The best city hikes and walks in the Yanartas Mountains

The Ice Stamper

The clock is a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II - it was restored in Leipzig in 2023

Nice

Located in the heart of Antalya's historic Kaleiçi district, the Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Mosque bears witness to the city's rich Ottoman heritage. This 17th-century architectural gem offers visitors a glimpse into the artistic and cultural achievements of the Ottoman era. Historical Background The mosque was built between 1606 and 1616 by order of Tekeli Mehmet Pasha, a prominent Ottoman governor. Its construction marked a significant period in Antalya's history and reflected the city's importance within the Ottoman Empire. The mosque has been restored several times, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, to ensure its preservation for future generations. Architectural Features The Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Mosque features classic Ottoman architectural elements. The main dome, supported by three semi-domes, forms a harmonious and balanced structure. The north façade is decorated with tiled panels inscribed with Quranic verses in Taliq script, underscoring the mosque's aesthetic appeal. Inside, visitors are greeted by elaborate Baroque ornamentation and traditional Ottoman decorations—a rare combination in mosque architecture. The pulpit, with its conical structure, is decorated with gold leaf and intricate woodwork, testifying to the craftsmanship of the period. Source: https://iyiturkey.com/listing/tekelioglu-mehmed-pasha/

The Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Mosque is located behind the clock tower in Antalya's old town (Kaleiçi). The place of worship was built in the 16th century at the instigation of its namesake, Tekeli Mehmet Paşa. Extensive restoration work was carried out on the building in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Arabic inscriptions in the colored tiles above the windows and at the base of the dome are noteworthy. On Fridays, after the midday prayer, the recently deceased are laid out in the mosque, wrapped in green cloths.

According to currently accepted traditions, the actual founding of the present-day city of Antalya took place in 158/159 BC by King Attalus II of Pergamon (Attalos II). Initially, the city's name was "Attaleia" after the aforementioned king. Through an inheritance arrangement, the kingdom of Attalus was integrated into the Roman Empire starting in 133 BC. Pamphylia split into a multitude of different groups and rulers. These were primarily dedicated to piracy in the Mediterranean. These isolated groups and rulers were ended by Pompey in 67 BC. As already described, Antalya already possessed a large and important port at that time. In the first century AD, this port was probably (according to tradition) a travel stop of the Apostle Paul. This is reflected in the biblical Acts 14:25f. From the fifth century AD, a church can be found within a town in Antalya. This is today's "Kesik Minare Camii." In 130 AD, Emperor Hadrian Attaleia visited the site. The so-called Hadrian's Arch commemorates this to this day. According to a modern tourist guide, this arch is the only remaining entrance gate to the ancient city of Antalya (to the harbor). The city wall ran to both the left and right of Hadrian's Arch (Hadrian's Gate). The arch was built on four pedestals. It features a total of three archways and various ornaments and pillars. Visually, the gate or arch is reminiscent of the Roman triumphal arch. Source: antalya-urlaub.com/geschichte-antalyas.php

The foundations of the Saat Kulesi Clock Tower date back to Roman times and were part of the city's fortifications. The square, crenellated cuboid containing the clock was placed on the pentagonal base in the 19th century. Thus, it connects two defining eras in Antalya's history. At the Clock Tower, paths intersect: Uzun Carsi Sokak leads through the old town down to the harbor, while to the west runs the palm-lined promenade of Cumhuriyet Caddesi, with its tea gardens and restaurants. From here, you have a good view of the harbor and the sea. Opposite the Clock Tower are the bazaar and a pedestrian zone, where the aroma of Turkish cuisine wafts from inexpensive restaurants. To the east, the Atatürk Caddesi shopping mile, with elegant boutiques, runs along the old town walls. Source: https://maps.adac.de/poi/uhrturm-muratpasa

According to currently accepted traditions, the actual founding of the present-day city of Antalya took place in 158/159 BC by King Attalus II of Pergamon (Attalos II). Initially, the city's name was "Attaleia" after the aforementioned king. Through an inheritance arrangement, the kingdom of Attalus was integrated into the Roman Empire starting in 133 BC. Pamphylia split into a multitude of different groups and rulers. These were primarily dedicated to piracy in the Mediterranean. These isolated groups and rulers were ended by Pompey in 67 BC. As already described, Antalya already possessed a large and important port at that time. In the first century AD, this port was probably (according to tradition) a travel stop of the Apostle Paul. This is reflected in the biblical Acts 14:25f. From the fifth century AD, a church can be found within a town in Antalya. This is today's "Kesik Minare Camii." In 130 AD, Emperor Hadrian visited Attaleia. The so-called Hadrian's Arch still commemorates this. According to a modern tourist guide, this arch is the only remaining entrance gate to the ancient city of Antalya (to the harbor). The city wall ran to both the left and right of Hadrian's Arch (Hadrian's Gate). The arch was built on four pedestals. It features a total of three archways and various ornaments and pillars. Visually, the gate or arch is reminiscent of the Roman triumphal arch. Source: https://www.antalya-urlaub.com/geschichte-antalyas.php