ANTAKYA

Antakya is located on the ancient site of Antioch from where its name is also derived. It has a unique atmosphere with a distinctive Arabic influence. The Asi river cuts the city in half, while the northern and southern sides are backed by mountains. There, the city lies in the river valley covered with olive and fruit trees. It was initially founded as Antioch by one of Alexander the Great's generals. Soon prospering as a main commercial center, Antioch developed into one of the greatest ancient cities with a multi-ethnic population exceeding half a million. Notorious for its traditional moral excess, Antioch was chosen as one of the world's first Christian locations by St. Peter. Antioch preserved its grandeur and commercial attraction despite earthquakes and floods, but due to the rise of Constantinople, it lost its importance and dwindled. The Hatay Museum houses one of the best collections of Roman mosaics in the world.