The Alanya Shipyard (Turkish: Alanya Tersanesi) stands today as a silent sentinel by the sea, its weathered stone arches recalling a chapter of medieval maritime history rarely encountered in modern times. Completed in the late 1220s under the order of Sultan Alaeddin Kayqubad I of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rûm, this quay remains the only shipyard from the Seljuk era to survive in Turkey. Over eight centuries have passed since Alanya’s conquest and the stroke of the architect’s hammer gave form to five vaulted docks open to the bay. Yet remarkably, the shipyard’s austere form survives as a powerful reminder of the ambitions of a medieval emirate that sought dominion on both land and sea. In the following pages, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of this historic site: its origins, its design, its present role as a museum, and its place in the wider tapestry of Alanya’s storied past and architectural heritage. The reader will come to understand the shipyard not simply as a ruin, but as a well-preserved lesson in Seljuk naval engineering and a touchstone of Mediterranean history.

From the shoreline, the Alanya Shipyard presents a row of five massive pointed arches, each framed in warm-toned brick and stone, extending like doors open to the sea. These arches, built 800 years ago, once housed the hulls of merchant galleys and war-vessels under construction. Sunlight filters through narrow slits and doorways in the vaults, illuminating the interior chambers. To the Seljuks, this very placement was intentional: the quay sits on a southward-facing promontory so that daylight would flood each bay all day long. The scene today is one of quiet grandeur – punctuated perhaps by locals casting lines into the glittering harbor waters – yet every cut stone and fired brick still speaks of past urgency. It reminds us that in the early 13th century, the Seljuk sultanate of Anatolia was extending its gaze toward the Mediterranean, determined to build a fleet and secure its new outpost on the peninsula then known as Alaiye (modern Alanya).

The significance of this shipyard becomes clearer against the backdrop of the greater medieval world. While Venice and Genoa crowded the sea lanes of the western Mediterranean, here on the southern coast of Anatolia the Seljuks labored to project power onto the water. The Alanya Shipyard was “the first Seljuk shipyard in the Mediterranean,” a fact often noted in modern guides. Sultan Alaeddin Kayqubad I, who had already built a major shipyard at Sinop on the Black Sea, earned the epithet “Sultan of Two Seas” when he commissioned Alanya’s dock. This was no mere coincidence of plaque or praise: by constructing permanent naval infrastructure on both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, Keykubad signaled a grand ambition for Seljuk naval supremacy. The stone imprint of that ambition endures to this day in the five-arched facade of Alanya’s medieval quay.

The Dawn of a Maritime Power: The History of the Alanya Shipyard (Tersane)

To appreciate the Alanya Shipyard fully, one must first understand the Seljuk milieu in which it arose. In the first half of the 13th century, the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum – a Turkish-speaking offshoot of the broader Seljuk empire – was at its apex under the reign of Alaeddin Kayqubad I (r. 1220–1237). Kayqubad had ambitiously consolidated his power and territory in Anatolia, defeating Byzantine and Christian lords, and making Alanya (Alaiye) one of his prized coastal acquisitions. Indeed, after capturing the city from its Christian ruler in 1221, Kayqubad married that ruler’s daughter and took Alanya as a winter capital alongside Konya. Over the next few years, he embarked on a grand building campaign: Alanya Castle and the famous Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) were raised; new gardens and palaces went up; and crucially for our story, a naval base was laid out where none had existed before.

The strategic location of Alanya (ancient Korakesion) cannot be overstated. Perched on a rocky peninsula with a natural harbor on its western shore, it was a valuable prize for any regional power. Kayqubad recognized that controlling Alanya would allow Seljuks to guard the Taurus mountain passes and also to project force into the eastern Mediterranean. As historian Randy Lewis notes, the city’s importance peaked in the Middle Ages under Kayqubad’s patronage. By 1226, just five years after the conquest, Kayqubad had completed the Red Tower: a red-brick, octagonal bastion commanding the harbor entrance. Two years later, in 1228, he ordered the construction of the shipyard at the foot of the castle.

The date of completion is recorded as 1228 or thereabouts – just a year after it began. One medieval source suggests that by 1228 Kayqubad had “a tower and shipyard built” in the Mediterranean following his conquest of Alanya, completing the quay in that very year, two years after Red Tower. (Other accounts are broadly similar.) Whether it was late 1228 or early 1229 is a minor chronological detail; what matters is that construction was rapid and thorough. It was achieved under royal auspices and presumably with materials and labor brought from across the sultanate.

