THE TOWN OF ELMALI

LOCATION:
Elmali is about 104 km from Fethiye & it can be reached passing through Seki. It is located within the borders of the Antalya province.

HISTORY:
Elmali is one of the oldest settlements in Antalya. It has witnessed a great number of civilizations throughout its long and rich history which started with the Lycians who lived during the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. Life in the district dates back to the years 2000-3000 B.C. is still under the dark veil of history. However the archeological excavations and inspections carried out on the tombs belonging to that era shows that the Lycians did inhabit the area. Also the Kizilbeli Tombs, Alexandrian Road, Ivory Statue of a woman with a child, Silver Statue of a King, Semahoyuk Cubic Tombs, Yaprakli village Inscribed Rock & Armutlu Village Rock Tombs which were brought into daylight demonstrate the area’s historical and cultural wealth. The area called Lycia was under the rule of the Roman & Byzantine Empires, Seljuk State & the Ottoman Empire.

Especially during the Seljuk & Ottoman periods Elmali set an example to the vicinity as the most developed area in the region in cultural, artistic & commercial fields. The Elmali area came under the rule of the Ottomans during the rule of Yildirim Bayazit, becoming the headquarters of the Teke brigadier General subordinated to the Anatolian State during the early times of the Ottoman Empire & was the residence of the Teke Pashas, followed by its designation as an administrative sub-district upon the transfer of the administrative center to Antalya.

PRESENT NAME OF THE TOWN:
Elmali reaches deep into history and reflects the Anatolian culture through its ancient markets, bazaars and narrow streets is an ancient settlement site established near the mountain Elmali. (The word Elma means apples in Turkish) Although 300.000 tons of apples are harvested yearly, the name of the town comes from the mountain and not the apples

OTTOMAN HOUSES & MANSION TOUR - Elmali

There are 188 Ottoman houses and mansions in the town. The plans for the restoration of these houses have been completed by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism. The restoration of some of them has been completed including a mansion which will be used as the Ethnographical museum in the near future.

The wooden houses of Elmali with their double bay windows and bright colors, enrich some districts of the town. They have managed to preserve most of their unique characteristics up to the present day. These houses are about 500 years old and are still intact. The area is blessed with Cedar trees which are used in abundance in the construction of these houses Also an important element in their architectural design. In the ornamentations; stylized trees, floral & hexagonal star motifs are used. They are fine examples of Anatolian art and culture.

PROGRAM:
Departue from Fethiye in the morning, after 45 Km., stop for 10 minutes for taking photos of beautiful views of the Boncuk Mountains, then proceed through Seki Climbing across mountain of lovely views of the valley below.
After arriving to Elmali which is 104 Km. from Fethiye, visit the grain storage & the old districts of the town with its Ottoman houses, still inhabitant with families. Then the ones which are renovated including the mansion of Kandilzade Hasan Sitki bey who was a member of parliament & later the head of parliament. Also the Mosque of Ketenci Omer Pasha which was built in 1610 by an assistant of the famous Ottoman Architect Mimar Sinan. Lunch will be served in a trout fish restaurant located in beautiful gardens on the foots of the Elmali mountain. We will also pay a visit to the local market with shops selling all different varieties of roasted chickpeas. Also handcraft items. Return to Fethiye will be in the afternoon through Kas, the road is full with orchards of various fruits.

Tour Duration: It is a one day tour

OIL WRESTLING MATCHES TOUR - Yesilyayla Elmali

The historical Elmali Yesilyayla Wrestling Matches bear a special importance due to the wrestling sport, described as the ancestral sport of Turks, dating back to the eras of Central Asia.

These matches have been organized for the last 653 years. They take place once a year in the first week of September.

PROGRAM:
Departue from Fethiye in the morning, after 45 Km., stop for 10 minutes for taking photos of beautiful views of the Boncuk Mountains, then proceed through Seki Climbing across mountain of lovely views of the valley below.
After arriving to Elmali which is 104 Km. from Fethiye. Watch the wrestling matches, then return to Fethiye.

Tour Duration: It is a one day tour

SAND CITY - ANTALYA

FIRE of ANATOLIA - ASPENDOS

Dance performance of the FIRE OF ANATOLIA in Aspendos Antique Theater. A legendary folk dance group with a huge crew of 140 people.

More than a 1000 PERFORMANCES already

Breaking a record at the Aspendos Antique Theater which has a past of 2000 years…
Fire of Anatolia has already broken a difficult record, being watched by about
10 million people through 1000 performances in 40 different countries.

Among the countries which they have performed in are : Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, France, Greece USA, Russia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, , Hungary, Siberia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Lebanon, Bahrain, Japan ( The prince of Japan & his family watched the show). Romania (The Royal Family watched the show recently)

PROGRAM:
Departure from Fethiye in the morning, after arriving to Antalya, check into your hotel (3 stars), free time, an early dinner & then depart for Aspendos Antique Theater to watch the performance of this magnificent folk dance group. The show starts at 09.00 p.m. After the show return to your hotel & overnight. Next morning after having breakfast depart from hotel, drive to visit the KURSUNLU & DUDEN waterfalls; 2 of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Antalya region. Then return to Fethiye.

For more information
Please visit this dance group’s Website at
www.anadoluatesi.com.tr

Tour duration: 1night / 2 days
Unique Folk Dance Performances in a remarkable setting, plus 1 night stay in Antalya & morning visits to waterfalls.