Antalya, Turkey

A tour of Antalya, Turkey, a modern European city, small, by the sea. Not an easy walk from the cruise dock. (2-3 miles) This town is better done by tour due to the distance of the ruins from the dock. Influenced by Roman and Hellenistic architecture, the ruins of Perge were unearthed recently. Very well preserved this is an excellent trip to take. Ancient baths were filled by aqueducts from the mountains. The water was heated by means of a large copper kettle, then the water was piped out to the baths and also through the walls as a heating system for the walls. Cool water was also used for the same reason. A third system was used for fountains to beautify the square.

Aspendos is about another 20 minute drive, and is the most well preserved amphitheater in the world This is a must see on a visit to Antalya. There is no hop on -hop off bus in the city, so a guided tour is recommended. In 1923 the Turkish language was purified and now only 10% of the language is influenced by Arabic. While the country is secular, the guide told us that the country is worried about a drift towards more fundamental government. During the last election in Turkey, about 20% of the vote went to fundamentalist parties. This is evident in Istanbul, where there is more influence of Iranian and other hard line governments' citizens, moving to the capital, however, in Antalya, there seemed to be little influence of hard line values and a very few women that we saw wore head scarves, most others adopting Western dress and styles. There is no Internet access, easily accessible at the port in Antalya.