Nestled in the fertile valley of the Asi River (ancient Orontes) and surrounded by the Nur (Amanos) Mountains, Antakya is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Known in antiquity as Antioch-on-the-Orontes, it has been a crossroads of civilizations, religions, and trade for more than 2,300 years. Today, Antakya is the provincial capital of Hatay and remains celebrated for its multicultural heritage, archaeological treasures, and exceptional cuisine.
A City Founded by Alexander’s Successor
Antakya was founded in 300 BC by Seleucus I Nicator, one of the generals and successors of Alexander the Great. Named Antioch after Seleucus’s father, Antioch quickly became the capital of the Seleucid Empire and one of the greatest cities of the Hellenistic world.
Its strategic position at the intersection of caravan routes linking Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Mediterranean transformed the city into a thriving commercial center. Alongside Rome and Alexandria, Antioch ranked among the largest and most magnificent cities of the ancient Mediterranean, renowned for its broad colonnaded streets, marble buildings, theatres, temples, aqueducts, and luxurious villas.
Capital of the Roman East
In 64 BC, the Roman general Pompey incorporated Syria into the Roman Republic, making Antioch the eastern capital of the Roman Empire. Roman emperors embellished the city with monumental public buildings, paved avenues, baths, and elaborate water systems, while merchants from across Asia and Europe contributed to its prosperity.
Antioch became one of the empire’s wealthiest and most cosmopolitan cities, where Greek, Roman, Jewish, Persian, and Eastern cultures blended into a unique urban society.
Cradle of Early Christianity
Antakya occupies a unique place in Christian history. After the Resurrection, the city became one of the earliest centers of Christianity outside the Holy Land. According to the New Testament, it was here that the followers of Jesus were first called “Christians.”
The apostles, including Saint Peter and Paul the Apostle, preached in Antioch before embarking on their missionary journeys throughout Asia Minor and Europe. Consequently, Antioch became one of the five original patriarchal sees of early Christianity.
Saint Peter’s Church
Among Antakya’s most important religious landmarks is Church of Saint Peter, traditionally believed to be one of the world’s oldest Christian places of worship. Carved into the mountainside, the cave is said to have served as a secret meeting place for the earliest Christians. During the Crusader period in the 12th and 13th centuries, the cave was enlarged and transformed into a church that continues to attract pilgrims from around the world.
Through the Centuries
Antioch’s prosperity was interrupted by numerous invasions and natural disasters. In AD 260, the city was captured by the Persian king Shapur I. Over subsequent centuries it changed hands repeatedly, ruled by the Byzantines, Arabs, Seljuk Turks, Crusaders, Mamluks, and eventually the Ottomans.
The city also suffered devastating earthquakes, the most catastrophic occurring in AD 526, when one of history’s deadliest earthquakes reportedly claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and destroyed much of ancient Antioch. Combined with warfare and shifting trade routes, these disasters gradually diminished the city’s former prominence.
Ottoman and Modern Antakya
In 1516, Antakya became part of the Ottoman Empire following the campaign of Selim I. After the First World War, Hatay came under the French Mandate for Syria before becoming the independent Hatay State in 1938. In 1939, following a referendum and political agreement, Hatay joined the Republic of Turkey.
Modern Antakya remains an important regional center for agriculture, commerce, and culture. The fertile Amik Plain produces abundant citrus fruits, olives, grapes, cotton, wheat, vegetables, and melons, while local industries include soap making, silk weaving, leather craftsmanship, and traditional metalwork.
Places to Visit
Hatay Archaeology Museum
Hatay Archaeology Museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of Roman and Byzantine mosaics. Its beautifully preserved floors, sculptures, and artifacts illustrate the wealth and artistic sophistication of ancient Antioch.
Habib-i Neccar Mosque
Habib-i Neccar Mosque is regarded as one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia and commemorates Habib-i Neccar, traditionally associated with the early spread of monotheism in the city.
Historic Old Town
The narrow streets of Antakya’s historic center feature traditional stone houses, churches, mosques, bustling bazaars, artisan workshops, and cafés that reflect the city’s remarkable blend of Turkish, Arab, Armenian, Jewish, and Christian heritage.
Excursions Around Antakya
Just outside the city lies the mountain resort of Soğukoluk (Güzelyayla), a refreshing summer retreat surrounded by pine forests and cool mountain air. It has long been a favorite escape from the Mediterranean heat.
Crossing the scenic Belen Pass, travelers reach Bakras Castle, an impressive medieval fortress that guarded one of the principal routes between Anatolia and Syria. Throughout its history, the castle was occupied by the Byzantines, Crusaders, Armenians, Mamluks, and Ottomans, each recognizing its strategic importance.
A Culinary Capital
No visit to Antakya is complete without sampling the celebrated cuisine of Hatay, recognized for its rich blend of Turkish, Arab, and Mediterranean influences. Local specialties include tepsi kebabı, oruk (stuffed bulgur meatballs), humus, muhammara, zahter salad, kaytaz böreği, and the world-famous künefe, prepared with fresh local cheese and crisp shredded pastry.
A City of Cultures
For more than two millennia, Antakya has been a meeting point of civilizations, faiths, and cultures. Ancient ruins stand alongside churches, mosques, and synagogues, while traditional markets and diverse culinary traditions preserve the spirit of one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating historic cities. Despite enduring countless wars, earthquakes, and political transformations, Antakya continues to embody the rich cultural legacy of southern Turkey and remains an essential destination for travelers interested in history, archaeology, religion, and gastronomy.