Turkish Delight in Turkish Culture: On the Trail of a Sweet Heritage

Antalya, which has hosted many civilisations from past to present as the shining pearl of the Mediterranean, has attracted the attention of people throughout history with its sea, mountains and fertile lands and has combined the traces of various cultures for thousands of years.

‘Attaleia’, founded by the order of King Attalos II of Pergamon and named after him, laid the foundations of today’s Antalya. Civilisations such as ancient Lycia, Pamphylia, Pisidia and Cilicia left their mark here, and their traditions, languages and cultures shaped the spirit of Antalya.

Antalya has been a cultural crossroads in every period of its history. This city bears the cultural traces of many great civilisations from the Hellenistic period to the Roman Empire, from Byzantium to the Seljuks and the Ottoman Empire. Ancient cities along the Lycian Way, Roman theatres and Byzantine churches reveal the multi-layered history of Antalya. As you walk through the narrow streets of Kaleiçi, you walk on stone paths paved by the Romans, watch the fine workmanship of Seljuk architecture, and watch the past from the windows of Ottoman houses.

Antalya’s cultural heritage is not limited to buildings. Folk dances, handicrafts and Mediterranean cuisine of the region are also part of this heritage. Antalya’s distinctive folkloric dances, local melodies and wedding traditions carry the influence of both Anatolian culture and Mediterranean breezes. From the citrus groves of Kumluca to the legend of Santa Claus in Demre, Antalya harbours a story in every corner.

In other words, it is possible to touch history in Antalya, feel the salty wind of the Mediterranean Sea and make a journey from ancient times to the present day. The fine workmanship and deep roots of history can be felt in every stone, street and tree of Antalya. This city is the meeting point of the modern world with the cultural heritage from ancient times and offers dozens of stories waiting to be told to every visitor.

Colour your holiday days with the historical culture of Antalya

Antalya is like an open-air museum bearing the traces of the ancient world; it hosts the heritage of a different civilisation in each corner. Ancient cities built on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, at the foot of the mountains, carry the splendour and cultural depth of the civilisations that once lived here. The ancient cities in Antalya offer traces of many civilisations from Lycia to Pamphylia, from Pisidia to the Roman Empire.

Perge

Perge, one of the most important cities of the Pamphylia region, was founded in the 4th century BC. This ancient city became one of the most popular cultural centres of the Roman period and stood out as one of the most developed cities of its period. Perge’s stadium, theatre and colonnaded streets reflect the elegance of Roman architecture. Known for the cults of Athena and Artemis, Perge has been a centre of deep spiritual attraction not only for its architecture but also for the temples dedicated to its goddesses. The city is about 90 km from Kemer-Göynük, about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car. This ancient city, which is close to the centre of Antalya, is located in the east direction.

Aspendos

It is famous for having one of the best preserved ancient theatres in history. Built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, this theatre still hosts concerts and shows today, bringing together the past and the present. It is known that the city dates back to the 10th century BC and was an important stop on trade routes. The architectural splendour of Aspendos is revealed with its aqueducts and magnificent theatre, which can be considered the pinnacle of Roman engineering. The city, which is about 100 km from Kemer-Göynük, can take about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car. Aspendos is located within the borders of Serik district.

Phaselis

Phaselis, known as the sea trade and harbour city of the Lycian region, was founded in the 7th century BC. Thanks to sea trade, it has both enriched and become a cultural centre. The three harbours of Phaselis, as the city’s gateways to the Mediterranean, made it a centre of trade in the past and maintained its existence during the Roman Empire. Ancient harbour ruins, baths and agoras in the city take visitors on a journey through the waters of the past. The city, which is about 23 km from Kemer-Göynük, is about 30 minutes away by car. Phaselis can be easily reached from Kemer.

Olympos

Olympos is a mysterious ancient city where mythology and pirate stories are intertwined. This ancient city of Lycia is located right next to the Yanartaş, dedicated to the god Hephaistos. Olympos, famous for its natural beauty and mystical atmosphere, has been famous throughout history, especially as a refuge for pirates. While the traces of pirates are still felt in the ruins, the Temple of Apollo and the necropolis ruins bear the traces of the spiritual life in ancient times. The city, which is about 40 km from Kemer-Göynük, can take about 50 minutes by car. Olympos is located west of Kemer.

Termessos

Termessos, known as a unique city built on the peaks of Antalya, is located 1000 metres above sea level. The Pisidian city is like a natural fortress. Termessos is famous as the city that Alexander the Great could not conquer, and since ancient times it has been seen as a distinctive symbol of independence. Its theatre is in charming harmony with the mountain landscape surrounding the city. Termessos, which makes visitors feel the splendour and freedom of the heights, carries the resistance story of the past to the present. The city, which is about 80 km from Kemer-Göynük, takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. Termessos is located on the western side of the mountainous region of Antalya.

Myra

Myra is a Lycian city famous for its rock tombs. With its tombs carved into high rocks, it reveals the beliefs of Lycian culture about life after death. It is also thought that St Nicholas, known as Santa Claus, lived in this city and was buried here. In this respect, Myra maintains its importance both religiously and culturally. The city is approximately 105 km from Kemer-Göynük; It can take about 2 hours by car. Myra, located in Demre district, is located west of Kemer.