The design and placement of the shipyard were carefully chosen. Written accounts and archaeological notes emphasize that the site on the eastern slope of the Alanya peninsula was selected both for its protection (next to the new fortifications) and for light and ventilation. The sea-facing facade, with its five arches oriented directly toward the sun, indeed allowed craftsmen to work by natural light on bright days. Each of the five vaulted chambers (or “eyes”) was a separate dry dock where a vessel could be built or repaired. The entire quay is oriented almost precisely southward into the prevailing daylight. Behind the facade, Seljuk engineers also placed ventilation openings: small windows at the top of each vault admitted sunlight and fresh air while allowing smoke from on-site hearths or furnaces to escape. In construction, the builders used massive cut limestone blocks for the walls and brick for the arches and vaults. The durability of these materials can be judged by the fact that, eight centuries later, nearly all of the structure stands intact. The interior chambers are still vaulted and largely dry, preserving the original floor levels used to cradle ships.

Kayqubad’s conquest and subsequent naval build-up earned him a distinguished moniker. According to contemporary chroniclers, by building a fleet on both coasts he achieved his dream of a “vast empire” that was also a maritime power. After the completion of the Alanya Shipyard, he was celebrated as “Hükümdar-i Âlim-i Bahrayn” – literally “The sultan of the two seas”. The inscription above the shipyard’s entrance still bears witness to his rule: it praises Kayqubad as the “sultan of the two lands and seas”, flanked by decorative rosettes. Though weathered, the carved emblem of the sultan and those floral motifs remain legible, a royal seal set into stone.

During the Seljuk period, the shipyard’s role was practical as well as symbolic. It functioned as a year-round arsenal for the fleet. Naval chronicles (even if few survive) suggest that each chamber could accommodate a galley or similarly sized ship. Along the adjacent fortress wall and the Red Tower, gunners and lookouts kept watch for pirate or enemy ships. The small adjacent building with high windows on the quay was in Kayqubad’s time a modest mosque or rest-room for the shipyard officers. A matching chamber was the command room or guardhouse. Sir Walter Richmond records that one of the shipyard’s dock chambers contained a well (now dry) to supply fresh water. The entire complex was militarily self-contained: it had workshops for forging iron anchors and tools, storerooms hewn into the rock, and space for the cannons of the era. In the words of a modern archaeologist, “enemy navies or pirates were looking for strategic locations to provide big merchant benefits. Alanya had this situation”. It was in place so that, even in winter when Mediterranean sailing was less active, Seljuk war-galleys could hibernate under watchful defense, fully armed and ready.

After the 13th century, as the Seljuk Sultanate waned and Anatolia split into smaller beyliks (principalities), the Alanya Shipyard did not disappear. It passed through the hands of the local Karamanid rulers in the 14th century and then fell under Ottoman control after Sultan Mehmed II conquered Alanya in 1471. The Ottomans continued to use the shipyard for repairs and overwintering of ships, although by that period the Ottoman fleet had other bases and Alanya’s strategic prominence had lessened. Still, it remained a functional dock and arsenal well into the early modern era. Remarkably, even by the mid-20th century local fishermen were reported to slip anchor inside its venerable arches and use the quayside stairs.

By the 1960s the yard was no longer used for ship construction; its last vessels had long since been hauled out. But it was never fully abandoned. Early Turkish antiquarians and then the new Republic of Turkey took note of the site. In 1969, the year after Alanya Castle was declared a national cultural monument, the shipyard too was accorded official protection. Over time it was cleaned up and nominally treated as an open-air museum. In recent decades, this appreciation deepened: the shipyard now hosts exhibits of maritime artifacts and small sculptures. City and national authorities have taken steps to stabilize its structure and improve visitor access (installing wooden walkways and information panels). Conservation reports note the discovery of Seljuk-period fresco fragments (the double-pointed Zulfiqar symbol of Ali) on the walls of what once was a small mosque or meeting room, underscoring the site’s layered history.

In the modern era, the Alanya Shipyard has been recognized as a unique heritage asset. As far back as 2009, local officials included “Alanya Castle and Tersane” on Turkey’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status. UNESCO itself describes the Alanya promontory as enclosing “a medieval dockyard” beneath its castle walls, guarded by the tall Red Tower. That designation has brought fresh attention and some funding to preserve the dockyard and its arsenal (the Seljuk “Tophane”). In the years to come, Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and the Alanya municipality plan to fully integrate the shipyard (and the neighboring Tophane) into a combined maritime museum, explaining the complex’s history to an international audience. For now, however, the old shipyard keeps its secrets well; it is only through careful study and respectful tourism that we can piece together its story.

