What To Do In Spring In Antalya?

While other parts of Europe are still rain-sodden and windswept in spring, in Antalya things are already starting to heat up. This makes it the ideal city to make an early start on your summer. Think long walks along the beach, eating local cuisine, soaking up the sun, carousing at countless festivals on a warm evening as the sun sets.

Of course, the whole Mediterranean region is getting warmer at this time of year. As a result budget flights are starting to fill up all over the northern hemisphere, long weekends are being planned, and the quest for accessible sun begins. Despite this increasing competition from other destinations, Antalya remains unrivalled. Read on to find out why visiting Antalya in spring is about much more than just topping up your vitamin D levels.

Festivals & Events

People in Antalya have built up a reputation for knowing how to have a good time. Here’s a selection of some of the best events over the coming season, offering countless dates around which you can plan an unforgettable trip.

• Nevruz (Spring) Festival 21 March

The sun gives more light and heat to the southern hemisphere until March 21, after which this applies to the northern hemisphere instead. That is why March 21 is a day to celebrate for people living in the northern hemisphere as the symbol of awakening and creation. On Nevruz Day, people lay their tables with an assortment of foodstuffs, play games, hold festivities, eat painted eggs and prepare large fires. Nevruz, which every society celebrates in forms peculiar to itself, still exists with traditional celebrations in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tatarstan, the Uygur region, Anatolia and the Balkans.

• Antalya International Choir Festival

The 5th Antalya International Choir Festival will be held on 03-07 April 2013. 

V th Anniversary : "Carmina Burana" Concert with the mixed choirs and Antalya State Symphony Orchestra As being the 5th anniversary of the festival, the organizing commitee has made a special program for the 2013 edition. 

This year, it is planning to organise a big concert performance of "Carmina Burana" by Carl Orff with the mixed choirs selected from festival attendants and Antalya State Symphony Orchestra together. At least 150 chorists and 100 professional orchestral musicians will be perfoming on the stage. Besides popular soloist arriving from europe will be performing together with the choirs and the orchestra as well. The concert is going to be conducted by a Russian Orchestral and Opera Conductor Vlademir Altschuler.

• International Kemer Underwater Days

12th International  Kemer Underwater Days will be realized between the dates of May 16 to 19.

•  Tour of Turkey

49th Presidential Cycling Tour will be held between the dates of April 21 to 28, and the third stages of the Tour of Turkey will be held in Antalya. 

Sports fans who want to follow the competition will have the chance to watch step by step. If you want to follow as a privileged can apply over the internet. 

A single multi-stage intercontinental tour in the world which could be of great importance for the organization and promotion of tourism.

Eating

Whether you enjoy a great start to the morning with a breakfast on your apartment’s balcony or terrace or take advantage of the balmy evenings. If you’re a seafood lover then the beach area of Antalya features some of the city’s finest seafood restaurants.

Antalya’s signature cuisine includes Piyaz, spicy hibeş with mixed cumin andtahini, şiş köfte, tandır kebap, domates civesi, şakşuka, börülce salatası, kabak çiçeği dolması, kabak çintmesi, börülce çorbası, şiş köfte, laba, and various cold Mediterranean dishes with olive oil. One local speciality is tirmis, boiled seeds of the lupin, eaten as a snack. "Grida" (also known as Lagos or Mediterrenean white grouper) is a fish common in local dishes.

Shopping

Shopping in Antalya is great all year round and with the new spring/summer collections in shops, what better excuse do you need to revive your drab winter wardrobe for something more fresh and well, Antalya? You’re guaranteed not to be wearing the same thing as your friends when you get home. Antalya City is a shopaholic’s dream. In Antalya you will find a variety of differents shopping items like the traditional Turkish knick-knacks popular with tourists like textiles, gold and copper work, carpets, leather goods and souvenirs. Expect to find trendy brand name stores like Zara, LaCoste, Diesel, Mango, Polo Garage, Tommy Hilfiger, U.S. Polo Assn., Boyner, Nike, Adidas, Reebok, perfume, electronic & computer stores and many more. The City offers superb beach resort facilities and long stretches of golden sands, with a fine selection of significant historical sites. The city is loved by many for its palm lined streets, charming marina, delicious restaurants, excellent shopping, cosmopolitan nightlife and lots of historical attractions. Each year, millions of people visitAntalya. Fantastic for families, couples and even the more experienced traveler, Antalya’s mix of traditional, cosmopolitan and family friendly activities will ensure everyone will enjoy a holiday in Antalya!

