THE RED TOWER
The 33-metre tall tower was built in order to keep the harbor under surveillance at all times. The technique used in its construction, its floor plan and its construction, and its durability make this monumental tower one of the most prominent Seljuk monument. The octagonal tower built on rocky terrain has a diameter of 29 meters.
The durable thick mortar used in the construction of this tower was used in almost all of the Seljuk towers. Although the stones in certain sections have crumbled down, the mortar still remains intact. The tower was named after Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat when it was first built, but later it was renamed the red tower due to the red bricks used in the construction. Many architectural pieces dating back to the ancient times were used in its construction. Especially the ancient column shafts used horizontally in the construction of the facade give the tower an unusual appearance.
THE FORTRESS OF ALANYA
As the promontory where the fortress is situated is not easily accessible either from sea or land it was not inhabited continually throughout the history. It was surrounded by city walls first during the Hellenistic era and later new additions were constructed according to the demands of the time...
The monumental fortress of Alanya is truly the sturdiest and the most splendid of all fortresses in Anatolia today.According to the inscriptions,it may be assumed that the whole fortress was rebuilt by Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat between 1226-1232. According to the inscription on it, the octagonal structure known today as the Red Tower (Kizil Kule) was the first structure built by the Seljuk's in Alanya and it is the key point of the fortress.
The defense line that starts here, in accordance with the topography of the land ascends in a zigzagging manner although not always regularly. After a certain distance it joins a complex of buildings called Ehmedek, which was built, on top of a Hellenistic tower. The city wall, which turns southward after Ehmedek and descends, in order, to Adam Atacagi Cilvarda Burnu, Arab Evliyasi Tower, Esad Tower and then by Tophane and Tersane, ends where it starts, at the red Tower.
Since the land between the Red Tower and Ehmedek is not so steep, in order to slow down attacks from the north, curtain walls were built outside the main city walls, in many places ditches were dug in the bedrock at the first lien of defense against attacks.
The first line of the fortress must have been considered secure since no such defense elements were used. One-hundred-forty towers are seen on top of the city walls that stretch a total of 6400 meters. These walls and towers, built of stone and mortar, had embrasures, holes to pour out hot oil and ramps to facilitate the movements of the soldiers in the fortress. The fortress was entered through the arched main gates with inscriptions on them. There were also smaller auxiliary gates. Today, only a few of these gates are in good state of preservation. The fortress of Alanya, as observed on the map, may be divided into three sections based on the city walls and various defense lines.
Diskale (the outer Fortress) in the area surrounded by the walls that extend through Kizil Kule, Ehdemek, Arab Evliyasi, Tophane and then reach Kizil kule again. Kizil Kule, Tersane and Tophane are the most prominent Seljuk monuments in Alanya. Ortakale (the middle fortress) in the area surrounded by Ehdemek, Arab Evliyasi and the walls of the outer fortress. Seljuk monuments such as the Aksebe Mausoleum, baths and a shopping complex known as Ehdemek, as well as Ottoman Monuments such as the Süleymaniye Mosque, the hostel, the marketplace, and a late Byzantine chapel called Arab Evliyasi are located in the Middle fortress.
Ic kale (the inner Fortress) located on the highest point in the northwestern corner, of the promontory is the last shelter and point of defense. The area surrounded by high walls resembles a falcon's crest and it was used for military purposes Seljuk monuments like palaces of the sultans and other important people, military establishments, training schools, cisterns as well as a church dating to the late Byzantine era are found in the Inner Fortress. There is also an interesting little corner known as Adam Atacagi.
TERSANE (THE SHIPYARDS)
Situated to the south of the Red Tower, right by the sea, there is a covered building where the big warships of the age were built in complete security. After Sinop on the Black sea coast, the Seljuk's used this Shipyard as a naval base and sailed the Mediterranean. Following the construction of these dockyard, Alaaddin Keykubat received the title "Sultan of the two seas " The rectangular structure measures 40 by 57 meters and consists of vaulted galleries where ships were built. The galleries are connected to each other by four pointed-arches. It's facade and all the weight-carrying elements are built of large, cut stone blocks, and the vaults of baked bricks.
THE DAMLATAS CAVE
Located at the western foot of the Fortress of Alanya, the Damlatas Cave is one of those rare caves in Anatolia which is under management, it appeals to Turks as well as foreign tourists since the air in the cave is beneficial to asthmatics, and it is easily accessible from the center of the city. It was discovered in 1948 quite by accident, it formed as semi-crystallized limestone from the Permian period of the Paleozoic Age was shaped by erosion over thousands of years. It is approximately 100 meters from the sea and the cave is under the sea level. There are many stalactites, stalagmites and columns decorating everywhere in the halls. Following the rumors that asthmatics benefited from breathing the air in the cave, scientists analyzed a sample of the air to verify the fact that the air was indeed beneficial to patients suffering from non-allergic asthma. They found that the air in the cave contains 10 to 12 times more carbon dioxide than normal air and has 90% to 100% humidity. Temperature in the cave is 22 C. Both the radioactivity and ionization in the cave may contribute to the benefits derived from breathing the air in the cave.
