KAS

One of the most beautiful ports on the Blue Voyage is Kas and one may linger on here for a long time. The town is located on the site of ancient Antiphellos, whose well preserved theater may be visited today. Ancient sarcophagi lie scattered about and there are numerous Lycian rock tombs in the cliffs Although the Teke peninsula has been occupied since the Stone Age it seems Kas was founded by the Lycians, and its name in Lycian language was Habesos or Habesa. It was a member of the Lycian League, and its importance during this time is confirmed by the presence of one of the richest Lycian necropolis.

The ancient Greeks later gave it the name of Antiphéllos or Antiphellos, since it was the harbor in front of the city of Phellos. During the Roman period, Antiphellos was famous for exporting sponges and timber. Pliny the Elder refers to the town in the fifth book of his Naturalis Historia. After 395 the town became part of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine) and during the early middle Ages was a bishop's see - and as Antiphellus is still a titular see. The town suffered because of Arab incursions, and then was annexed (under the name of Andifli) to the Anatolian Sultanate of Rum, led by the Seljuk's.

After the demise of the Seljuk's, it came under the Ottomans... This beautiful natural harbour town is framed by the dramatic Taurus Mountains and is located a 25-minute drive from Kalkan. The winding cobbled streets, colorful local shops and local market place all combine to provide a real Turkish flavor. Naturally, the harbour is the focal point of the town, with local çay (tea) gardens providing delightful shady spots in which to relax and soak up the atmosphere prior to exploring the labyrinth of narrow streets that meander through the old town. However, Kaş offers more than just a beach holiday.

Steeped in culture, the region affords many opportunities for exploration of numerous cultural sites together with the surrounding dramatic mountain ranges. In addition, sporting enthusiasts are well catered for as Kaş is a centre for outdoor sports and provides a range of activities including paragliding, trekking, canyoning, sea kayaking and scuba diving. There are well known ancient cities like Apollonia, Isinda, and Istlada around Kas as well as many ruins of unknown name. These ancient settlements of various sizes. For example, a low hill nears the village of Fingerboard, a small settlement located on the Tysse. Archaeological finds have proven Habesos name is city's oldest name. City was known by Antiphellos at ancient times. It is located at the intersection of roads between Caria and Lycia Antiphellos, but also a commercial port.

It came under the sovereignty of the kingdom during the Anatolia campaign of The Macedonian King Alexander the Great. At a young age after the death of Alexander the area changed hands between the Seleucids and the Ptolemy's. The ancient city has gained importance during the Roman period and became an episcopal center during the Byzantine period. During this period, it has suffered from Arab invasions. Then it has joined to Anatolian Seljuk and taken the name of Andifli. After collapse of Seljuk Empire, Tekeoğulları principality uses the opportunity and took the city. Ottoman Empire had taken over the district at time of Yildirim Beyazit. In ancient times, Lycians were living on the peninsula between Antalya and Fethiye bays today known as Teke Peninsula. In Hittite texts, they were called Lukka.

As early as 2000 they are known to have a strong national consciousness. This people of Anatolia, relatives of Luwiler, had "the Union" concept. BC 15. Century, Entire peoples of the Anatolian established Assuwa Confederation against Hittites. They were next to Egyptians against the Hittites at Kadesh war. They were helping Troya against Akha Helens as written on Homeros epic the iyada (Iliad). All this was the concrete indication of expanding consciousness of the Anatolian integrity. 540 BC, When they understood they could not hold against the Persians, They gathered the people who can't fight in Xanthos fort and burn the fort. Soldier fought with Persians till last soldier died for the sake of freedom. This heroic epic is written in Herodotus writings. This consciousness of national solidarity has leaded them into unity with themselves. 500 BC. Unacceptance of the sovereignty of Persia, and Athens took the form of the merger of some of the cities themselves. 400 BC Athenian İsokrates'in wrote that "Lycians No one has never really been master to Lycians.