Alanya will tell the history of Turkey from antiquity to modern times

The modern popular Turkish resort of Alanya has a long history that dates back to ancient times. The city was a Greek colony founded in the 2nd century BC. During the heyday of the Byzantine Empire, it was a haven for pirates, who kept all merchants transporting their goods across the Mediterranean Sea at bay. Sea robbers also successfully traded slaves here and engaged in smuggling. Only in 67 BC was it possible to clear this territory of pirates, thanks to the fact that the Roman Senate provided Pompey with an army that fought against the robbers for several months.

Later, Mark Antony and all of Cilicia donated this city to Cleopatra, who not only spent her leisure time here, but also engaged in shipbuilding, using the cedar growing in these parts.

The city was part of the Byzantine Empire for almost 1000 years. But due to frequent raids by Arabs, it fell into decline in the 7th century. From the 11th to the 13th centuries, this territory was part of the Kingdom of Cilicia. However, the Seljuk Sultan managed to conquer the city from the Armenians. He built a fortress here, the ruins of which have survived to this day and have become one of the main attractions of modern Alanya and the most visited place by tourists.

The Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad destroyed the buildings built in the Byzantine and Roman periods and erected a castle in their place and surrounded it with a fortress wall with 14 towers. The main tower has survived to this day. It is located near the sea and is a symbol of Alanya and a favorite place for tourists. The Red Tower got its name from the color of the brick from which it was built. It has 5 floors, accessed by an internal spiral staircase, illuminated by light coming from narrow windows located on the walls of the tower.

From the thirty-three meter height of the watchtower there was a view of the sea, which made it possible to see all passing ships, as well as notice the approach of enemies from the land side. Today, from the upper terrace of the tower, which has become one of the highest observation platforms, tourists can admire the beauty of the city and the turquoise of the Mediterranean Sea. Armed with binoculars, you can see the ancient Christian monastery from here.

To build the fortress, large stones were used, which were held together with a special strong mortar. Therefore, the walls withstood powerful blows from enemy guns. And a large number of loopholes made it possible not only to fire at the enemy, but also to pour boiling water and hot tar on him.

On the territory of the fortress there was located the Sultan's Palace, a mint, a mosque, a monastery, a Turkish bath - hammam, as well as a trading area and a place for training troops.

Alanya Fortress today

Thanks to the special composition of the mortar, the fortress wall was preserved without destruction almost along its entire length. The local population still lives in the fortress, and tourists love to walk. True, not all areas of the fortress can be visited for free. The free part is the outside of the wall. The Suleymaniye Mosque is located here and you can visit it. The mosque is active, so photography can be done if you clarify in advance what can be photographed. On the territory of the old city there are many stone cisterns in which fresh water was stored, which allowed the city residents to hold the siege of the fortress for a long time.

Not far from the mosque there is a “Traditional Turkish House” - a museum where tourists can get acquainted with the history and life of the inhabitants of ancient Alanya.

Ehmedek Citadel and Fortress

At the very top of the mountain there is a paid part of the fortress. Here tourists can visit the citadel and the separate second fortress of the city - Ekhmedek. It can also be reached by cable car, which originates at Cleopatra Beach. This fortress served as additional protection against attack from land.

The walls of the fortress are lined with stones of different sizes; at the base they are much larger. This suggests that the Seljuks built a fortress on the site of an older fortification, characteristic of the architecture of the Hellenic period. Historical documents mention that during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, this fortress suffered from earthquakes.

There are many buildings in the Ekhmedek fortress that have survived to this day, among them arched elevations - these are stone water tanks.

The lighthouse is another landmark of the city. It was built in Paris in 1880 and delivered to Alagna. This building can rightfully be considered a monument to the Ottoman Empire. Its snow-white walls are still in excellent condition today. Interestingly, despite its relatively low altitude, the light from the lighthouse extends over 200 nautical miles.

Modern city

Having an ancient history, Alanya became acquainted with tourism relatively recently - in the 60s of the twentieth century. It was during this period that the massive construction of hotels and recreation areas began. Today the city has become one of the most visited tourist destinations. Thanks to the warm weather, the beach season here lasts almost six months. A large number of attractions and entertainment attracts tourists of all ages. Vacationers will find not only comfortable hotels, but also villas and apartments located in picturesque corners of the Mediterranean Sea.

A favorite place for children is a huge water park, which has not only water attractions, but also fountains, slides, Jacuzzis, and swimming pools.

Not far from Alanya you can visit a dolphinarium, watch a show and swim with dolphins in the pool.

For young people in Alanya you can also find a lot of exciting entertainment, for example, diving, snorkeling, extreme rafting. The city does not fall asleep at night either - discos, bars and nightclubs are open until the morning.

And tourists who prefer adventure can take advantage of various tourist routes through the caves of Alanya, take a trip on a real pirate ship or visit the Tazy Canyon.