Alanya Castle serves as an important symbol of Alanya, a region in Antalya, situated at an elevation of approximately 250 meters above sea level on a peninsula. The stronghold is surrounded by imposing walls that stretch 6.5 kilometers, reflecting its historical strategic importance.

Origins and Historical Significance

The origins of Alanya Castle date back to the Hellenistic era, when the settlement was referred to as Kandeleri. The current structure is primarily credited to the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, who captured and renovated the castle in 1221, transforming it into an unassailable fortress. The castle features an impressive collection of 83 towers and 140 bastions, fulfilling both defensive and strategic roles. To support its inhabitants, more than 1,200 cisterns were incorporated into the fortress—some of which are still operational today.

The carefully designed fortifications extend through significant sites, such as Ehmedek, İçkale, Adam Atcağı, Cilvarda Burnu, Arap Evliyası, and Esat Burcu, ultimately arriving at Tophane, Tersane, and concluding at the renowned Kızılkule.

A Chronicle of Conquests

Alanya Castle has a rich history characterized by conquests and shifts among influential empires. Founded in the 2nd century BC by the Roman pirate Tryhos, originally named Korakesion, the fortress came under Roman control in 64–65 BC as they aimed to suppress piracy in the Eastern Mediterranean. Subsequently, between 1220 and 1221, Alaeddin Keykubad I incorporated the region into the Seljuk Sultanate, turning it into a flourishing center of commerce and military strength. Later rulers, such as the Karamanids, Mamluks, and eventually the Ottomans led by Suleiman the Magnificent, influenced the castle, maintaining its ongoing occupation and importance.

Exploring İçkale: The Heart of the Fortress

At the pinnacle of the peninsula stands İçkale, the Inner Castle, which currently serves as an open-air museum. This area, once the majestic home of Alaeddin Keykubad I, stands as a remarkable example of Seljuk architectural splendor. While contemporary communities remain within the castle’s boundaries, guests can explore the area on foot, a trek that lasts around an hour. A cable car offers a picturesque journey to this remarkable historical site.

Alanya Castle stands as one of the rare medieval defense structures that has endured through the ages. Inside its vast walls, artifacts from the Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods exist together in harmony. Prominent edifices encompass Byzantine-era churches and chapels, the Bedesten (a historic trade center), and the Akşebe Sultan Masjid and Tomb, which honors one of the initial commanders of the castle. The Seljuk Palace, constructed from remnants of earlier buildings, features traditional baths, living spaces, and almost 400 cisterns that serve the castle’s water supply requirements. The dungeons, a lasting echo of the castle’s military history, still enchant visitors, while the Süleymaniye Mosque and a lighthouse from 1720 enhance the site’s historical richness.

The Red Tower: Emblem of Alanya

The Red Tower (Kızılkule) stands out as a remarkable feature of Alanya Castle, serving as a prominent symbol of the city. Commissioned by Kayqubad I in 1226, this impressive 33-meter-high octagonal tower gets its name from the reddish tint of its construction material. The tower, initially built as a defensive stronghold, stands impressively preserved. Today, the first floor functions as an Ethnographic Museum, providing a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage.

The Seljuk Shipyard: A Maritime Legacy

Next to the Red Tower, by the waterfront, is the Alanya Shipyard—one of the best-preserved shipbuilding facilities from the Seljuk era. Constructed by Alaeddin Keykubad I, this arched edifice significantly contributed to enhancing the naval supremacy of the Seljuks. It not only aided in ship construction but also generated sails and maritime equipment. The shipyard impressively continued its operations until the 1960s. Today, it serves as the Ship and Maritime Museum, providing visitors with an insight into the region’s seafaring history.

A Living Monument to the Ages

Alanya Castle stands as more than just a remnant of the past; it serves as a vibrant monument that persistently shares stories of victories, endurance, and cultural transformation. As one navigates its impressive walls, winds through its intricate pathways, or gazes at the sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean, a journey through time unfolds for visitors. Each stone carries the marks of centuries gone by, and Alanya Castle stands as a magnificent testament to the brilliance and splendor of the civilizations that once governed its formidable walls.