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Kalkan 'History of Kalkan'
There is no specific data on when Kalkan was founded, but one of the legends which is most widely accepted is that a woman from the Island of Meis came with a boatload of goods which she tried to sell to the villagers around the Kalkan area. Her venture was successful and other tradesmen from Meis followed her example and actually moved to Kalkan about 150 to 200 years ago, thus making Kalkan a small trading coastal post. The original settlers were of both Greek and Turkish origin and were subjects of the Ottoman Empire. It is interesting to note that the architectural style of the Kalkan resembles that of the houses in Meis (Castellorizo), which incidentally until the early part of the twentieth century was considered to be the sponge capital of the world. Very quickly, within a period of 25 years, Kalkan grew to its present size and became a successful community. The rapid growth of Kalkan can in all likelihood be attributed to the fact that Kalkan has the only hospitable harbor between Kaş and Fethiye.
Because of the mixed population, (Ottoman subjects of Greek and Turkish origin) people started to call the village "Kalamaki" and it is thought that this name was derived from the Greek word "kalamari (squid)" which were plentiful in the surrounding sea. Also within its history Kalkan has been known as which is Turkish for port/quay/jetty.
Also, it is often a surprise for people to learn that there was a thriving charcoal making industry throughout the area and especially in Kalkan. Another rather amazing product of the area was silk and as you walk around Kalkan today, you will spot several mulberry trees. In addition, to the exportation of charcoal and silk cocoons, you had bales of cotton, olive oil (again manufactured in Kalkan as it is today), grain, sesame seed, flour from the local mills, grapes, wine from the Kalkan winery, acorns used in dye fabrication as well as lumber from the cedar and pine forests.
Perhaps, within the context of tourism, it should be mentioned that since the early times the wealthy residents of Kalkan have departed to their summer homes in the mountain village of Bezirgan and transhumance still continues today. Akın Oension was the first pension to appear and was quickly followed by other early entrepreneurs like the famous former Turkish rock star Erkut Taçkın (Pasha’s Inn and Lipsos) and Tiraje hanım (Balıkçı Han and the Han). Tourism in general was greatly enhanced in 1984 when the road connecting Kalkan with Fethiye was asphalted.
Patara & xantos Xanthos It was the capital city
of the Lycian Union beginning in 168 BC. In the Lycian language, it is
referred to as Arna or Arnna. Ancient historians report that the Creton
hero, Sarpedon founded Xanthos. Findings from the acropolis indicate
that the city’s history extends to the 8th century BC. The city was a
proud sample of Lycian resistance during the siege by Harpagos of the
Persians in 545 BC, but failed to prevent its capture. After being
conquered by Alexander the Great , it was ruled by Seleucids and Romans.
The city saw its greatest development under the Romans who practically
rebuilt the whole cityin 42 BC after the destruction caused by Brutus.
It was then an Imperial Province togather with Pamphylia until it
temporarily gained independence under Nero. In 73-74 AD it again was
annexed into the Province of Lycia – Pamphylia. Patara Patara village, 3.5 km (2.2 miles) south of the coastal highway, is well-suited to low-budget travelers with numerous little pensions and simple hotels charging about US$25 or less for double rooms. Patara beach is 20 km (12 miles) long, 50 meters/yards wide, and never crowded, because the small village inland from the beach has only a few hundred tourist beds. The ruins of ancient Patara are just inland from the beach, and no big hotels can be built in an archeological zone, so the beach should be protected from heavy development. If the beach has one drawback, it's that there are few trees and thus little shade, so be prepared for a day of sun. The Patara ruins are interesting: a sand-swept theater, a triple-arched triumphal gate, a necropolis (cemetery) with Lycian tombs, a ruined basilica and a public bath, among others.