THE ALARA FORTRESS
A little further from the Sarapsa Caravansaray, at the end of a 9 km long road that separates northward from the main road is the Alara fortressthat is separated northward from the main road by the Alara Stream which runs through a deep, narrow valley. On one side of the stream, on a rocky cliff stands the Alara Fortress. The Alara stream, which originates from the forested mountains runs at he foot of the cliff below the fortress and serpentines towards the sea.
ALARAHAN (THE ALARA HOSTEL)
Alara caravansaray was the second caravansaray after Sarapsa on the way from Alaiye to Antalya and Konya. It is an unusual Seljuk monument since it also served a religious function as a place where dervishes lived in seclusion. The rectangular structure measures 38 by 50 meters and except for its ornate facade, it is constructed of cut stones. Various signs identifying the master stonecutters are seen on these cut stones. Rectangular and triangular pillars support the three facades of the structure. The plain portal with a low arch, in the middle of the northern facade, is the entrance to the caravansaray. Above the entrance there is an inscription of six lines in Arabic. two stylized lion heads decorate the inscription.
IOTAPE
The 33 km. long modern road that stretches along the coast between Alanya and Gazipasa passes through the remains of Iotape. Although these ruins date back to the Roman and Byzantine eras it is possible that the city was named Iotape by the king Antiochus IV (38-72 A.D.) after his wife Queen lotape.It is known that during the reign of Antiochos IV, in some of the cities in the neighbouring state of Cilicia coins honoring Queen lotape and their sons Epiphanes and Callinicus were minted. Coins were also minted in Iotape during the Roman Empire from the time of Emperor Trajan to the timeof Emperor Valerian (270-275). On the front side of these coins is the bust of the emperor and on the backside is a description of Apollo, Tyche or Perseus.
Iotape is situated by a small natural harbor on the western side of which there is a rocky cape 60 meters wide and 30 meters high. The cape, which is surrounded by walls, like a fortress, guarded the harbor against attacks from land and sea on the cape there are remains of Roman and Byzantine structures but they are in a bad state of preservation.
ALANYA ARCHELOGICAL MUSEUM
In this museum, which started to operate in the year 1967,many monuments from the Bronze Age, Urartu, Phrygia and Lydia and belonging to the Hellenistic and Roman period it is opened every day between 8am-12am / 1pm-5pm and the entrance is due to payment. Tel: 513 1228
THE HOUSE AND MUSEUM OF ATATURK
This building was constituted in the beginning of this century and in 18 February 1935,Atatürk remained in this house and after the owner of the house donated it to the Ministry it was opened to service as the house and Museum of Atatürk It is opened every day between 8am-12am / 1pm-5pm and the entrance is due to payment. Tel: 513 3254
HASBAHCE COTTAGE
This cottage, which was organized as a resting and hunting place during if Alaaddin Keykubat, there are many ruins of villas, baths, cisterns, pool for the for the irrigation and surrounding walls. It is in the Hasbahçe quarter.
SELJUKIANS MADRASAH
This madrasah, which was constituted by Alaaddin Keykubat during the year 1232 on a hill at Obakoy, is an example of the Seljuk's handmade arts and education institutes.
SARAPSA (SERAPSU) INN
This inn is a Seljuk's monument, constituted between the 1234-1246. There is also a small mosque at the east side of it. It is 15 km. away from Alanya, on the road of Antalya.
SYEDRA ANTIQUE CITY
This city was constituted during the 3 Century B.C. and there are the ruins of baths, roads, grave with fresco signs and the ruins of a palace On the ground of the bath at the East or the cite ruins of mosaics. It is 8 km. Away from tours Alanya inside the Mahmutlar Town. You can reach until Mahmutlar Town by public taxis, and then continue by taxi or by a special from Alanya.
LEARTES ANTIQUE CITY
It is constituted on the 850 meter of the Cebelireis Mountain, 25 km away from Alanya. You can go there by taxi or by special tours.
TABLELANDS
TABLELANDS DERE & TURBELINAS
This is settlement constituted on a mountain, which has a height of about 1000 meters, at Toros Mountains 30 km away from Alanya. The tableland is constituted by two settlements named Gedevet and Pinarbasi. You can reach taxi or special tours.
MAHMUTSEYDI TABLELAND
This is the tableland most frequently visited by the local people. It is 25 km away from Alanya
TURKTAS TABLELAND
This is the tableland near the Türbelinas Tableland established on the high parts of Toros Mountains, and has beautiful mountain views and picnic opportunities.
SEASHORES AND NATURAL BEACHES
INCEKUM FOREST RESTING CAMPING
This is natural seashore 30 km. away from Alanya, on the road of Antalya where forests of pines reaches the sea with a shallow watered sea camping and picnic opportunities and beaches. The entrance is due to the payment. You can reach there Yesilkoy and Manavgat, by buses going to Antalya, or by taxi or by special tours.
ULAS ROADWAY RESTING CAMPING BEACH
This is 5 km away from Alanya on the roadway of Antalya This is also a picnic place. The entrance is due to payment you can reach there by public busses by public busses going to Konakli, Avsallar, Türkler, Türktas, Yesilköy and Manavgat, by buses going to Antalya by taxi or by special tours.
