Tourist information - Antalya
Lycia, ancient country, largely located in what is now Antalya Province, Turkey. The terrain of Lycia was mountainous, and also the hills and valleys were fertile. The country was formerly called Milyas and populated by the Solymi and also the Termilae, who have been subjugated by the invading Lycians. The Lycians and the Greeks first came into contact before the Trojan War, along with the remains of Lycian tombs, temples, and theaters show a marked Greek influence. Lycia and Cilicia were the only two countries of Asia Minor that were not conquered in the 6th century BC by Croesus, king of Lydia. On the same century, yet, the Lycians were defeated by the Persians under King Cyrus the Great in spite of heroic resistance. Under the Persians, Lycia continued to be prosperous and virtually autonomous. With the rest of Asia Minor, Lycia was conquered by Alexander the Great of Macedonia from the 4th century BC and integrated into the Greco-Macedonian Empire. Around 189 BC the Lycians were vanquished by the Romans, under whom they continued to enjoy prosperity and relative freedom. In the 4th century AD Lycia became a Roman province.
Turkey's fastest thriving city, ANTALYA is also the one metropolis apart from Istanbul that is also a major destination. Endowed with an excellent climatic conditions and a spectacular environment, Antalya has seen its annual tourist influx grow to just about match its permanent population, which now stands at just under half-a-million. Despite the grim appearance of its concrete sprawl, it is a gratifying place, however the main area of interest for visitors is confined to the relatively small old quarter; its beaches don't rate much consideration. The city also is really a great base for seeing the nearby ancient sites of Perge and Aspendos.
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