These ancient cities of Antalya keep alive the legacy of thousands of years of history. Each of them is a silent narrator that carries the beliefs, art and life of past civilisations to the present day. As you wander through these ancient cities, you touch not only the stones but also the spirit of the past and the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea.

The word ‘hospitality’ is a compound word consisting of two roots in Turkish. The words ‘guest’ and ‘perver’ are used as a compound.

‘Guest’ It is of Arabic origin. It comes from the Arabic word ‘müsafir’ and means traveller, guest. It also means expeditioner, traveller.

Perver: It is of Persian origin. Persian; The word “perver” means ‘nurturing, protecting, caring’. It also carries meanings such as cultivating and growing.

The word hospitality literally means ‘a person or society who loves the guest, takes good care of him, treats the guest’. It has passed into Turkish with the combination of these two words of Arabic and Persian origin and has gained an important place in Anatolian culture by settling into our language over time.

From the remotest village in Anatolia to the crowded streets of Istanbul, hospitality is a culture in Turkey. Even a traveller passing through the door does not go hungry. The heart of the host overflows to the table; not only the stomach but also the soul of the guest is filled with the breadth of his heart.

An Invitation from the Heart of Anatolia: Welcome!

For the Turkish nation, hospitality, which is the perfect display of home ownership, is to host those who come in the best way. Anatolia has centuries of accumulated warmth in its stone, soil and air. Hospitality in these lands is not a custom; it is a sacred heritage passed down from generation to generation. The door of Turkish houses is wide open even to an unknown person. Because in these lands, the guest is accepted as the guest of God. It is not asked who the guest is, but where he/she comes from and whether he/she has a full stomach.

The way of hosting guests in each region bears traces of the culture of that region. But at one point they all unite: The guest is seated at the centre of the house and the best food is served to him/her. Saying ‘Welcome, enjoy your stay’ is a sincere greeting to all guests.

Hospitality in Turkey; from East to West, North to South!

Embracing Tables of Eastern Anatolia

Hosting guests in Eastern Anatolia is like a feast. Especially in provinces such as Erzurum, Kars and Van, the abundance of food offered to guests is a symbol of generosity. There are flavours such as “cağ kebab, kete, ayran aşı” on the table. Even the morning breakfast in Van takes place in a ceremonial atmosphere. Dozens of kinds of cheese, honey, herbed cheese and tandoori bread ensure that the guests start the day with pleasure.

Sincere Invitation of the Black Sea

The hospitality of the Black Sea is as enthusiastic as the sea. In Trabzon, a guest is not seen off without being offered corn bread, fried anchovy and kuymak. In Rize, tea served in a thin glass is the sweetest accompaniment of the conversation. Black Sea people work with their guests even in their fields, break their bread and listen to their troubles.

Aegean’s Peaceful Tables

In the Aegean, guests are welcomed with peace like olive branches. Tables set with “boyoz” in Izmir, “keşkek” in Aydın, and olive oil dishes in Manisa, satisfy the guest’s soul. The tables set in the gardens of the houses have plenty of appetisers, herb dishes and seafood. As the guest’s plate is empty, a new one is added.

Generous Heart of Central Anatolia

In Central Anatolian provinces such as Konya, Kayseri and Nevşehir, the guest is welcomed as a member of the house. In Kayseri, pastrami, Turkish ravioli and sausage are served to the guest. In Konya, meat bread is a must. While the household fills the guest’s plate, the guest is insisted to eat even if he/she is full. All the means of the house are mobilised to make the guest happy.

Festive Hospitality of the Southeast

Hosting guests in Southeastern Anatolia is almost a feast. In Diyarbakır, watermelon and liver kebab are served to the guest; in Gaziantep, “baklava, lahmacun and katmer” are served. The abundance of the table is increased with prayers, and the satisfaction of the guest becomes a source of peace for the family. In Urfa, queue nights offer a cultural feast to the guests. Guests are accepted as heavy guests accompanied by folk songs and long conversations.

Elegant Behaviour of Marmara

In Marmara provinces such as Istanbul, Edirne and Bursa, hospitality is experienced in a more elegant way. In Istanbul, it is customary to offer the guest a tea with a view of the Bosphorus, and in Edirne, it is customary to offer the guest fried liver. In Bursa, İskender kebab leaves a sweet memory in the guest’s mind.

Experience Turkish Hospitality at Kilikya Palace Göynük!

Turkish hospitality is not limited to offering food. A comfortable pillow is prepared to relieve the tiredness of the guest and a clean bed is prepared for a tired traveller. Every guest is served with a smiling face and sweet language without any defect in respect. Hospitality, where respect and love occupy a great place, is an indispensable culture of the Turkish people.

Kilikya Palace Göynük, with its hospitable team, offers a perfect service capacity by treating every guest as if they were the first guest. You can make your reservation immediately by taking advantage of our discount opportunities to witness Turkish hospitality closely in the 2025 summer season.