CLEOPATRA BEACH
This is a beach looking like a small pool, placed in the Alanya cape near the Korsanlar grounded by the rocks. It is opened to the public. The umbrellas and the beds here are due to payment. There are sandwich buffets.
DAMLATAS BEACH
It is near the Cleopatra beach, going towards the West for about the entrance is free; the umbrellas and the beds are due to payment. There are sandwich buffets.
EASTERN BEACH
This beach continues for many kilometers from the city Centrum of Alanya to the East, towards Mersin .It is opened to the public. The umbrellas and the beds here are due to payment. There are Sandwich buffets.
DIM BROOK PICNIC AREA
This is 15 km at the Northeast of the city. This is a beautiful picnic area with many trees omamanting untains and abundant waters. In addition, there are many restaurants where you can find alive trout fishes. You can go there by taxi or special tours.
SEA CAVES
These are the caves located in the Southwestern side of Alanya peninsula and they have many natural and geological beauties. They have different names as Korsanlar (Pirates) Asiklar (lovers), and Fosforlu Magara (Phosphoric cave). It is possible to call alanya ‘a city of caves' You can discover the mysterious world of land and sea caves in Alanya. While wandering about the fascinating world of land and sea caves in Alanya. While wandering about the fascinating world of stalactites and stalagmites formed in thousands of years in land caves, you will also witness the forming of new stalactites and stalagmites. This witness, with the scenery created by the lighting inside the cave, will take you into a fantasy film. The world famous cave of Alanya is Damlataş Cave. The air in Damlataş is beneficial to the patients of asthma and doctors advise their patients o visit this cave. Kadıini Cave, which is not open for visit yet, is the settlement for the people of alanya 20 thousand years ago. Also the sea caves down under the peninsula are the places where ancient mythological tories took place.
Damlataş Cave was discovered in 1948 quite by accident while minig for building of the harbour. It is located at the western foot of hold peninsula. There is a 50 m passage at the entrance. After the passage there comes a cylinderical cavity. This leads to the basement of the cave. The stalactite and stalagmites inside the cave were formed in 15 thousand years. Besides its fascinating beauty the cave is famous with its air which is beneficial to asthmatic patients. Following the rumors that asthmatic benefited from breathing the air in the cave, scientists analyzed a sample of the air to verify the fact that the air was indeed beneficial to patients suffering from non-allergic asthme. They found that the air in the cave contains 10 to 12 times more carbon dioxide than normal air and has % 95 humidity. Temperature in the cave is 22 degrees centigrade. Both the radioactivity and ionization in the cave may contribute to the benefits derived from breathing the air in the cave. Entrance is due to payment. There is a small market around and in front of the cave is a beach.
It is located 12 km east of Alanya, on the slope of Cebel-i Reis Mountain of 1,649 metres. It has an altitude of 232 m. The cave is introduced to the visitors in 1998 and it is the second biggest cave known to the visitors. It is estimated to be 1 million years old. There are two paths inside the cave one is of 50 m, the other of 360 metres. There is a small lake towards the and of the cave.
The 360 m. Long path is prepared and illuminated, so as to provide a pleasant excursion offering a tremendous scenery of stalagmite and stallactite for the visitors. After the excursion you can go down the path to Dim Creek valley or you can take the walk up the cave from the picnic area near the creek. There is a panoramic view of Alanya Fortress at the slope where the cave takes place. There are public buses going to the cave. Entrance is due to payment.
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K o r s a n l a rmC a v e
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It's a sea cave under the historical peninsula where there is the Alanya Castle. Sea transportation is done by boats. Around the peninsula, according to the tour programmes, it's the first cave. Little boats can enter the cave. You can also swim to enter the cave. There was a rumour that there was a hidden path reaching the castle and the pirates of ancient time took out their booty from this path to the upward part of the castle. The image of the rocks under the sea makes the cave more mysterious.
The cave, situated by the side of the historical peninsula, has got two entrances. After the boat comes alongside the rocks towards Cilvarda promontory, it's able to reach the cave by rock climbing. You can reach the low entrance with a few steps. It's 75 m. Long. Since it has a low ceiling, you sometimes bend down while walking.
The altitude of the entrance on the side of Damlataş Cave from the sea is 8m. And you can jump into the sea here. All that moment the boat turns round Cilvarda promontory, gathers the people from the sea and goes on the excursion. However, there can be some people who don't want to jump into the sea at the last moment and it's more difficult for them to step down the rocks, so what you'll do is at first stuffing up your nose and then diving into the sea with a huge scream. There was a rumour that the pirates hid their booty and girls in this cave. It's thoughtthat the cave was named as Lovers Cave as the couples dated thre secretly.
It's a sea cave on the side of Damlataş Cave in the peninsula. Little boats are able to enter the cave. Because of its geological construction the ground shines almost as if phosphorecently at nights due to the reflection of the moonlight. It's also possible to notice the glitter in the daytime. There are also the short swimming breaks in front of the cave as swimming here is an enjoyable experience.