The Weather in Antalya in Spring

By April temperatures are usually warm enough for the beach, with average highs of 20 degrees Celsius. By June it’s up to 25 degrees. These conditions are ideal for many people – you avoid the extreme temperature of the summer while still being able to spend much of your time in the sun. Antalya have the best urban beaches in the Eastern Mediterranean and the city has three miles of them to choose from, all easily accessible by public transport.

If basking by the sea isn’t your thing, fear not – Antalya is also equally lucky in terms of parks, providing sightseeing opportunities aplenty and green spaces to lie back on the grass. Antalya Zoo is also situated within the grounds of the park making it the perfect family destination.

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The 5th Antalya International Choir Festival

The 5th Antalya International Choir Festival will be held on 03-07 April 2013. The 5th Anniversary: "Carmina Burana" Concert with the mixed choirs and Antalya State Symphony Orchestra As being the 5th anniversary of the festival, the organizing commitee has made a special program for the 2013 edition. 

This year, it is planning to organise a big concert performance of "Carmina Burana" by Carl Orff with the mixed choirs selected from festival attendants and Antalya State Symphony Orchestra together. At least 150 chorists and 100 professional orchestral musicians will be perfoming on the stage. Besides popular soloist arriving from europe will be performing together with the choirs and the orchestra as well. The concert is going to be conducted by a Russian Orchestral and Opera Conductor Vlademir Altschuler.

Festival Programme:

03.04.2013 Wednesday 

20:00: Opening Coctail (AKM Entrance Hall) 

20:30: Opening Ceremony & Concerts 

(Ataturk Culture Center Aspendos Hall) 

Choirs Of The Concert 

1- Antalya Major Municipaty Ismail Baha Surelsan Music School Choir 

2- Antalya Ted College Kids Choir 

3- Stiv Naumov Mixed Choir, Macedonia 

4- Limburger Domsingknaben Choir, Hadamar, Germany 

5- Dabrevesk Culture ve Art University Choir, Minsk, Belarus 

04.04.2013 Thursday 

20:30: Festival Concerts 

(Ataturk Culture Center Aspendos Hall) 

1- Istanbul Culture University, Turkey 

2- Amadeus Music School Kids Choir, Antalya 

3- "Angel Manolov" – Sofya, Bulgaria 

4- Bosphorus Women Choir, Istanbul 

5- Obilic Academic Choir, Belgrad, Serbia 

05.04.2013 Friday 

20:00: CARMINA BURANA CONCERT 

(Ataturk Culture Center Aspendos Hall) 

Concert Performers 

• Antalya State Symphony Orchestra,- Conductor Vlademir Altschuler 

• Antalya Ismail Baha Surelsan Music School Choir 

• Limburger Domsingknaben Choir, Germany 

• Choir Angel Manalov. Bulgaria 

• Obilic Akademi Choir, Belgrad,Serbia 

06.04.2013 Saturday 

12:00-16:00: Competition (Ataturk Culture Center Perge Hall) 

20:30: Awards & Closing Concerts 

(Ataturk Culture Center Aspendos Hall)

For More Information: http://www.festivalantalya.com/

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Happy Nevruz! Nevruz (Spring) Festival

The sun gives more light and heat to the southern hemisphere until March 21, after which this applies to the northern hemisphere instead. 

That is why March 21 is a day to celebrate for people living in the northern hemisphere as the symbol of awakening and creation. 

On Nevruz Day, people lay their tables with an assortment of foodstuffs, play games, hold festivities, eat painted eggs and prepare large fires. 

Nevruz, which every society celebrates in forms peculiar to itself, still exists with traditional celebrations in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tatarstan, the Uygur region, Anatolia and the Balkans.

THE UN DECLARED MARCH 21ST AS INTERNATIONAL NEVRUZ DAY

The Nevruz Feast which was included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the UNESCO in 2009, is now officially recognized by the UN. At the session of the UN General Assembly which took place on December 2nd, 2009, March 21st was declared “International Nevruz Day”. Thus, in order to promote and celebrate this tradition, the General Assembly asks countries which celebrate the Nevruz Feast to cooperate  with the UNESCO, other Intergovernmental Organizations and NGOs.

WHAT IS NEVRUZ?

