Muratpaşa is a district in the province of Antalya, bordering Kepez to the north, Aksu to the east, and Konyaaltı to the west. The district, named after the Muratpaşa Mosque built by Karaman Bey Murat Pasha in 1570, is one of Antalya's most densely populated districts. With a high socioeconomic welfare level, the district is a settlement area where both the local population and the migrant population are concentrated.

^{Muratpaşa Yacht Harbor. (Muratpaşa Municipality)}

History

Muratpaşa's history dates back to Attaleia, a port city in the ancient Pamphylia region. Founded by King Attalos II of Pergamon, this city has seen continuous settlement throughout the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. The old city area, known today as Kaleiçi, is located within Muratpaşa's borders and houses architectural remains dating from the Hellenistic period to the present day. Structures such as Hadrian's Gate, Yivli Minare (Fluted Minaret), and Hıdırlık Tower are physical representations of this multi-layered past. With the growth of Antalya during the Republican era, this region also experienced rapid urbanization, gaining central district status in 2008 and becoming an independent district.

^{Muratpaşa, Kaleiçi (Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)}

Geography and Climate

Muratpaşa is a district located on the Mediterranean coast, with an area of approximately 92 km². Its 20-kilometer coastline, stretching along the Gulf of Antalya, provides a significant advantage for tourism. Most of the district consists of flat land, opening to the Mediterranean with cliffs. Muratpaşa has a typical Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. The annual average temperature is around 18–20°C. These climatic conditions are favorable for agricultural activities, horticulture, and landscape applications.

^{Citrus tree in Kaleiçi. (Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)}

Population and Demographics

According to 2024 ADNKS data, the population of Muratpaşa district is 509,444 people. Of the population, 48.67% are male and 51.33% are female. The population density in the district is quite high, and population growth continues through migration. The developed education and health infrastructure, along with the diversity of social and cultural activities, has enabled individuals from different social segments to settle in the district. According to TÜİK data, the literacy rate is over 99%. Additionally, there are many higher education students in the district.

Economy

Muratpaşa district is a service center in Antalya's economy. Trade, tourism, education, healthcare, and public services constitute the main economic activities of the district. Although agricultural areas are limited, greenhouse vegetable cultivation is carried out on existing farmlands. The district also hosts small-scale industrial zones, unorganized industrial areas, and trade centers. The abundance of public buildings, shopping centers, and cultural centers supports economic activity.

Tourism, Culture and Cuisine

Muratpaşa is one of the centers of Antalya tourism with its historical Kaleiçi region. Structures such as Yivli Minare Mosque, Hadrian's Gate (Üçkapılar), Hıdırlık Tower, Kesik Minare (Broken Minaret), and Karatay Madrasa are located in the district. In the narrow streets of Kaleiçi, there are buildings housing examples of Ottoman and Seljuk architecture, boutique hotels, and cultural event venues. Antalya Museum and Atatürk House Museum are important institutions exhibiting the district's cultural heritage. Furthermore, in terms of sea tourism, the district's cliff beaches, Yacht Harbor, and Lara beaches are prominent areas.

Muratpaşa cuisine reflects Antalya's typical Mediterranean cuisine. Dishes with olive oil, vegetable dishes, jams made with citrus fruits, and tahini-based appetizers adorn the district's tables. Local delicacies include hibeş, domates civesi (tomato stew/puree), bitter orange jam, and pumpkin dessert. Local festivals and gastronomy events held in the district contribute to promoting this cultural richness.

^{Antalya, Muratpaşa Style Pumpkin Dessert. (Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)}