The site's story begins with the World Botanical Expo held in 2016. Staged under the theme "Flowers and Children", EXPO 2016 Antalya was the first event in more than 160 years of EXPO history to be held in Türkiye. Throughout the expo, in which more than 50 countries took part, the site welcomed large numbers of visitors with country gardens, exhibitions and concerts by world-famous artists such as Elton John, Maroon 5 and Ricky Martin.
After the expo, the site remained part of the city's events calendar. Many different types of events have been held here to date:
Festivals and concerts: Open-air stages and extensive green spaces are used for well-attended music and cultural events.
Trade fairs and exhibitions: Indoor and outdoor areas host industry fairs and themed exhibitions.
Sports and recreational events: The large open spaces also host a variety of sporting events.
The site's biggest event, however, is just around the corner. As part of the preparations for COP31, the EXPO 2016 site has been transformed into a permanent exhibition, congress and event center. From November 9–20, 2026, the site will house the Blue Zone, where the official negotiations will take place, and the Green Zone, dedicated to civil society and private sector events. After the summit, some of the new buildings are planned to remain permanently as an asset for the city.
Even on days without events, the EXPO Tower, the lakeside and the gardens offer a pleasant walking route away from the bustle of the city. We recommend checking whether the site is open on the day before you visit.
