Antakya, the heart of Hatay, which is preparing to get the big transport move it has been waiting for many years, is entering a brand new era with a nostalgic tram project that will revive the historical texture and a second tram project that will meet the modern transport needs of the city. AK Party Antakya District Chairman Mustafa Boyacıoğlu shared the hot details of the project in the joint live broadcast of Mazman Medya radios and said, “Antakya will now have both a nostalgic and modern transport system.”
Nostalgic Line Enjoyable Journey in Historical Texture
The first leg of the project is the nostalgia tram line, which will reflect the historical spirit of the city. This line will be built entirely in the city centre and will follow a route that will become a centre of attraction especially for tourists:
Route The line will start from Koprubasi and follow Savon Hotel, Kurtulus Street and Kemalpasa Street before returning to Koprubasi.
Boyacıoğlu stated that thanks to this line, both citizens and tourists will have a pleasant and nostalgic journey within the historical texture of Antakya.
Modern Line: Green Transportation from Airport to City Centre
The second and more comprehensive part of the project represents the modern face of Antakya and its future-oriented transport vision. This line is designed to respond to the city’s need for an environmentally friendly, economic and sustainable transport model.
Route: Starting from Hatay Airport, the modern tram line will pass through key points such as AFAD building, MKU campus, Dikmece, Gülderen, Honda Junction, Antakya Bus Station and Defne District Governorate and will extend to Sümerler Neighbourhood and former Paladium Shopping Mall.
President Boyacıoğlu emphasised that this giant project will be the symbol of Hatay’s resurgence after the earthquake. With the commissioning of the new tram lines in stages, Antakya will have not only a rail system but also a modern identity that brings together the past and the future.