Saklıkent
'Canyon, Ulupınar, Tlos, Yakapark'
Take the main road to Fethiye, turn right at the sign Saklıkent in the village of Alaçat, 45 km. from Kalkan. Turn South at the T, always following Saklıkent signs. 12 km. after leaving the main road to Fethiye, you must turn right continue for 3 more kilometers. You will then arrive at a large stream with a narrow bridge crossing it. The entrance of the canyon is under the bridge. The narrow foot path suspended from the rock wall is spectacular. The small island surrounded by cascading water is pleasant place to taste the local trout. We also recommend crossing the bridge to discover another source of the Xanthus river, Ulupınar, 1 km. further east. There is a restaurant hidden by lush vegetation. The canyon itself could present a very interesting trekking expedition, since it climbs north for 12 km. From about 100 m. (at its entrance) to 800 m altitude. The water temperature at these sources is 10°C in summer. You may also visit two caves in the valley although difficult to reach. After lunch, return to the road junction (3 km.) and proceed to the right, you will cross Kayadibi village (4 km.). Stop and ask for Yakapark since it is rather difficult to find (11 km. from the canyon junction). You will end up in a large trout farm under magnificent oak trees. The restaurant surrounded by mini waterfalls, serves traditional Turkish lamb kebab and of course trout. You can also have your afternoon tea in the coolness of a 520 m. altitude. Tlos, one of the six most important cities of Lycian Confederation, is only 4 km. to the southwest. The rocky peak around which the city was founded is dotted by Lycian, Roman and Byzantine ruins. An Ottoman feudal lord’s castle (Kanlı Ali Ağa) sits on the top of the promontory with a spectacular 360° view of the Xanthus Valley. The stadium, the Roman baths and gymnasium, the Byzantine basilica, the theater which has 34 rows of seats and the agora are the most important ruins of the city. Nevertheless, the necropolis with its carved house and temple type tombs are the most interesting remains. The best known tomb is the Tomb of Bellerophon where Bellerophon mounted on Pegasus is seen fighting the three headed Chimera. Kalkan is 50 km. away following the same road.
Fethiye market
Kaş
KAS Kas was one of the most important cities of Lycia, and is now a small resort with great historical interest. Its quaint town centre has a rocky waterfront, with good beaches nearby. There are watersports available in the area, like canoeing, jet-skiing, diving and paragliding, plus cavern diving, which uses technical equipment to explore the deep and dark caverns. For those who love travelling on the water, the Mavi Yolculuk (Blue Voyage) tours, and other excursions on boats, can be made to the surrounding islands. The most important
historical remains of the ancient city are the carved rock tombs to the
north and the sarcophagi scattered all around the city. The most
impressive sarcophagus , called Kral Mezari ( King’s Tomb) by the locals,
is located on the street called Uzuncarsi Caddesi.It dates from the 4th
century B.C and is carved from a single block with eight lines of script
in the Lycian language.The inscription has not been deciphered to date.The
lid of the sarcophagus contains four lion heads, two on each side.
Antiphellos, which once was a member of the Lycian League, is known to have gained reputation and importance as a port town during the Hellenistic period, sustaining its significance as one of the leading towns during the Roman period as well. Today's Kas is a coastal town of the Lycians. "Phellos" is the Greek word for "stony place" and this name is very well suited to Kas. Its well preserved rock tombs and theater are well worth seeing. Kas today is a small and charming coastal resort where many sailing boats anchor in its small marina.
Myra & kekova
Kekova and Simena
KekovaKekova Island and the town of Kale nearby Antalya make an idyllic daytrip for the traveler looking for a combination of sunshine, swimming and fascinating historic ruins. Many operators run trips from Kas but the journey is much shorter from Cayagzi, the harbor of Demre. Along the stony coastline the boatman may stop at a cave, or point out the occasional goat or the smoldering pyramids of wood used by peasants to make charcoal, the product may sit in plastic sacks at the water's edge, waiting to be taken away. Along the edge of the island facing the mainland lie the fascinating half-submerged remains of a Lycian sunken city, and probably from Byzantine times later on. Signs warn against skin-diving, so you can not swim here because many foreigners in the past took a piece of ancient relics with them as a souvenir. The boatman will allow the passengers on board off for a swim further to the west, where the remains of a Byzantine chapel stand on the beach and where further sunken remains can be explored at ease by the swimmer with mask and snorkel. A fascinating Lycian necropolis, with chest-type tombs spread out along the coastline, lies at Teimiussa, near the present-day Ucagiz on the mainland across from Kekova. This can also be reached by track from the main road between Kas and Demre, where it is signposted. The boat-tripper may be content with a sea-born view and pass to Kale, the ancient Simena, which sits nearby below the crenellated ramparts of an earlier hilltop Roman castle. The castle houses a small theater, cut into the rock, for just about 300 people, a sign that this was a minor settlement in Roman times. Down in the harbor the turquoise sea laps at waterside restaurants offering good Turkish food including locally caught fish. A lone Lycian sarcophagus standing in a few centimeters of water at the western