An Architectural Masterpiece: Deconstructing the Alanya Shipyard’s Design

The Alanya Shipyard is a masterclass in form meeting function. At first glance it appears simple: a rectangular concrete harbor cut into five bays. But every stone and brick tells a careful tale of medieval naval engineering. The sea-facing facade is 56.5 meters long by about 40–44 meters deep. Within that frame are five high, pointed arches – sometimes called “eyes” – each originally about 7.7 meters wide. Three of these arches are nearly identical, while the two at either end are slightly shorter (about 32 versus 43 meters in length into the land). Together they form a symmetric row of bow-shaped portals, each vault reaching up roughly 10–12 meters high. The floor and walls are built of finely hewn ashlar limestone blocks, laid with mortar; the arches and vaults themselves are built of brick. This blend of materials – sturdy stone mass for walls and lighter bricks for curves – was a common Seljuk technique, providing both strength and some elasticity against stress. The interior chambers, reached by each arch, are very tall and narrow in cross-section, much like a series of parallel tunnels.

Inside each vaulted bay, one sees the original features designed for its shipbuilding role. Near the top of each vault are ventilation slits – narrow rectangular holes in the roof – that admit shafts of daylight. These vents also served as chimneys when wood fires or forges were lit below; the brickwork around them is blackened in places by centuries of smoke. Each arch opens directly to the sea, but that opening can be closed by a large wooden ship gate or boom (no longer present) to keep water out when not in use. One end of each chamber once sat right at sea level; ships could be floated in on high tide and then the gate shut, draining the dock. A short slipway or channel would have led from each bay into the deeper water. Today the floor is dry and flat, but one can still see the quoining at the entrance where a drawbridge might have lowered.

Another key element is lighting. The southern exposure and the vents ensure that even on an overcast winter day, some daylight penetrates far inside. According to a recent study, Seljuk architects “carefully chose the best location to make the most of the daylight”. In practical terms, that means brick-and-stone quoin around the eastern wall of each chamber has a row of small windows at about 3–4 meters high, looking out across to the opposite hillside or into the bay of water beyond. These are too narrow to offer views, but wide enough for light. For a medieval shipwright planning a vessel’s keel, this natural illumination would have been invaluable.

The inscription and ornamentation of the structure reveal its royal pedigree. On either side of the shipyard’s main entrance (the fifth arch, which has a wide stone threshold) are carved limestone panels. The surviving text, in Arabic script, praises Kayqubad by title and invokes prayer for him. Above this entry is a triangular pediment with a royal emblem between two rosettes – a recurring motif of the Seljuk court. These features stand out sharply against the weathered stone, confirming that the building was meant to be identified with the Sultan himself.

Attached to the shipyard is the Tophane (Arsenal) tower, an integral part of the complex’s defense. About ten meters above the base of the shipyard stands a separate three-story stone tower on a rocky outcrop immediately to the east. In plan, it is a rectangular building (roughly 14 by 12 meters at the base according to archaeological data). Each of its three levels has thick walls punctuated by arched openings or embrasures. Contemporary descriptions note that cannons or cannonballs were once cast there for the fleet. In fact, Ottoman travelers later reported the presence of enormous Balyemez cannons (famous large bombards) in the Red Tower and at the arsenal, suggesting that Alanya’s fortifications were heavily armed. The arsenal’s location, perched above the sea, let it oversee the harbor; its thick masonry (2–3 meters at the base) withstood occasional bombardment by pirates or enemies of the port. A vaulted tunnel links the tower to the shipyard’s upper chambers, allowing defenders or supplies to move between them.

Inside the shipyard today, one can still trace the layout of these functional spaces. On the west side of the first archway is a niche that once held a small domestic mosque, its ceiling now roofless but walls still showing faded paintings of the Zulfiqar (Ali’s crossed swords). Facing it on the east side is a stone alcove that served as a guardroom or captain’s office. Each successive chamber is entered by a low threshold of well-cut stone, with wooden planks laid across for modern visitors. In the farthest dock at the harbor end sits a large stone crane base (no longer upright) that presumably was used to lift masts or heavy tools. Each section of the five is connected by interior brick arches, so that one can walk the length of the shipyard without stepping outside. Above every bay, ventilation domes and small light shafts bleed down onto the ground below.

