Kurtuluş Avenue (Ancient Colonnaded Street)

Kurtuluş Avenue is the historic artery that served as the lifeline of ancient Antioch (Antakya) and is widely regarded as the first illuminated colonnaded main street of the ancient world.

History

Its origins reach back to the grid-planned Hellenistic city founded under the Seleucids, but the avenue gained its monumental character in the Roman era. Herod the Great of Judaea financed the paving and the colonnades in the 1st century BC, Emperor Tiberius (AD 14-37) contributed to its embellishment, and Emperor Antoninus Pius (AD 138-161) had it paved with Theban granite.

When complete, the street was about 27 metres wide — a nine-metre carriageway flanked by colonnaded porticoes lined with shops — and ran for more than three kilometres. Its nightly illumination by lamps and torches was a first for the ancient world and symbolised the wealth that earned Antioch its title 'Queen of the East.'

Architecture and Cultural Significance

Architecturally the avenue embodies the Roman concept of the cardo maximus, with arcaded walkways and regular shopfronts. Its cultural importance extends well beyond antiquity: for centuries this route linked Muslim, Christian and Jewish quarters, their houses of worship and bazaars, forming the physical backbone of Antakya's celebrated multicultural identity.

The present-day avenue, which takes its name from Turkey's War of Independence, runs several metres above the buried ancient pavement.

Visiting & Access

Its tourist value is high thanks to this layered history and the dense historic fabric around it, and agencies favour it in Antakya city tours because a short walk connects the Long Bazaar (Uzun Çarşı), historic mosques, churches, a synagogue and caravanserais such as Kurşunlu Han. The average visit lasts 30-45 minutes, and in guided programmes it functions as the walking 'spine' of the old town.

Important note: following the earthquakes of 6 February 2023 the avenue and its surrounding heritage buildings were severely damaged; the area is largely a construction site under scaffolding and part of the Culture Ministry's EU-supported restoration programme, so current access must be confirmed before visiting.

The best photo spots are the historic facades, portico remains and side-street perspectives. Access is easy on foot as the avenue lies in the city centre; municipal car parks are nearby, but tour coaches cannot enter the narrow fabric and drop off at adjacent squares. Wheelchair access is limited due to post-quake uneven ground and ongoing works. The best seasons are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October); summer is peak season but hot and humid. The recommended route is a walking exploration combining the avenue with Uzun Çarşı and the Habib-i Neccar Mosque.