"The Open-Air Museum, Turkey, A Whole Country To Discover"

Welcome to the charming country that bridges the two great continents which, throughout the centuries, sheltered the oldest and greatest cultures and civilizations of the world. The ancients called it Asia Minor-that land mass procuring from the depths of Asia into the eastern mediterranean, defined by the Black Sea to the North, the Aegean to the West and to the South. Anatolia was also nucleus of the 1000 year Byzantine Empire, with its capital established at Constantinople, and it was here, too, that early Christianity first took root, only to be replaced with the advent of Islam, first under the Arabs, and then under the Seljuk and Ottoman Turks, who pushed the frontiers of their empire from the Persian Gulf to the Atlantic and from the Indian Ocean to Vienna.

With approximately three hundred sunny days in a year and its enormous coasts of eight thousand kilometers, Turkey displays the various charming derivatives of the blue. Golden beaches, undiscovered virgin small bays and pleasant, refreshing winds are all waiting for you in this paradise country. Whether you are fond of or interested in nature, history, art, or archeology; during your stay in Turkey you will feel the happiness beyond all desires and hopes.Turkey is the sixteenth country in the world among the most visited countries with over twelve million tourists hosted in a year.Approximately 75% of meeting goers worldwide take advantage of pre-and post meeting tour offers.

Tourism is highly developed in Turkey where the main problem for meeting organizers is how to select their packages from among the tremendous variety of destinations and attractions. All this and much more awaits you in Turkey, home to a hospitable people who regard the visitor as a guest from God-Someone to be made comfortable and welcome. That individual visitor can be you or one of a thousand convention delegates.

Located on the south coast of Turkey, lying in the western region of the Mediterranean, Antalya covering all of Pamphylia (meaning "the land of all tribes") in ancient times. This area really did earn this name due to its witnessing many successive occupying civilizations throughout history. The city itself was founded in the 1st century BC by the Pergamum King Attalus, who gave it the name'' Attaleia'' and made it the capital of Pomphylia when the Romans took over the Pergamene Kingdom in 133. Attaleia became an outstanding Roman city which the great Roman Emperor Hadrian visited in 130 AD, at which time a gate was built in his honour and can still be seen today. The Byzantines followed the Romans, a period which also saw the city and area grow and strengthen, until in 1207 it was taken by the Seljuks under Sultan KeyHusrev- I, who changed its name to" Adalya" and made it the winter capital. The Ottomans incorporated it in the Ottoman Empire before it became what it is today, an important port and touristic area, at the time of the founding of the Turkish Republic.

Antalya"Turkish Riviera" assumes its name with its numerous archeological traces and natural beauties. Unique harmony of the sparkling sea,sun, mysteries of an important history and nature make Antalya a tranquil retreat of heaven with the most beautiful and clear coast lines. Because of the archeological and natural riches of the area, Antalya is called the Turkish Riviera. The sea and sun, nature and history all come together in magical harmony here where the best and cleanest beaches on the Mediterranean are found. The 630 km shoreline of the province is literally strewn with ancient cities and harbors, memorial tombs and golden beaches and it is laced with charming little coves, lush forests and streams.

With its palm-lined boulevards, its internationally acclaimed marina and the charming castle with its traditional architecture set amidst the bustle of a modern city, Antalya is center of tourism in Turkey. Antalya hosts are wide range of sporting events: International Beach Volleyball, the Triathlon, Golf Tournaments, Archery, Tennis, Canoeing competitions and many more. The Cultural Center of Antalya, which opened in 1995 host cultural and art events like plastic art, music, theater and a number of exhibitions.

There are many direct and non-stop flights from all major cities around the world. Antalya International Airport with an excellent status and location having international standards, is at a 10 km. distance from the downtown of Antalya.