Nevruz which is known in Central Asian countries as the messenger of the spring season and the New Day , is a feast which stands for the revival of nature bringing about abundance, dynamism, joy of sharing and fraternity as well as peace and friendship among people. Nevruz is the day on which Mother Earth starts breathing and flourishing  again. The tradition of Nevruz which dates back to five thousand years and is known as the most important day of the year for Central Asian peoples, is being celebrated with various coulourful events each year under various names such as  Navrız, Yeni Gun (New Day), Ulu Kun (Big Day), Mart Dokuzu (Ninth of March), Cıl Pazı, Canı Kun, Sagaa, Isıah, and Yengi Kun.

Nevruz is a cultural heritage of the Turkic World which strengthens the ties among  its peoples. It is one of the most important feasts for Central Asian countries. This feast which stands for the beginning of a new year and the revival of nature, also brings hope and wishes as to the future. This is probably one the unique features of this tradition. Indeed, Nevruz means renewal not only for nature but also for the human being. With the beginnning of a new year, feelings and thoughts are also renewed. Therefore, Nevruz brings about the joy and enthusiasm of starting a new life and symbolizes new beginnings.

All Turkic States owe their power, strength and historical continuity to their peoples’ solidarity, tolerance and fraternity.

This day which is considered as New Year’s day  by ancient Turks and Iranian people is called ‘‘Nevruz’’ in Persian language. Nevruz means   ‘‘new day’’. This special day of the year on which the sun enters the Aries constellation is also the March equinox and occurs on March 21st every  year.

Turkic speaking peoples used to believe that Nevruz brings new life and dynamism to nature as well as spiritual renewal for the human being. As displayed on the first calendar of Turkic peoples consisting of twelve animals, this is an ancestral tradition which is still being celebrated through various ceremonies. According to the Celali Calender  which was designed for the Seljuk Sultan Meliksah, the day on which the sun enters  Aries constellation  is considered as the beginning of a new year. It is also known that Seldjukide emperors were crowned and celebrated Nevruz with their people on this day. The Spring Feast Nevruz which symbolizes  virtue, beauty, integrity, happiness and peace has been celebrated for ages throughout a vast territory including countries of Central Asia. It is as old as humanity itself. Today, Nevruz is even being celebrated in China and in the Balkans in similar ways although under different names. After the declaration of independence of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, March 21st has been declared  as an official holiday in these countries as well.

Legends and religious beliefs related to Nevruz… are all hinting at the need to move from a closed space to the open air, from darkness to light, to the sun and to abundance. At the same time this wish goes along with the expectation of relief and inner peace. The lighting of the fire as it appears in legends and beliefs symbolizes the end of the Ice Age and the invention of fire by man. Similarly, the melting of mountains  stands for the begining of the Bronze Age, and the ploughing of a field as well as the taming of wild animals symbolize the beginning of the Neolithic Age. Still today, fire, water, earth and  caves which are often referred to in Nevruz traditions are insidpensable  elements for the whole humanity. However, fire does have a very special meaning for Turks, no matter which religion or belief they belong to. Indeed, many Turkic peoples such as Altai peoples as well as Tatars, Azeris as well as Karaites and Gagauz people, do all believe that water and fire are necessary for spiritual and physical purification. Therefore, it is a typical Nevruz tradition celebrated throughout the Turkic World to light a fire and jump over it by making good wishes...

Refference:

TURKSOY: http://www.turksoy.org.tr/EN/belge/2-29253/nevruz-fire-in-turkey.html

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The pedals will turn for the tourism!!! The 49th Presidential Cycling Tour ( Tour of Turkey)

This year, the 49th Presidential Cycling Tour will be held between the dates of April 21 to 28, and the third stages of the Tour of Turkey will be held in Antalya. 

Sports fans who want to follow the competition will have the chance to watch step by step. If you want to follow as a privileged can apply over the internet.

A single multi-stage intercontinental tour in the world which could be of great importance for the organization and promotion of tourism.

For more information: http://www.tourofturkey.org/2013/

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The 20th Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival

The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival will take place in Aspendos Antique Theater in Antalya.

Festival History

Ancient Aspendos Theatre

While celebrating its 20 th Anniversary, International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival makes significant contributions to our country’s international promotion by bringing together the unique historical properties and the extraordinary acoustic of 2000 years old Aspendos Antique Theatre with Antalya’s natural beauties and the peaceful nature of art that reaches beyond the boundaries of language, religion and race. International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, being the only opera and ballet festival of our country, has been the most important organisation of the Directorate General of State Opera and Ballet since 1994, gained an international recognition in 1998, and is nominated among the world’s most famous festivals. 