side lures visitors to pose beside it for photographs. Today Kekova is a very popular anchorage for sailors who enjoy the history together with the nature. Simena (Kale)From inscriptions that have been found, we know that the history of the ancient city of Simena goes back to the 4th century B.C. If we go ashore via the jetty next to the sarcophagus on the seashore and climb the hill behind the houses, we reach the castle of Simena. This castle was used during the Middle Ages by the Byzantines. In the medieval walls of the inner keep are a few blocks of all that remains of ancient temple. Inside the castle is a small natural theater carved into the rock. This is the smallest of theaters among the cities of Lycia. West of the theater there are rock tombs here and there. Above the rock tombs is a Roman wall built of dressed stone and located on the wall are late-period embrasures thus giving one a glimpse of three eras simultaneously. On the shore are the ruins of public baths whose inscription is still legible and reads "A gift to the emperor Titus made by the people and council of Aperlai as well as by the other cities of the confederation." Looking from the castle towards Ucagiz it becomes clear how beautiful and safe a natural harbor this really is. Simena (or Kaleköy, its present-day name) is only a temporary shelter however. The actual shelter for yachts is Teimiussa (Ucagiz), a landlocked bay surrounded by green hills. There is a road overland that leads here. The ruins of the ancient city of Teimiussa are located here. Very little is known about the history of the city however. One inscription indicates that its history goes back to the 4th century B.C. One sees mostly the ruins of a necropolis here and no city walls or other major structures have been encountered. The oldest sarcophagus is from the 4th century B.C. and is shaped like a house. Over it is the nude portrait of a young man. The inscription tells us that it belongs to "Kluwanimiye". The work is Roman and a later addition to the sarcophagus. One may reach Kekova overland from Demre Cayagzi as well as in boats that you can rent at Kas. After leaving Kekova you pass Kisneli Island and Asirli Island and come to Gökkaya harbor. Gökkaya is a beautiful bay and a fine harbor. On the way is a big sea cave that was used at one time by pirates. From here one comes to Cayagzi (Demre), also called Kokar bay, alongside of which are the ruins of Andreake. From here, one may take a car to Myra, the city of St. Nicholas, which is quite close. This is also a place from which one may visit other Lycian cities as Isinda at Belenli, Apollonia at Kilincli, Istlada at Kapakli, Kyaenai at Yavu, and Trysa and Sura at Gölbasi. The area is also filled with thousands of Lycian sarcophagi lying everywhere.
Bezirgan
'Bezirgan'
A different world. The village of Bezirgan comfortably nesting on an ancient mountain lake bed 17 km. away from Kalkan has long been the traditional summer home for local residents seeking respite from the unrelenting summer heat and a day spent exploring this authentic Turkish village, untouched by tourism, is a MUST. The spectacular drive following the road ascending high above Kalkan affords wonderful views of the sparkling Mediterranean, the rugged depths of Kaputaş Gorge and a surprising change of vegetation as the altitude increases before the final incline is crested revealing the sprawling, verdant beauty of the village. Bezirgan is indeed a land of milk and honey, fruitful orchards, fields yielding crops of grain and chickpeas and the summer grazing land of contented sheep and goats. Visitors arriving at this perfect spot will want to absorb the atmosphere and watch the workings of a way of life that reaches back to distant times. A tour of the village is a popular choice and the preferred mode of transport is usually astride one of the many horses or mules that are led by their handlers along the village lanes but it should be noted that almost the same route may be covered in the comfort of a vehicle or on foot. Refreshed by a glass of tea sipped outside the old school our adventure starts with an introduction to the peculiarities of the Turkish saddle and sure knowledge that any previous riding experience will be of little help from now on! There is so much to be seen, and photographed, passing by the village houses and gardens. Keep your eyes open and you may, depending on the season, may see animals shorn, raw wool processed, grain winnowed, fruit and laid out to dry for winter use and perhaps even a glimpse of a family festivity. More tea will be enjoyed, during a stop at the village green, before the cavalcade reaches an ancient Ottoman cemetery and an area which is unexcavated archeological site predating the Christian Era. For many the highlight of the day is being seated on plump cushions in the leafy shade of a peaceful garden with time to enjoy the splendor of encircling mountains, the muted country sounds and, of course, savoring the delights of the typical meal graciously served by our host and his family. Replete with good food one can doze or, if more energetically inclined, stroll around the neighborhood with the expectation of being invited into drink yet another glass of çay (tea). Always there are feelings of sadness when the farewells are said and homeward trek begins but fortunately the return journey via an alternative route has its own special attractions which come in the form of a visit to an ornately sculpted Lycian house rock tomb, the working under shot water mill and adjacent mosque in İslamlarköy. The return to Kalkan will be in the late afternoon but it will be on many occasions thereafter you will reflect on the day spent in Bezirgan that different wonderful world.