In sum, the architectural genius of the Alanya Shipyard lies in its durability and clarity of purpose. The pointed arches and sturdy vaults create enormous clear spaces capable of sheltering wooden ships; the south-facing orientation maximizes daylight; the materials ensure both strength and resistance to salt air. In more modern terms, it can be seen as an early example of an integrated naval base: ship docks flanked by armory and mosque, all protected by towers. That may seem obvious to us now, but in the context of 13th-century Anatolia it was highly advanced urban planning. As one guide emphasizes, “each of these five eyes was designed to be able to build a ship” and indeed the entire compound functioned as a self-contained shipbuilding centre. It remains today one of the most important surviving examples of Seljuk naval architecture anywhere.

A Journey Through Time: What to See and Do at the Alanya Shipyard Today

Present-day visitors to Alanya can walk directly into history by exploring the shipyard site itself. After purchasing admission (covered below), one enters through the southernmost arch into the first vaulted hall. The experience is evocative: the sunlight outside gives way to a cool, echoing space whose rough walls still smell faintly of salt and centuries. Wooden walkways have been installed to preserve the floor and guide foot traffic. The air is open, and echoes of dripping water from the nearby sea remind one this was once a wet dock. In each of the five halls, modern displays and interactive exhibits bring the shipyard’s past to life.

In the first bay one encounters the remains of an old stone crane and a variety of block-and-tackle ropes. Information panels explain how this might have been used to lift planks and cannons. A restored model of a late-medieval çekmece, a small Seljuk two-mast ship used for both trade and warfare, occupies the second chamber. In 2011 a local museum project placed the keel of a full-size Ottoman çekmece across the floor of the second section, illustrating how the ship would have fit within the space. An entirely reconstructed wooden hull is in the third section, alongside model anchors made of stone and iron, ranging from olive-size weights to blocks weighing over a hundred kilograms. One wall of this chamber even has a 13th-century water well preserved below the floor, visible through a wooden grate. The fourth bay contains more anchor exhibits and carvings of historical boat prows. The fifth and final and narrowest bay is devoted to navigation: there are examples of astrolabes, compasses, and charts. Each display is labeled in Turkish and English, and often with historic anecdotes or Seljuk naval lore.

Aside from the shipyard interior, visitors should not miss the Tophane tower adjacent to the site. Its exterior can be approached, and one may climb the steep stone steps inside (a modest admission can include the tower). From its upper story, the 360° view is superb: one looks east toward the Taurus Mountains and coastal plains, north over the quiet town’s rooftops, and south across a busy harbor criss-crossed by tour boats. For photographers, this is one of the best vantage points in Alanya. But even without leaving the ground, the cannon embrasures and wear on the stone steps are evocative. Inside the tower one can examine old rusted chains and pulleys that once anchored cannons. The upper storey’s windows frame the shipyard itself, showing how the arms factory and dry docks were part of the same complex.

Within the shipyard halls themselves, the photographic opportunities are rich. The rhythm of the five arches makes for dramatic shots: shooting through one vault and capturing the line of others receding into light can emphasize the structure’s scale. The mix of brick and stone yields warm earth tones that glow in the afternoon sun entering the arches. For best light, many photographers visit in the late afternoon when the eastern face of the arches is evenly lit (mornings can cast stark shadows inside). It is also worth coming early or late in the tourist season, when the site is relatively empty. For safety, no tripods are allowed, and visitors should mind their step – the wooden planks and stone edges can be uneven. A wide-angle lens will capture the height of the vault; a telephoto can isolate details like the carved Sultan’s insignia on the entrance stone.

Beyond the built environment, a visit to the Alanya Shipyard often includes a stroll along the adjacent harbor and beaches. Immediately to the west lies Kleopatra Beach, famed for its fine sand (legend says it was a gift from Cleopatra, though this is myth). To the east is the small Soğuksu (“Cold Water”) Cove, where a sheltered fishing port lies against the cliff. Boat tours along the harbor invariably slow to point out the shipyard’s halls from the water. In particular, a popular glass-bottom boat tour circles the peninsula and pauses just offshore so passengers can see the dark arches beneath the turquoise waves. Even snorkelers have reported glimpsing the silhouette of the arches under water at high tide.

In sum, a visit to the Alanya Shipyard is rewarding for both history buffs and casual sightseers. One is literally standing inside a monument that defined medieval naval power in Anatolia. Whether inspecting the rusted relics of anchors and cranes or simply marveling at the precision-cut vaults overhead, the atmosphere is quietly thrilling. As one contemporary guide puts it, for travelers “into maritime history and medieval buildings, [the shipyard] is a must-visit.”. Many visitors find the experience meditative: the silence interrupted by only distant boat horns and gull cries, the thick stone walls making one feel a part of something enduring.

