Hatay begins with the Paleolitic Age (Early Stone Age). The
earliest inhabitants of the region were the Prototigris who later came under
the rule of the Akads in the first half of the 3rd millennium B.C. In the 2nd
millennium B.C. the Amik Plain was invaded by the Subars, one of a
confederation of city-states united by a common language and traditions. Of
these, the Yamhat Kingdom, based in Aleppo governed the whole plain. Towards the end of the 17.th century B.C. the Hittites, as a result of their
raids from Anatolia, totally conquered Gaziantep, Aleppo and the Hatay region.
Hittite rule in Hatay was brought to an end after 140 years by so called
sea-tribes from the west. After the collapse of the Hittite Empire in 1190
B.C., Hittite principalities in the Amik Plain united under the name of Hatina
and choose Kanula (present day Catalhoyuk) as their capital. This united principalities
continued their independence until 841 B.C. At this time the Assyrians began their control over the plain. In 538 B.C.
the Persians extended their control as far as Issos (present day Yesilyurt –
Dörtyol) and brought an end to Assyrian rule and controlled whole Anatolia
(Asia Minor). In 333 B.C Alexander the Great brought Persian rule in Hatay to
an end by his victory over Darius, the Persian king, at Issos.

Historical sites in HATAY Antioch
Antakya, the biblical Antioch, is situated on the Asi River (Orontes) in a
fertile surrounding. Antakya was once the capital of the Seleucid kings and the
life they lead in Antakya was renowned for its luxury and pleasures during
Roman times. The city was the center of Christianity and had been visited by
St.Barnabas, St.Paul and St. Peter. The city was also famous as a center of
artistic, scientific and commercial activities. The Hatay Museum deserves a particular interest because it houses one of the richest collections of Roman mosaics in the world. A little outside the city is the holy site where St. Peter’s Grotto is
situated. The cave church is the place where St. Peter preached and founded the
Christian community. It was declared as a holy place by Vatican in 1983. The
Iron Gate of Antioch is to the south of the grotto among the ruins of the city.
One can sense these far off times since little has changed since that time. The
Castle of Antioch will give you a panoramic view over the city. Antakya is steeped in history and mythology at every step Harbiye, 8 km.
after Antioch, is the place where Apollo fell in love with Daphne and tried to
have her, but Mother Earth, in order to save Daphne, turned her into an elegant
tree. The site is full of these trees accompanying the orchid gardens, and
waterfalls where you may have a pleasant meal. St. Pierre Church, Haron Carving
are the main historical remains. There are many picnic and camping areas. Outdoor sports such as hunting and
fishing, and thermal springs’ facilities are the other attractions.