Comprehensive information and links about Turkey Antakya

Antakya (Antiokheia, Antakiya, 36°11′N 36°9′E), located on the eastern side (left bank) of the Orontes River about 20 miles from the sea, is the capital of Hatay Province, Turkey. It has a population of 144,910 (2000 census).

Economy

Antakya is still of considerable importance. It remains the centre of a large district, growing in wealth and productiveness with the draining of its central lake, undertaken by a French company.

"Densely-built Antakya in 1912: the traditional Muslim city shows no trace of its Hellenistic planning. To the east, orchards (green) fill the plain." Densely-built Antakya in 1912: the traditional Muslim city shows no trace of its Hellenistic planning. To the east, orchards (green) fill the plain.

In 1822 (as in 1872), Antakia suffered by earthquake, and when Ibrahim Pasha made it his headquarters in 1835, it had only some 5000 inhabitants. Its hopes, based on a Euphrates valley railway, which was to have started from its port of Suedia (now Samandagi), were doomed to disappointment, and it suffered repeatedly from visitations of cholera; but it did nevertheless grow rapidly and resumed much of its old importance when a railway was made down the lower Orontes valley.