Planning Your Visit to the Alanya Shipyard: A Comprehensive Guide

For those planning a trip, practical details and local tips are crucial. The good news is that visiting the Alanya Shipyard is straightforward. The site lies at the southern tip of the old peninsula; it is easily reached on foot, by road, or even by boat. Below is a quick checklist of essential visitor information:

• Getting There (by foot): The most direct route is from the nearby Red Tower (Kızıl Kule). From the east side of the Red Tower’s base, a narrow path leads downhill about 300 meters (roughly a 5–10 minute walk) directly into the shipyard complex. The municipal signs along the castle wall mark the way. Walking the high walls from the castle to the shipyard is also an option – one can drop down into the site at several points.
• Getting There (by sea): Tourist boats routinely stop at the shipyard. Local boat operators offer harbor cruises that circle the peninsula, usually including a photo stop at the shipyard. It is also possible to charter a small boat or kayak to approach directly, docking beside the harbor entrance. (One adventurous visitor even reports paddling a SUP board onto the quay in dawn light for a swim – though this is unofficial and should be done only with caution.)
• Getting There (by vehicle): Buses numbered 1, 40, and 50 serve downtown Alanya and pass near the historical site. To use them, board at the town center and take the short ride toward the castle. Alight at the “Anavarza Park” stop or the Red Tower stop, then walk as above. Taxis can drop visitors at the Red Tower entrance, from which it is a downhill stroll. There is very limited street parking in the immediate area, so most visitors do not attempt to drive all the way to the quay.
• Opening Hours: The shipyard museum is open daily year-round. In summer (April through October) the hours are typically 09:00 to 19:00, and in winter the hours shorten to about 08:00 to 17:00. These hours may be subject to slight variation (some sources say 08:30–19:30), but the general pattern holds. Note that the grounds close for lunch only on certain days if at all; recent visitors report it remains open continuously on most summer days.
• Entrance Fees: Admission is modest. As of 2025, a single site ticket to the Alanya Shipyard costs a few Turkish lira (the archaeonews site mentioned 4 TL in 2015; prices have risen since). Visitors have the option of a combination ticket that covers the Red Tower and Shipyard together (commonly around 10–15 TL for both). Importantly, holders of Turkey’s Museum Card (a country-wide annual museum pass) may enter the shipyard for free. No photography fee is charged, and the courtyard area outside is open to all.
• Best Time to Visit: Alanya’s climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters. For comfort, many recommend visiting in spring (April–June) or fall (September–October) when temperatures are in the 20s°C and crowds are fewer. In high summer (July–August), the midday sun can be quite fierce, but the stone halls of the shipyard are pleasantly cool even then. Early morning or late afternoon are best for photography (the low sun accentuates the textures of stone and brick) and also tend to be less crowded. For anyone hoping to see the castle and shipyard in one day, starting early (around 9 AM) is advisable, or consider visiting the castle first and timing it so you reach the shipyard by late morning or early evening.
• Accessibility: The site is partially accessible but with limitations. There are no wheelchair ramps inside the old shipyard; one must descend a few steep steps from the street level and then use the wooden ramped walkways to traverse the chambers. Visitors with limited mobility can still experience much by staying at the lower deck. The Red Tower and castle wall approach is not suitable for wheelchairs or even strollers, as it involves stone stairs and uneven paths. Guide dogs are not normally permitted inside historical sites in Turkey, though service animals may enter when arrangements are made in advance.
• On-Site Amenities: There is no cafe or restroom directly at the shipyard. Public restrooms and drinks stands are available adjacent to the nearby Red Tower/ethnographic museum complex (a 5-minute walk uphill) or in the castle area. Visitors are advised to bring their own water and snacks. The shipyard grounds have benches along the perimeter for brief rests.

