The World’s First Illuminated Street

Imagine a historic street that existed years ago ,a street that witnessed the course of history and was honored as the first in the world to be illuminated at night by torches. We are talking about Historic Kurtuluş Street in Antakya, located on the trade route of Mesopotamia. So, what made this street so historically significant? The History of Antakya Antakya is a district in present-day Hatay province in southern Türkiye. Because it was a settlement on the historic Mesopotamian trade route, its significance from the past has continued into the present day. Antioch Antakya, now the central district of Hatay, was founded in the 4th century BC by Seleucus, one of the commanders of Alexander the Great. Ancient City of Antakya Due to its geopolitical importance in antiquity, the district stood out in history as the capital of the geographic region of Northern Syria. Antakya Through the Eyes of Travelers Because it lay on the Silk Road and served as a center for the three Abrahamic religions, Antakya was visited by travelers from many countries. One of them was Daramon, who came to the region in the 16th century. Traveler Daramon's impressions of Antakya: According to historical sources, there was once a street cutting through Antakya from one end to the other. This road, which eased transportation within the city, extended deep into the urban center. The traveler Della Valle said that this street was paved with marble. It is believed to have run parallel to Kurtuluş Street, as city plans reveal a strong alignment between the two. Historic Kurtuluş Street Located on the Orontes (Asi) River at the easternmost edge of the Mediterranean, Antakya became a center of trade and entertainment because of its position on the Silk Road. A place of major importance in Antakya's history from past to present, Herod Street, now known as Kurtuluş Street, is notable for being regarded as the first street in the world to be illuminated at night with torches. Antakya Today Over the course of history, Antakya has been a district that captivated both domestic and foreign visitors with its streets and urban texture. Historic buildings in the area were used not only as homes, but were also converted into guesthouses and cafés. In central Antakya, there are 200- to 250-year-old houses made of stone and wood. Having hosted numerous civilizations, the district draws attention with its narrow streets and distinctive architecture. Thanks to its geographical location, river valleys, and natural passes, Hatay has throughout history connected the Middle East to Anatolia and the Mediterranean, becoming a crossroads for trade and cultural activity. The region underwent Islamization in 638. After that date, many structures reflecting the city's Islamic identity were built, and the names of historic streets and roads were also changed.