The history of the Old Port begins around 150 BC, when King Attalus II of Pergamon founded Antalya as a naval base. The natural harbor quickly became the cornerstone of the city's identity and prosperity. Over the centuries, this port served as a vital hub between Anatolia and the Mediterranean world.
Under Roman rule, the port flourished as a major trading center. The Romans strengthened the fortifications and improved the infrastructure, making Antalya one of the most important ports in the eastern Mediterranean. Archaeological finds show that goods from Egypt, Cyprus, and the Levant regularly passed through this port.
Even during Byzantine times, the port retained its importance as the largest naval base on the southern coast of Anatolia. It was a key gateway for trade within the Byzantine Empire, particularly to Cyprus and the Aegean region.
Under the Seljuks and Ottomans, the port remained a central part of daily life in Antalya. The Ottomans built new buildings, further developed the port facilities, and made it an important regional trading center until the early 20th century.
In the 1920s, the harbor lost its former importance and became the smaller but charming marina we know today. The transformation from a bustling commercial port to a leisure destination marks a new chapter in its long history.
Source:
exploreantalyakaleici.com/de/old-harbor