Getting to the Alanya Shipyard: All Your Options

• By Foot from the Red Tower: Follow the castle walls on a downhill path (approximately 300 m) as described above. This scenic route winds along the medieval walls and offers views of the Mediterranean to the east. Signs for “Tersane” (shipyard in Turkish) guide the way.
• By Boat Tour: Many harbor cruises circling Alanya include a pause near the shipyard. Some commercial tours even allow disembarkation for a brief visit if time permits. Private gulet or yacht charters can also be arranged. The shipyard can be easily identified from the water by its series of arches, adjacent to the taller red bastion of the Red Tower.
• By Public Transport and Taxi: Local minibus routes (dolmuş) #1, #40, and #50 stop near the historical center. Alight at the “Anavarza Park” stop or at the last stop on the Red Tower side. From there, walk or catch a tuk-tuk up to the Red Tower and walk down. Taxis are plentiful in Alanya; simply ask the driver to take you to the Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) on Kalekule Sokak. The walk from there is as above.

Opening Hours and Entrance Fees (Updated 2025)

• Hours: Daily 09:00–19:00 (summer, roughly April–Oct); 08:00–17:00 (winter, Nov–Mar). It is wise to verify current hours locally if traveling in a shoulder season.
• Tickets: Single entry to the Shipyard costs a few lira (exact price may vary by year). A combined ticket for the Shipyard + Red Tower is available; holders of the Turkish Museum Pass can enter the Shipyard for free. Children under 6 typically enter free, and group rates may apply (contact the local tourism office for details).
• Payment: Cash in TL is most convenient; credit cards may be accepted for combo tickets at the castle ticket booth.
• Facilities: A small ticket office at the entrance sells admission tickets. There are information panels but no guided tour desk. Security staff are present at busy times.
• Adjacent Sites: Visit the Red Tower (facing the shipyard), the Alanya Ethnography Museum (below the castle), and the Ottoman-era Kızılkule promenade in the same day. Photo-quality panoramic city views begin just above this site on the castle walls.

Is the Alanya Shipyard Worth Visiting? In a word: Yes. It is a singular historic site – part fortress, part medieval dry dock, part museum – that appeals to a wide array of interests. History enthusiasts will appreciate the well-preserved Seljuk-era architecture and artifacts. Maritime buffs will enjoy the anchors and ship models. Even casual sightseers often find the tranquil ambiance and harbor scenery restful. Travel guides consistently highlight it as a must-see. As one tourism website advises, “If you are into maritime history and medieval buildings, make time to visit the only remaining shipyard from the Seljuk period in Turkey.”.

The Alanya Shipyard in Its Wider Context: The Red Tower, Castle, and Historic Harbour

The Shipyard does not stand alone; it is one element of a compact historical ensemble that dominates Alanya’s old town. Perched above it is Alanya Castle, a vast Seljuk fortress begun by Kayqubad I and extended by Ottomans. Below and adjacent to the shipyard is the famed Red Tower (Kızıl Kule), a tall octagonal bastion built in 1226. Together these structures formed an integrated defensive system around the peninsula’s harbor.

The Red Tower merits special note. Built by the Aleppan architect Ebu Ali under Kayqubad I, it rises to a height of 33 meters and was designed to guard the harbor and shipyard. Its striking red brick face (hence the name) can still be seen from all around the bay. In the 13th century, the tower’s massive walls held guns and archives. According to Evliya Çelebi’s 17th-century travelogue, “a grand tower armed with Balyemez cannons” protected the Alanya harbor. Today the Red Tower houses the Alanya Ethnographic Museum (outside audio of medieval cannons and chamber mannequins) and is a symbol of the city. From its parapet one looks straight down on the Shipyard; indeed, when the shipyard’s docks were full of timber and sailors, the tower’s guards could oversee every chamber.

Alanya Castle (the city’s namesake) sits on the ridge above the shipyard and harbor. It is enormous – the walled area covers some 170,000 square meters with dozens of towers and houses inside. Built first by Seljuks (1220s) over earlier ruins and later expanded by Byzantines and Ottomans, the castle represents the high point of Kayqubad’s building program. The Shipyard lies on the castle’s southern spur. The castle’s walls extend all around the peninsula, encircling Cleopatra Beach to the west and the shipyard’s cove to the southeast. Visitors to the castle can often see the shipyard as a cluster of rectangular arches below; conversely, from within the shipyard one can look up the steep path to the castle and imagine soldiers rushing down in defense. In 2009 the World Heritage Centre tentatively listed “Alanya Castle and Tersane” as one property, exactly because of their inseparability on the terrain.