The fact of being held at an antique theater like Aspendos, whose history goes back to 166 A.D, gives a distinct meaning to the International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival. 

 
The audience, among whom % 70 are foreign tourists, has been seeing the performances of our festival every year. 

 
With its increasing spectators year by year, International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival has become a visual carnival where history, music and a large number of people from several nations come together. 

Our Festival, was accepted to EFA-European Festivals Association which is among the most respectful organisations in Europe, on October 24, 2003 and thus has confirmed its distinguished place among other festivals in the world once more.      

 
In 2004, as the result of a research done by The Independent, newspaper published in England, International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival ranked the 5th among 10 best opera festivals selected from among the renown opera festivals organized all over the world. Furthermore, International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival was given place within the first 10 among the Best Festivals of 2005 by the Festspiele Magazine, published in Germany, investigating all the festivals over the world.   

Programme 

2 June 2013, Sunday

Antalya State Opera and Ballet

20th Anniversary Gala Night

Conductor : José CURA

Concert

5 June 2013, Wednesday

Antalya State Opera and Ballet

ASPENDOS The Love of Centuries

Ballet

12 June 2013, Wednesday

National Theatre Brno, Czech Republic

Ankara State Opera and Ballet Orchestra

AIDA

Opera

15 June 2013, Saturday

Ankara State Opera and Ballet

RIGOLETTO

Opera

19 June 2013, Wednesday

İstanbul State Opera and Ballet

SWAN LAKE

Ballet

22 June 2013, Saturday

Mersin State Opera and Ballet

CARMEN

Opera

All the Performances start at 21.00 hrs.

http://www.aspendosfestival.gov.tr/index_e.html

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Piri Reis Maps Exhibition Opened

Within the framework of the UNESCO's celebrations for 500th anniversary of Piri Reis's map of the world, the "Piri Reis Maps" exhibition will be held in Erdem Bayazit Cultural Center. It will be open until March 29. 

Piri Reis was an Ottoman admiral, geographer and cartographer born between 1465 and 1470. He is primarily known today for his maps and charts collected in his Kitab-ı Bahriye (Book of Navigation), a book that contains detailed information on navigation, as well as very accurate charts (for its time) describing the important ports and cities of the Mediterranean Sea. He gained fame as a cartographer when a small part of his first world map (prepared in 1513).

In the exhibition, there are 7 Antalya maps, and 31 maps from Kitab-ı Bahriye (Book of Navigation) which were drawn by the Ottoman admiral and cartographer Piri Reis. 

The opening of the exhibition is attended by the Deputy Governor of Antalya Recep Yüksel, Kepez Mayor Hakan Tütüncü, Antalya Promotion Foundation (Atav) President Nizamettin Sen, Antalya Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Ibrahim Acar with a large number of guests.

Where is Erdem Bayazit Cultural Center?

Erdem Bayazit Cultural Center is at Sakarya Boulevard in Kepez in Antalya.

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Antalya Convention Bureau's Fam Trip

With the support of Culture and Tourism Ministry General Directorate of Promotion, Antalya Convention Bureau (ACB), the West Mediterranean Development Agency (BAKA), the Antalya Promotion Foundation (ATAV), Turkish Airlines (THY), hosted the delegation consisting of representatives of Russian newspapers and radio about congress tourism in Antalya between 11 to 15 March 2013.

In this 4-day program, introduction to the historical and natural beauties of Antalya and congress centers was targeted. The Russian delegation visited tourist facilities for the examination of congress tourism.

Accompanied by an extensive program of Russian guests, Antalya Museum, Perge, Side, Aspendos archaeological sites were introduced.

During the program, with the support of Su Hotel, Cornelia Hotels, Gloria Hotels, Sena Transportation, Olympos Cable Car, ICF Airport, Anadolu Park Restaurant, Harem Cruise, Limak Limra Hotel, and Odeon Tours, and ANFAŞ, a successful  Fam Trip (promotional trip) of Antalya Convention Bureau performed.

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Local Culture in Antalya: Turkish Nomads (Yörük Turcoman)

Most Turkish nomads share the same housing the special tents called as yurt. Nomadic lifestlye today can also be found among the Altays, the semi-nomadic Yakut Sakha people, the Karakalpaks, the Turkmens - Turkish people and the Uzbeks. Today many of these people have settled down in modern homes.

