When talking about tourism in today's Turkey. Antalya
Is one of the first places to come mind, Tourists, both local abd foregn, are attracted by
Its natural beauty, warm climate, clean sea, fine sandy beaches. mountains, national
parks. Itt e secluded bays. and the ancor tlque cities whose remains date back thousands
of years Ihe exploiations and research carried out
in the Antalya region have revealed data on peoples who lived in prehistoric t mes. in the
Karain cave near Antalya were found remains of the paleolithic, mezolithic, neolithic,
chalcolithic and ilorire ages. The ruins of about 100 antiqc cities, odeons, theatres,
gymnas agoras and temples are scattered around the country side. Most foreign tourists to
this region make a point of vitising these sites and the museums, even though the majority
ostensibly come for the sea and the sun. In recent years. however, with the huilding of
first class roads, resting places and social amenities, greater importance has been
attched to cultural tourism.
Sea and suri are the two rnost important factois for those
seeking relaxation af ter a year of hard fork The sandy beaches are crowded (bud not
overcrowded) with local and foreign visitors Iri the summer months who come here to
sunbathe and swim. Gaily coloured terits are pirt up In the camping grounds ;ind oil the
beaches. In the holiday vilbi~cs the nights are devoted to enjoy iriO the entertainment
offered while the dnys ale spent in relaxing, sunbathing ~ild aqiiatic sports. The
poolsides, bars, dlssoos and cafes of the hotels, Inotels and other touristic
installations are full to overflowing. |
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In the yacht harbour and small
bays. sailiiig boats arid yachts are moored, flying flags from all over the world, to
whose people the warm Mediterranean and Antaiya extend tiieir greetings and friendship. The Duzlercami forest of Antalya Is one of Turkey's most Important
hunting areas. Between late September and end January every year hunting Is allowed with
permits issued by the Turkish Ministry of Village Affairs, Agriculture and Forests. While
a great many species of animals live in this region, only the mountain goat (Persian Ibex)
and wild boar may be hunted. The hunters coming from many different countries pay a daily
hunting fee and for missing shots, wounded animals and trophy fees based on the horn
length of the Ibex. The antique city of Termessos, with its steep cliffs, is also part of
the hunting grounds, providing hunters with the unique pleasure of combining sport with
historic sightseeing. These hunts are organized under the auspices of local hunting
outfitters and the hunters are accompanied by experienced guides.
Because of its climate and natural beauty Antalya has
become the scene of numerous national and international symposia and meetings. While most
of Europe and other parts of Turkey are snowbound in the winter, Antalya is green and
sunny. Following requests made by various organizations, Antalya's Provincial
Administration decided to give prominence to congress tourism and built a modern congress
hall with simultaneous interpretation equipment. In addition, on the coast near Sorgun,
east of Antalya, a congress village with all social amenities Is being constructed.
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