Antalya

Antalya is a beautiful coastal city located in the southwestern part of halal friendly Turkey. It is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. The city of Antalya is situated on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by beaches, majestic mountains, and lush green forests. Its natural beauty, combined with its warm climate, makes it an ideal halal destination for those seeking an idyllic beach holiday or an adventurous outdoor experience.

Antalya is also a popular destination for Muslim travellers due to its Muslim friendly environment. The city has many mosques, halal restaurants, and Islamic heritage sites. The local population is predominantly Muslim, and the city is respectful of Islamic customs and traditions. In addition, Antalya has a large number of Muslim tourists, and as a result, many hotels and resorts offer halal food options, prayer facilities, and other amenities that cater to the needs of Muslim travellers.

Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, the city has been inhabited by various civilizations throughout history, including the Hittites, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, all of which have left their mark on the city’s architecture and culture. One of Antalya’s most famous historical sites is the picturesque old town called Kaleici, which is home to charming cobblestone streets, ancient ruins, and traditional Turkish architecture. This charming quarter offers ancient ruins and historical buildings, such as Hadrian’s Gate, the Hidirlik Tower, and the Yivli Minaret Mosque. Visitors can also explore the narrow streets of the Old Town, which are lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering a taste of traditional Turkish halal cuisine.

In addition to its natural beauty and historical sites, Antalya is also renowned for its vibrant shopping and entertainment. Those visiting can explore the city’s many shopping districts, such as the Antalya Bazaar and the TerraCity shopping centre, where they can find various local and international brands. A perfect destination for those seeking adventure, history, culture, and relaxation, Muslim families and travellers of all ages will find plenty to keep them occupied during their stay.

Must See

Locatwd on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, Antalya is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sea, and history. Here are some of the must-do activities and must-see attractions when visiting Antalya.

Visit the Old Town: Antalya’s Old Town, known as Kaleici, is a charming, historic neighbourhood. Kaleici, which means “inside the castle,” dates back to the Roman era and is home to a maze of narrow streets, colourful Ottoman-era houses, ancient ruins, and picturesque courtyards. The area has been well-preserved and restored in recent years, and it is now a popular destination for visitors who want to experience the city’s rich history and culture. In addition, visitors can explore the ancient city walls, the Hadrian’s Gate, and the Yivli Minaret Mosque and browse the souvenir shops and art galleries.

Take a cable car to Mount Tahtali: Mount Tahtali, located in the Taurus Mountains, is the highest peak in Antalya. Muslim families and travellers can take a cable car from the beach resort of Kemer to the top of the mountain, which offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast and the surrounding mountains.

Visit the Duden Waterfalls: The Duden Waterfalls, located just outside Antalya, are a natural wonder not to be missed. Those looking to explore nature at its best on their halal holiday can explore the upper falls, which are located in a park and can be accessed by foot, or take a boat tour to the lower falls, which cascade into the Mediterranean Sea.

Explore the Antalya Museum: The Antalya Museum, also known as the Antalya Archaeological Museum, is one of Turkey’s largest and most important museums, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage and history. The museum is located in Konyaalti, a district of Antalya, and its exhibits cover the prehistoric period to the Ottoman era. The museum’s collection includes over 13,000 artifacts, with exhibits arranged chronologically and thematically.

Here you’ll find ancient artifacts, Roman statues, and Islamic art, something you’ll definitely want to explore.

Antalya’s beaches: Antalya is renowned for its beautiful beaches, and visitors can choose from a range of options depending on their preferences. Konyaalti Beach, located to the west of the city, is a long, pebbly beach that is popular with Muslim families. Lara Beach, located east of the city, is a long sandy beach known for its crystal-clear waters. For a more secluded experience, visitors can head to Olympos Beach, located in a national park and accessible by boat.

Cuisine

Finding halal cuisine in Antalya is relatively easy. The majority of the restaurants in the city serve halal food, and the city also has several halal-certified restaurants. Antalya’s halal cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Turkish influences, making it a gastronomic delight for visitors. In addition, the city’s location on the Mediterranean coast provides a wide variety of fresh seafood. At the same time, the fertile soils in the surrounding areas yield an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables.

One of the most popular dishes in Antalya is pide, a type of Turkish flatbread baked in a wood-fired oven and topped with cheese, vegetables, and meat. Pide is commonly served in many of the city’s local restaurants and is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Another popular dish in Antalya is Kebab, a Turkish-style grilled meat dish served with rice, vegetables, and often with a side of yogurt. Antalya’s Kebabs are known for their succulent flavour and are a must-try for visitors.

Seafood is also a significant part of Antalya’s cuisine, with a variety of fresh fish and shellfish available in the city’s restaurants. Grilled octopus, stuffed mussels, and shrimp dishes are just a few of the popular seafood specialties in Antalya. For those looking for vegetarian or vegan options, Antalya has several restaurants that offer plant-based cuisine. Many of the vegetarian and vegan dishes are made with fresh local produce, making them both healthy and delicious.

For Muslim families travelling with younger ones, Antalya is renowned for its sweet treats, with a wide range of desserts and pastries available. Baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of filo pastry and honey syrup, is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Turkish Delight, a sugary treat made with starch and flavoured with fruits, nuts, or spices, is also a popular souvenir for visitors to take home.

Islam

Antalya offers a diverse Muslim community, with a mix of Sunni and Alevi Muslims. Sunni Muslims make up the majority of the Muslim population and practice their faith in mosques, while Alevi Muslims have their own unique traditions and practices that differ from Sunni Islam.

With Islam being the predominant religion in Antalya, it won’t come as a surprise that the city has a rich Islamic heritage that is reflected in its architecture, culture, and daily life.

The city has several mosques and historical sites open to Muslim travellers, such as the historic Kesik Minaret Mosque and the Yivli Minaret Mosque, known for its unique architecture and stunning tilework that dates back to the 13th century. Other notable mosques in the city include the Hadrian’s Gate Mosque, the Murat Pasa Mosque, and the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque. With the Islamic heritage being an integral part of the city’s cultural identity, Muslim visitors can experience the richness of Islamic culture and tradition through its many landmarks and events.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims in Antalya observe the fast from dawn until dusk, and the city’s mosques hold special prayers and events throughout the month. Visitors can also experience the festive atmosphere of Ramadan in Antalya by attending iftar dinners, which are communal meals held after sunset to break the fast.

Islamic values are also reflected in the daily life of Antalya’s residents, with many restaurants and hotels offering halal options for Muslim guests. The city also has several Islamic organizations and institutions that cater to the needs of the local Muslim community, such as the Antalya Islamic Center.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Antalya is spring and autumn, from April to June and September to November. During these seasons, the weather is warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and beach activities.

The city is in full bloom in the spring, and the surrounding landscapes are lush and green. The temperatures are mild, and the crowds are smaller, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s historical sites and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

Autumn is also a great time to visit Antalya, as the weather is still warm, and the summer crowds have thinned out. As a result, visitors can enjoy the city’s beaches, go hiking, and explore cultural attractions without having to contend with large groups.

The summer months from July to August are the peak tourist season in Antalya, and the temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. While this time of year is perfect for beach activities, it can be challenging for outdoor sightseeing and activities due to the high temperatures and large crowds. Therefore, if you do decide to visit Antalya during the summer, plan your activities for the early morning or late afternoon and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.

The winter months in Antalya, from December to February, are typically mild but can be rainy. As a result, while the city’s attractions and natural beauty are still present, many of the beachside restaurants and cafes may be closed during this time.