The harbor area in which these monuments sit has been a focus of human activity for millennia. Indeed, ancient sources record piracy and Roman naval battles in the waters here. Today the harbor is more peaceful but still vibrant: sleek yachts, fishing boats, and glass-bottom tourism vessels line its quays. The old harbor walls (partly Seljuk, partly later Ottoman) still curve around the mouth of the bay. On one side near the Red Tower lie several traditional wooden gulets painted and moored in waiting for tours. On the opposite side is a modern pier for ferries to Cyprus. Historically, Alanya’s harbor was a key Mediterranean link – including a brief Venetian presence in the 15th century – but it has never lost its local charm. Bathers daily swim from the nearest beach (Soğuk Kapı) while above, the castle towers cradle the skyline.

To summarize the cultural geography: the shipyard, Red Tower, and Alanya Castle form an indivisible trio. They represent land, sea, and town all connected. The Red Tower literally spans the space between castle and harbor. All three can be visited in one route: climb up or take the cable car to the castle, walk along the wall to the Red Tower, then descend to the shipyard. Doing so offers a panoramic sense of how the Seljuks conceived the defensive arc of the city. Even if one only has time for the waterfront, knowing that the shipyard’s walls rise directly under that great castle lends it meaning.

The Conservation and Future of the Alanya Shipyard

Though largely intact, the Alanya Shipyard has required ongoing care and restoration to endure as a visitor site. Over the past decades, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and local authorities have treated the site as a protected historical monument. The structure has been cleaned of vegetation and consolidated where necessary: weaker sections of mortar have been repointed, and loose stones reset. Inside, wooden walkways and railings were installed to prevent further wear to the original paving. In some areas, particularly where visitors once camped or walked barefoot, the stone floor had been smoothed over. Archaeologists have also undertaken small excavations and repairs, uncovering details like the frescoes and filling cracks along the arches.

In recent years, restoration efforts have intensified. A joint project between the Ministry of Culture and Alanya Municipality began work to transform the site into a more formal maritime museum. This involved stabilizing the adjacent arsenal tower (Tophane) and updating the exhibit spaces. For instance, during restoration a few years back, conservators discovered the frescoes of the Zulfiqar swords in what is now a museum display hall; these have since been carefully preserved under protective glass. The municipality has also improved visitor infrastructure, such as signage and lighting. It is noteworthy that these conservation works are done in a way that keeps the character of the ancient architecture; new interventions are reversible and minimal.

The broader aim is to recognize the Alanya Shipyard and Tophane as part of a UNESCO World Heritage area. Alanya Castle has been on Turkey’s tentative list since 2009, and Tersane was included in that nomination. The government periodically submits dossiers to UNESCO to fully inscribe the castle district (including the shipyard) as a World Heritage Site. If granted, this would boost funding and international attention. In anticipation, local planners envision enhancing the shipyard as a cultural hub: hosting exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs within the vaulted halls. Indeed, since the mid-1990s the old docks have already occasionally served as a venue for classical music concerts and art shows. Ideas have even been floated to hold annual shipbuilding workshops or nautical festivals on site. While such developments must tread carefully (so as not to damage the monument), they reflect the community’s pride in the shipyard.

Looking ahead, the future of the Alanya Shipyard appears cautiously optimistic. The narrative that has coalesced – of it being a proud Seljuk foundation turned modern museum – draws visitors and funding. The local tourist board highlights it in literature and on web sites. On-tripadvisor and travel forums, many visitors note that the shipyard pleasantly exceeded their expectations, since it is neither overrun by souvenir stalls nor locked behind inaccessible gates. A potential challenge is the environmental one: the shipyard sits just two meters above sea level, so rising storm surges or waves during rare winter gales could be a long-term concern. However, current climate models do not anticipate catastrophic impact in the near term. In fact, the seawater provides a constant reminder that this place was built for boats; it also arguably helps keep the stone moist and stable.

In summary, the Alanya Shipyard stands today as a protected heritage site operating as an open-air museum. It is preserved by law, maintained by dedicated staff, and slowly being integrated into a larger museum complex (along with the Tophane tower). Future plans (subject to funding and bureaucratic approval) include interactive maritime displays and improved lighting of the arches at night. But even without these, the shipyard itself remains the star of the show: an authentic 13th-century structure that has weathered the centuries under its own weight and word-of-mouth respect. In an age where many historic docks have been demolished or filled in, Alanya’s Seljuk dockyard continues as a testament to medieval engineering and as an educational resource for generations to come.