Nomadic culture was very strong in Turkey, but today some Turks are still nomadic. People call them as Yörüks or Yörük Turcoman.

Many nomadic Turks own sheep, goats, horses, cattle, and camels. They move from place to place to find grazing fields for their animals.

How Turkish Nomads came to Antalya and settled?

One hundred years is not long time when we look the history of humanity.

However, there are some states, empires or leaders that they do many important things in one hundred years and the things that they did may influence today`s world. Seljuks was one of them. They were  Turkic nomad warriors and moved to the Middle East from the Central Asia and they did many important things in the region which affected the Middle Eastern history and the world history. 

When the Seljuks conquered Anatolia, Turkic people began to move from east of the Caspian Sea to Anatolia. And some of these people moved to Antalya when Antalya was conquered in 1207 by Seljuks.

The Siege of Antalya and the Role of Turkish Nomads

Turkish Nomads had very important role in the siege of Attalia in 1207 was the successful Turkic capture of the city of Attalia (today Antalya,Turkey). The capture of port gave the Turks another path into the Mediterranean although it would be another 100 years before the Turks made any serious attempts into the sea. Since 1207 Antalya belongs to the Turks. 

Today's Turkish Nomads

Settlement policy of Turkish Nomads started in the last period of the Ottoman Empire, and lasted until the 1970s. Today many of these people have settled down in modern homes.

A Small Yörük Museum

Nomadic lifestlye today can also be found among some Turks. But for the most, the semi-nomadic life continues in Antalya. Because people in Antalya go to their homes in the cool highlands of Antalya in the Summer, and they return Antalya in Autumn.

Eating Gözleme

Today you can see the effects of the nomadic culture all over Antalya. In Yörük's tent cafes where you can eat pancakes (gözleme) and drink ayran. You can visit horse, goat and camel farms, or Yörük museums.

When you ask every local person in Antalya, will describe themselves as yörük nomads.

Lastly, if you visit Antalya, you should try to taste local culture in Antalya. Yörüks will welcome you. 

Don't forget that Antalya is not only about sun and sea holiday


Some Photos about Yörüks:

Inside of the Yörük Tent

Making Gözleme

Still Nomadic

Traditional Yörük

Modern Yörük Tent

For More Photos, visit Turkic Family Photo Blog:

http://turkicfamily.blogspot.com/

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Antalya's Pride: 1207 AntalyaSpor Women's Football Team

1207 Antalya Sport Club was formed in 2007 with the merger of Kırkgözspor and Antalyaspor's women's soccer teams. The team's colors are red and white. 

It is the only women's football team of Antalya. They play in The Turkish Women's Second Football League.  

1207 Antalya Spor Women's Football team plays games in DSI Facilities Central Field. The President of the team is Suleyman Turk, and Sports Director is Huseyin Turk.

Squad of 1207 AntalyaSpor

• Büşra Demirörs,
• Sevdişan Ünlü,
• Efsane Düzparmak, 
• Berfin Çelik, 
• Serap Kanmaz,
• Cansu Şefika Altındal,
• Gizem Başkaya, 
• Ezgi Selin Genç, 
• Gizem Şen, 
• Nur Şanlıtürk, 
• Bahar Güvenç, 
• Serenay Aktaş, 
• Eda Nur Erkan, 
• Derya Solak, 
• Esra Güler, 
• Gamze Bilir, 
• Özge Damatlar, 
• Ayşenur Büyükciğer,
• Ayşe Kaçar

The nickname of the team is Nail Varnish Crampons (Ojeli Kramponlar). 

Serenay Aktaş

There is also a famous model and actress in the team who is Serenay Aktaş. She had a role in The Magnificent Century (Muhteşem Yüzyıl) TV Series in Turkey.

They are the most successful club in the Mediterranean region of Turkey's women's football. 

Why 1207?

1207 is The siege of Antalya. The siege of Antalya in 1207 was the successful Turkic capture of the city of Antalya from Empire of Nicaea (the Byzantine Empire). 

Since 1207 Antalya belongs to the Turks. That's why the team's name is 1207 Antalya Sport Club.

1207 AntalyaSpor Women's Football Team is Antalya's Pride. We believe that our team will be the champion this year.  Congratulations to 1207 Antalya Spor!!!

For More Information: http://www.1207antalyaspor.org.tr

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