) one reaches Phasells. This was settled by the Rhodians in the 7th century B.C. and for many years was claimed to be the mdst Important port city of the eastern Lycian seaboard. Phaselis has three harbours: the North harbour, the Military or Protected (enclosed) harbour and the South harbour, of which the most important is the latter. A 20-24 metre wide avenue runs throughout the city. The western end is the site of Hadrian's Gate. On either side of the avenue are sidewalks and shops. Close to these can be seen the public places like the baths, theatre and agora.

Olympos and Cıralı

This is reached west of Antalya and is between Kemer and Adrasan. After passing Phaselis on the Antalya-Kumluca road, signposts leading to Olympos and Cirali will be seen and Olympos can be reached by following either route. Cirali is the name of the village near Olympos, which was a port city established in the 2nd century and which continued to flourish until the 15th century A.D. The famous myth of Bellerophontes is said to have taken place here. The antique city is on two sides of a beautiful valley. A sandy beach is found where the town and the valley meet the sea, into which a mountain stream flows. An hour's walk from Olympos brings you to the natural phenomenon of Cirali. Known by the local inhabitants as the "burning mountain" (Yanar), it is a result of escaping natural gas. whose flames have been shooting heavenwards for centuries. It is suggested that those who wish to visit the Yanar for the first time endeavour to be accompanied by someone from the village.