In ancient times, today's Harbiye was called with the name "Daphne" and was the summer residence of the rich and the famous people  of Antakya.

The laurel and cypress forest which starts below the main road and goes for miles into the plain, dominates the region. According to Greek legend, the god Apollo chased Daphne here who was turned into a laurel tree (in Turkish Defne) in despair. Today, the entire grove is a popular excursion and picnic destination for the people of Antakya.