What is "antakya"

Antakya (, Anṭākyā from , Anṭiokia; , Antiócheia), is the seat of the Hatay Province in southern Turkey.

In ancient times, Antakya was known as Antioch, and was for centuries one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. It was an influential early center of Christianity. It has a population of about 250,000. Most of the population speaks Turkish as their native language, while a minority are native Arabic speakers. Antakya is situated in a well-watered and fertile valley.