The art of waves Falezler Cliffs
After leaving Antalya's Yacht Harbor by boat and following the cliffs that stretch along 13 kilometers of the coastline, what do you say to plunging into their deep caves?
As you enter Antalya you are greeted by a sign that says "Altitude: 30." This 30-meter difference between sea level and the city is the height of the cliffs on which it is built. These cliffs, which set Antalya apart from other coastal towns, are 13 kilometers long and from 30 to 50 meters high, a sight well worth taking in for the visitor.
And the easiest way to enjoy the cliffs from up close is to make a short trip by sea. To do that, it's enough to go down to Antalya's oldest harbor, now called the Yacht Harbor, and cock an ear for the boatmen's call "Selaleye gider" "To the waterfall!" And after your boat leaves, filled with tourists from a variety of countries, all you have to do is lean back and let your eyes wander.
On this boat trip you will have a chance to see not only the cliffs, every square meter of which is a natural wonder, but also a number of points that dot them.
For many decades, Antalya families who wanted to sun themselves and swim would come down to these tiny beaches, which are interspersed among the cliffs like so many oases in the desert. Especially popular was the locale known as the Kadinlar Hamami "The Turkish Bath For Women" where women came without having to travel too far from town to enjoy the sea and summer in perfect privacy.
AN UNDERWATER FEAST FOR THE EYES
As they carried underground and surface water to the sea, these cliffs were also home to a number of facilities designed to exploit this flowing water for human use. Mills and power plants, for example. Literally gushing forth, the water would turn its energy into flour and electricity before going on to reach the sea. Thus it would bid farewell to the cliffs after providing humankind with bread, that basic food, and electricity, an indispensable element of civilization. These buildings are no longer used in our day. But there are other places associated with the cliffs, still in use and a must to see.
Natural formations in the rocks continue to serve as chambers and storage space for various diving schools. Remember, diving along the cliffs is quite different from diving out at sea. Down to 20 meters or so the cliffs form a reef, and with their living organisms are a feast for the eyes. Of course one should also mention the submarine caves. It is not every holiday that offers the experience of swimming underneath the restaurant where you ate last night, or the nightclub where you danced.
THE ENCHANTING SONG OF DÜDEN
Just as we were thinking the vacation would not be complete without breakfast in one of the parks that top the cliffs, suddenly we began to hear that amazing sound. We had reached the Düden Falls, and the music of water kissing water was ravishing. Time seemed to stop on the boat. There was nothing but you and nature. If the captain didn't start the engine and turn the boat around, you could gaze forever into the whirlpool at the foot of the falls. Once back at the harbor where the trip began, you feel the slight intoxication of those who have been to sea.
After a short break the trip along the cliffs will continue, this time by land and westwards. We can spend the break eating at a cafe in the Yacht Harbor. Or else sit somewhere on the clifftop taking in the view and contemplating. Many will be inspired to take photos, paint or draw a picture, or even write a poem.
As you resume your sightseeing, the hardest part will be deciding just which park to sit down in, and what direction to look. Let's say right off that the locale known as Tophane is home to one of the oldest tea gardens in Antalya. If you can find a table by the wall on the seaward side, do pause to refresh yourself with a glass of tea.
Looking up, your eye will meet the dazzling white walls of the old, but now restored, Antalya houses just above the harbor. Well, they certainly are tempting, but you'll have to visit them another day. For once you're in that quarter, you'll also have to see the Suna Inan Kirac Museum, the Hidirlik Tower, the Forty Steps, and quite a few other places.
A SUNKEN SHIP: THE ST. DIDIER
500 meters out from the pier you'll notice a buoy in the water. Don't bother to look around, for there's nothing to see--the reason for the buoy's being there is down at the bottom of the sea. We're talking about the French ship St. Didier, which was sunk by German planes during World War II as it sought refuge in Antalya Harbor. If you like diving, you can still see the military equipment and material in the ship's hold.
Then, making your way along the western flank of the city, you'll notice how the Antalyans have furnished the entire shoreline with parks and paths, in order to enjoy the cliffs themselves and share them with visitors. Whenever you feel a little tired, or are simply taken by the impulse, have a break and enjoy the beauty in all its variety. Along Konyaalti Avenue there are a number of spots where you can descend the cliffs to the sea.
If you've scheduled some piece of business for after the cliffs, or have an appointment, you may have to postpone it. You'll see what we mean when you come to the end of your tour at Mehmetcik Park, which is named after the ordinary Turkish soldier.
You'll need time just to contemplate the Mediterranean as it stretches away before you. And that's not counting the magnificent sight of the Taurus Mountains on your right, even more splendid where they meet the sea on the horizon. Is it a painting, or is it real?
In any case, take a few days to make yourself happy. Business can wait. You'll notice a statue overlooking the bay, alert as a sentry in its far-seeing gaze. A sentry who is Lycian, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman all at once. An Antalyan, in other words, someone who belongs to the Mediterranean. Sit down beside him and enjoy the view. It will make you happy. You'll see.
Source: Sky Magazine
Özgür tarafindan 5:09 ÖS'de yollanmistir.
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