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Antakya or Hatay as its official name is today, was founded in 300 BC as Antioch-ad-Orontes by Seleucos Nicator, one of Alexander's generals. Antakya grew quickly to become a city of half a million people and, under the Romans, became one of the main centers of the Christian faith.

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The city survived a massive earthquake in the 5th century killing 250,000 people. It was later fought over by Persians, Byzantines, Arabs, Armenians, Seljuks, Crusaders and Mamluks. The latter literally wiped out the city and it never regained its former glory.

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Antakya was part of the French protectorate of Syria until 1939, became independent as the Republic of Hatay for a short period and then joined the Republic of Turkey on 23 July 1939. Atatürk called this region HATAY because it was at least 10,000 years old Turkish homeland, and he raised the “Issue of Hatay” at League of Nations.With the effort of Atatürk, who said “Hatay is my personal affair” and “40 centuries old Turkish homeland cannot be held in the hands of the enemy”,

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The election in this region were made and the Hatay State was established. Hatay State quickly organized and strengthened its ties with Turkey. On 29 June 1939 Hatay State terminated itself in its last National Assembly and decided to join Turkey. On 23 July 1939, the Turkish flag raised in Antakya barracks, and a handover ceremony was held, Hatay joined Turkey.

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Hatay city is known to be one of the most interesting and culturally diverse cities in southern Turkey. With its mixture of Arab and Turkish speaking people, as well a Christian minority, the city offers an ethnic charm that is very endearing. The French years have left behind as a legacy beautiful boulevards, and the city seems to have its own architectural style. The ancient Orontes River (Asi River) divides the city in half, while making the region extremely fertile.