Antalya and Kemer, a holiday region in southwestern Turkey was chosen in 2001 as the start and finish venue for the Anatolian Rally adopting a WRC format.
In 2002, first foreign entries took part, Sébastien Loeb in a Citroën Saxo and Juuso Pykälistö in a Peugeot 206 WRC.
The first two years were dedicated to Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC) for gaining experience.
Repeating his victory of previous year, Sébastien Loeb of France won the cup at 4.21.48.00' with his co-driver Daniel Elena.
The 2008 Rally of Turkey took place between June 12–15 and was won by Mikko Hirvonen ahead of Jari-Matti Latvala and Sébastien Loeb.