İslamlar& trout farm
A sleepy hamlet in
the Taurus mountains behind Kalkan, Islamlar is a haven of traditional
Turkish life, with spectacular views and a number of surprisingly good
restaurants in a rustic setting that feels far removed from the nearby
coast.
Boat trip & diving
'Boat Trips'
One of the best ways of getting to know Kalkan and surrounding area is to take a boat trip. Small and medium size boats leave Kalkan harbor at approximately 10 a.m. each morning and return in the late afternoon. Private boat parties may be arranged and the price will, of course, vary depending upon the number of passengers and the size of boat needed. "Moonlight" cruises can be arranged upon request and these are especially romantic during the full moon. It is advisable to book all trips in advance to ensure that the boat of your choice is waiting for you the following day. Most boatmen will provide a light lunch and again upon request (preferably during the early evening of the previous day) a barbecue can be cooked on a distant shore by the crew. Frequently your captain or a member of the crew wil take a harpoon and go fishing on your behalf and an already special day may have added treat of fresh caught fish added to the menu. Usually the day begins with the longest non-stop part of the journey, about 4.5 kilometers to the East, to Güvercinlik and Güvercinini caves around the Iğne Ada Burnu. The deepest point of the entire Mediterranean, where depth plunges to several thousand meters, is one and a half kilometers away. These caves can only be visited by swimmers. The second stop is at small but wonderful Kaputaş beach. The Blue Cave is the next port of call. It is possible for a very small boat to enter this cave but this is not recommended since the best way to appreciate the incredible color effects is to swim in or better still, dive and swim underwater. Your boat will return, journeying West, via Sidek Island. Some of the boat anchor for a swim break between Sıçan (rat) and Yılan (snake) Islands which are uninhabited and named for their shape. These are the islands which can be seen from Kalkan. You will then proceed to Gerenlik Bay on the western shore of Kalkan Bay. This bay has a very fine sand beach an inaccessible by road. If a barbecue is planned, it may be cooked at this location but a better spot is Pinara Kürü which has a fresh water supply and is a little closer to Kalkan. Although there is no sandy beach at Pinar Kürü, there is plenty of shade offered by the huge trees which is a bonus not to be overlooked in the hot summer months. The final stop is Firnaz Bay and this large natural harbor provides a haven for sailors seeking protection from the strong breezes. Afternoon tea and biscuits may be enjoyed before or after last a swim and Kalkan is in easy reach, only twenty minutes away. Frenk Limanı (French Cove), on the eastern shore of Kalkan Bay, is also a very pleasant place for a swim stop and it is often included on the itinerary. In addition to your fishing and swimming gear, which should include a pair of paddling shoes, make sure that you have your camera and binoculars because dolphins are often sighted in the bay.
arycanda The site of the ancient settlement is to be found near a small hamlet called Aykýrýçay, part of the settlement of Arif, on the road from Elmalý to Finike, Arykanda was invaded by the Persians in the 5th century B.C., and was annexed by Alexander the Great in 333 B.C. it remained under the rule of the Ptolemaios dynasty on his death, and was then taken by the Seleucids. It was annexed to Rhodes during the Apemaia pact, and formed an independent confederation together with the other cities of Lycia, minting coins as a member of the confederation. The confederation lasted unti143 AD., when it was disbanded by the Emperor Claudius and Arykanda was annexed to Rome, along with the rest of the region. It survived during the Byzantine era, when it became known as Akalan, until the 9th century AD., when the settlement moved to a new site south of the modem road. The site is extensive, stretching from the source of the aykýrýçay spring to the slopes of þahinkaya, where it rise in terraces, closely-packed against the rock face. On the uppermost terrace can be seen a stadium, with one face. On the uppermost from this stadium to the terrace below, which contains a well-preserved theatre, a small structure the auditi orium Qf which rests on the natural slope of the hill. This building dates to the 2nd century AD. Greek inscription friezes can be seen lining the top two terraces of the twenty row auditorium. On the terrace below rests the odeon of Arykanda, which was uncovered during excavations led by the Turkish archaeologist , Professor Cevdet Bayburtluoðlu in 1978. The main entrance to the odeon is to the south, though a triple portal. The interior was lined with orthosats and was apparantly revetted polychrome marble. A frieze over the portal bears a portrait of the Emperor Hadrian flanked by cartouches bearing masks and