Alanya Alanya lies on a scenic peninsula bordered by the Taurus Mountains to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, about 100 kilometers (65 miles) east of Antalya. It is a well-known tourist hotspot in Turkey, featuring numerous blue-flag beaches that appeal to fans of sun, sea, and sand. While it's still unclear if the region was inhabited before the Ice Age, archaeological excavations in nearby caves have uncovered signs of human presence dating back to the Paleolithic period. In the 4th century BC, the area was called Coracesium and came under the influence of the Seleucids, although they struggled to retain control. Eventually, the town turned into a stronghold for pirates, especially during the uprising led by Diodotus Tryphon. In 65 BC, Pompey the Great seized control of Alanya, bringing an end to the dominance of piracy in the region. Under Roman rule, the city experienced significant growth, even producing its own currency in the 2nd century AD, which reflected its wealth and flourishing status. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, the city came under the authority of the Byzantines, who gave it the name Kalonorosa, translating to "beautiful mountain" in Greek. Although detailed records from this period are scarce, it is believed that Alanya functioned as a Christian urban center, much like other cities in Cilicia and Pamphylia. During the 11th and 12th centuries, control of the city frequently shifted between the Seljuk Turks, the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, and forces from the First Crusade. In 1221, Alaeddin Keykubad I of the Seljuks successfully took the city and renamed it Alaiye. This era marked a time of expansion, as the city became a key commercial hub in the western Mediterranean. Extensive development and restoration efforts led by the sultans contributed to Alaiye’s golden age. Throughout its storied past, the city was also seized by the Karamanlids, various Anatolian beyliks, the Lusignans of Cyprus, and the Egyptians. Under the Ottoman Empire after 1453, the city's prominence waned, and in 1933, it was officially renamed Alanya by Atatürk. A prominent landmark in Alanya is the impressive Alanya Fortress, perched atop a hill and enclosed by a 6.5-kilometer (4-mile) defensive wall featuring 140 towers and around 400 cisterns. The highest point of the fortification, situated on the western side of the hill, stands 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level. Although the castle as it stands today was constructed in the 13th century by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, its roots trace back to ancient times, when the hill was referred to as Kemeros Hill or Ali Pasha Castle. Alanya, a town rich in history, once featured several primary and secondary gates, though some have not survived to the present day. Within the walls of the castle, visitors will find a number of historic structures, such as brick cisterns, Byzantine-era churches, and ancient bathhouses. The summit of the castle can be reached either by driving up a narrow, winding road or by hiking on foot, which takes approximately an hour. Along the coastal side of the route, a variety of restaurants and cafés offer spots for rest and refreshments. One of the most prominent Seljuk-era landmarks in Alanya is the striking Great Red Tower, also referred to as the Alanyalı Kule (Alanya Castle). Constructed in the 13th century, this 33-meter-high structure served as a strategic lookout post overseeing the harbor and shipyard. Its distinctive octagonal design has become a modern-day symbol of the city. The upper portion of the tower is made of red bricks, while the lower part consists of locally sourced stone. A central cistern is located beneath the tower, and visitors can ascend via wide stone staircases to enjoy the view from the top. The tower is comprised of five levels, with the ground floor now used for exhibitions. Just south of the Red Tower lies the historic Seljuk shipyard, established by Alaaddin Keykubat, the 13th-century ruler of Anatolia. Spanning 56 by 44 meters, the facility features five interconnected arched chambers opening directly to the sea. The site also includes administrative rooms and a small mosque near the entrance. Small vessels can dock at the shipyard free of charge, and the entire structure is illuminated beautifully at night. Nearby, a fortified platform carved into the rock was once used to manufacture cannons for battleships, and a gun workshop still houses weapons from that era. The famous Damlataş Cave was discovered by chance in 1948 during the building of the Alanya Harbor, and it quickly gained popularity due to claims that its unique atmosphere offers relief to those suffering from asthma. This natural wonder is adorned with ancient stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years, drawing in numerous visitors. Measuring about 30 meters in depth and 15 meters in height, Damlataş Cave maintains a constant humidity level above 90% and a temperature of approximately 22°C. Other remarkable caves nearby include the Dim Cave, Hasbahçe Cave, and the well-known Sea Caves. In recognition of its cultural and natural heritage, the entire town of Alanya was added to UNESCO’s Tentative List in the year 2000. If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply send us a message via WhatsApp, and we’ll get back to you promptly.