Castaballa ( Adana)

Adana Archeological Museum

This region was much fought over during the Crusades and the impressive fortress at Toprakkale was for a time held by the Christian armies. Further back in history, Alexander the Great defeated Darius III and the Persian army in 333 B.C. at the Plain of Issos (Dortyol). Today this area is covered with large citrus groves which supply Turkey with oranges, tangerines and lemons. At Yakacik (Payas), off the highway that outlines the coast of the Gulf of Iskenderun, the splendid 16th century Sokullu Mehmet Pasa Complex includes a mosque, bath bazaar, caravanserai and medrese. Other monuments include  the Cinkulesi (Tower of Jinns) and a castle.

Iskenderun, formerly Alexandretta, was founded by Alexander the Great after his victory over the Persians on the Plain of Issos. Today it is a busy commercial center and port with a fine harbor. Excellent hotels, restaurants and cafes line the sea front surrounded by parks and palm trees. The culinary speciality of Iskenderun is delicious prawns. Gourmets should also try kunefe, a hot dessert of sweetened shredded wheat filled with melted cheese and humus, an appetizer of pureed chickpeas, garlic and paprika. Good souvenirs include hand carved wooden tables and chairs and other objects of wood.

On the coast south of Iskenderun, the holiday town of Ulucinar (Arsuz) has good beaches, hotels, guest houses and restaurants.

On the way to Antakya, off the main road, is the mountain resort of Sogukoluk where you can retreat in the summer from the blazing sun. After you cross the Belen Pass, stop at Bagras Castle, held  at various times by the Byzantines, mamluks and Crusaders.
 

St.Peter's Church

Sokullu MehmetPasa Complex Payas (Iskenderun)

Antakya, the biblical city of Antioch, lies on the Asi River (Orontes) on a fertile plain surrounded by grand mountains. Once the capital of the Seleucid kings, it was notorious for its wealth and luxury. In Roman times, the city continued to thrive with commerce and culture. It featured prominently in early Chiristianity and St.Barnabas, St.Paul and St.Peter all visited the city.

The Antakya Museum houses one of the richest collections of Roman mosaic in the world, (Open weekdays except Monday). These fantastic mosaics in stone were uncovered mostly at excavations in Antakya and nearby Daphne. Outside the town, the Grotto of St.Peter is the cave church from which the apostle preached for the first time and where he established the Christian community. In 1983 the church was declared a holy site by the Vatican. Other places of interest include a bustling bazaar and the Mosque of Habib Neccar.
 

Tunel of Titus (Antakya)

Anavarza Mosaics (Adana)

South of the grotto, the Iron Gate was one of the actual entrances of biblical Antioch. Strolling through the old part of town, you cannot help recalling that St.Paul, St Peter, St.Barnabas and other saints walked these streets, for little has changed since that time. The Castle of Antioch, set high above the city, offers a magnificent view over the city and the plain.
 

Antakya, Mosaic Museum

South of Antakya is Harbiye, the ancient Daphne, where, according to mythology, Apollo tried to make the wood nymph, Daphne, his lover. To escape him, she changed into a laurel tree. The city was a luxurious suburb in Roman times.Covered with orchards, gardens, laurel trees and waterfalls, this is an excellent place for a good meal.

Samandag 25km. from Antakya, is a resort town with a pristine beach. Seleucia Peria (Cevlik), north of town, was founded around 300 B.C and by the time St.Paul and St.Barnabas made their first missionary journey here it was a busy port. The most interesting monument to see is the Tunnel of Titus, built to divert rain water. Even by today's standarts it is a tremendous engineering achievement. You should drive to Kapisuyu village for the spectacular panorama from the Zeus Temple of the ancient harbor, sandy beach and fertile plain.

Two roads lead from Antakya to Syria:the one to the east and Aleppo passes through the frontier town of Reyhanli; the one to the south goes through Yayladag towards Lazkiye, Tripoli and Beirut.