heads of deities in relief. One of the two portals to the rear of the odeon, to the east of the building opens onto the inclining road leading to the terrace wall of the theatre. The other portal, to the west, opens onto the stepped way leading around the agora of the town. The ode on portico, which measures 75mx8m. is decorated with mosaic some of the shops on the eastern face of the agora can , still be seen, and on the site lies the remains of what was once the agora shrine, amidst a cluster of trees. To the west of the theatre and the agora stands the bouleuterion, or council chamber, the tribunes of which are carved out of the rock face. A long stoa stretches beyond the front of this structure. Between the bouleuterion and the agora can be found a small ruined bath and fountain, and the remains of a larger fountain are to be seen below the agora. From the surviving sections of the baths, it is plain that the estern section was used as a terrace for it has an extraordinary view. Next to the baths stands a gymnasium, and close by is a house bearing an inscription. The eastern necropolis of the town stretches over the terraces above the baths, while the western necropolis stretches from the source of the Aykýrýçay to the gorges just west of the city. Close to the baths lies a mausoleum in the form of a temple with. podium, in antis in plan, with a corinthian facade. A lionfigured relief decorates the facade. An inscription on the tomb gives the name of the owner. The necropolis also contains a number of vaulted tombs and sarcophagi. Close to the Aykýrýçay spring are to be seen a number of rock tombs and some interesting rock-cut water channels. From the surviving sections of the baths, it is plain that the estern section was used as a terrace for it has an extraordinary view. Next to the baths stands a gymnasium, and close by is a house bearing an inscription. The eastern necropolis of the town stretches over the terraces above the baths, while the western necropolis stretches from the source of the Aykýrýçay to the gorges just west of the city. Close to the baths lies a mausoleum in the form of a temple with. podium, in antis in plan, with a corinthian facade. A lionfigured relief decorates the facade. An inscription on the tomb gives the name of the owner. The necropolis also contains a number of vaulted tombs and sarcophagi. Close to the Aykýrýçay spring are to be seen a number of rock tombs and some interesting rock-cut water channels.
Kalkan mınıbus cooperatıve Reservatıon tel : 0-242-844 32 95 To Patara Deperture: ret: 10.00 10.30 16,00 11,00 11,30 17,00 12,00 13,00 18,00 14,00 15,00 To kas Dep: dep: ret: 09,30 10,00 15,00 10,30 10,30 16,00 11,30 12,00 17,00 To xanthos-saklıkent Dep: ret: 10,30 16,00 To myra-sunkencıty Dep: ret: 10,30 17,00
Rent car
Albea 1 day 22 pound 14 days 20 Clio 1 day 22 pound 14 days 20 Toyota 1 day 25 pound 14 days 22 Suzuki jeep 1 day 35 pound 14 days 30
Contach us
Adres: belediye iş hanı no :6 yalıboyu mah. Kalkan /kaş antalya Web: www.kalkan tourismtransport.com e-mail: info@kalkantourismtransport.com Tel:90 242 844 32 77 Fax:90 242 844 32 88
58.nolu kalkan koop.
Adres: next to taxi station yalı boyu mah. Kalkan/kaş/Antalya Tel:90 242 844 32 95 Web: www.kalkantours.com e-mail: info@KALKANTOURS.COM
TRANSFERS KALKAN & DALAMAN 1-3 PERSON 4-6 PERSON 6-14 PERSON 47 POUND 58 POUND 92 POUND
KALKAN &ANTALYA 1-3 PERSON 4-6 PERSON 6-14 PERSON 77 POUND 98POUND 118 POUND
ALL VEHICLES FULLY AIR CONDITIONED & ALL OUR VEHİCLES ARE İNSURED BY AVİVA İNSURANCE COMPANY Our Background and Objectives
Our adventure which started in 1986 as airport transfers and transportation to vicinities with 1980 model Ford petrol minibuses adopted the name “SS. No 58 Kalkan Tourism Transportation Cooperative” in 1994 and continued to operate with the same name until 2006 when 27 cooperative members have merged to found “Kalkan Tourism Transportation A. Ş. (JSC)”. In other words, the cooperative members have institutionalized with the intention of furnishing you the best possible service without making any concession on their principles, and this new formation have proved itself with its rationalistic management, distinguished, young and dynamic staff and a modern equipped vehicle fleet.
We should confess that it is not easy to tackle difficulties in our business life. With our professional, young and dynamic staff, who takes pains over making accurate observations and adopting the right principles to lead our company to success within this process by producing practical solutions in the light of these observations, we always feel the excitement of the next move, departure and development with our insatiable appetite for success...
The major driving force behind this achievement is the love we feel for our country and the excitement of being able to provide more secure and quality service to our people by bringing education to the forefront with a mentality that heeds research and development.
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