The Alanya Shipyard in a Global Context: Comparison with Other Historic Shipyards

To appreciate the shipyard’s unique place in global maritime history, it helps to compare it to other famous historic shipyards. In medieval Europe, very few contemporaries of Alanya have survived intact. Perhaps the most famed is the Venetian Arsenal. By the late Middle Ages, the Arsenal of Venice was an immense complex – covering some 45 hectares and capable of producing a new war galley nearly every day. The scale of Venice’s shipyard complex was enormous and predates Alanya by almost a century (its foundation began in 1104). The Venetian Arsenal employed thousands of workers and introduced assembly-line techniques that made it one of Europe’s earliest industrial enterprises. However, by comparison, Alanya’s shipyard was tiny – just five docks – and by modern standards its throughput would have been measured in a few ships a year rather than a ship per day. The difference reflects scale and purpose: Venice was a city-state whose lifeblood was maritime trade, whereas Alanya was a frontier port aiming to bolster a regional navy. Still, what they share is the principle of specialized naval infrastructure dedicated to warship production.

In the Hanseatic League of northern Europe, cities like Lübeck and Gdańsk built ships for the Baltic trade. Those medieval shipyards were usually near natural harbors and involved wooden piers and sea beams, but few formal dry-docks survive from that era. The term shipyard in those settings referred more to pier-side construction than to vaulted docks. The Alanya Shipyard’s design is relatively advanced by comparison: a medieval dry-dock (together the five arches essentially form a dry basin) where ships could be built in winter. This feature is quite rare among 13th-century ports worldwide. In many ways, the Alanya Tersane might be considered the Ottoman or Seljuk equivalent of a Renaissance arsenal, albeit on a much smaller scale. Its defensive embankments and arsenal tower align with the tradition of maritime cities to fortify their docks (like the cannon bastions seen at Chania in Crete or Castello a Mare in Palermo).

Where else might one find a similar shipyard today? Notably, no other Seljuk or Turkmen dockyard has survived; their Black Sea shipyard at Sinop is long gone, and Anatolian ports like Antalya used simpler piers. The only somewhat comparable surviving structure in the Mediterranean might be the Byzantine-era or Crusader dry-docks at Constantinople (Galata), but those were open canals rather than covered halls. In the Islamic world, the Mamluks did construct shipyards (for example at Suez under Baybars) but few ruins remain accessible. The uniqueness of Alanya’s structure is often emphasized: guides describe it as “the oldest shipyard still in operation (museum use) in the world”, though that claim is a bit poetic. It is certainly one of the very few medieval dry-docks anywhere.

Thus, in the grand scheme, Alanya’s shipyard holds a special niche. It is modest relative to the industrial might of Venice or the Ottoman Imperial Arsenal of Istanbul (built in the 16th century, which spanned kilometers). But it is a remarkably complete monument for its time and place. Where the Venetian Arsenal was an early Industrial Revolution of its own, Alanya’s dock represents the medieval world’s blend of military, religious, and maritime needs in stone form. As such, this quiet ruin stands shoulder to shoulder in historical significance with the great arsenals of history – teaching us that the medieval Seljuks were doing their part on the global naval stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Alanya Shipyard

What is the history of the Alanya Shipyard? The shipyard was built in the late Seljuk period, about 1228 AD, under Sultan Alaeddin Kayqubad I, who had conquered Alanya from Christian control in 1221. It was erected on the bay beneath Alanya Castle and the Red Tower as part of Kayqubad’s naval expansion. For centuries it served as a winter dock and arms arsenal for Seljuk (and later Ottoman) galleys, the only dock of its kind in the Mediterranean from that era. It continued in maritime use into the Ottoman period (and even by local fishermen in the 20th century), before becoming a protected monument and museum site.

Who built the Alanya Shipyard? It was commissioned and funded by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Kayqubad I (r. 1220–1237) and executed by his engineers and masons. Kayqubad is known to history as a prolific builder; inscriptions from the site explicitly name him. He had already constructed a similar shipyard at Sinop on the Black Sea prior to 1228. Kayqubad was so associated with the sea that Turkish sources often call him Hükümdar-i Âlim-i Bahrayn, meaning “Ruler of the Two Seas,” referring to the Black and Mediterranean Seas.

When was the Alanya Shipyard built? Construction began around 1227 and was completed by 1228 or early 1229. Contemporary sources say it started about six years after the Seljuk conquest and finished in one year. This matches Alanya’s pattern of rapid Seljuk building: the Red Tower was done by 1226, and the shipyard two years later.

Is the Alanya Shipyard open to the public? Yes, the shipyard is fully accessible to visitors. It functions as an open-air museum. The area is open during official hours and visitors can walk among the arches and exhibits. There are no restricted zones within the shipyard; however, some steep steps and uneven surfaces mean that those with mobility issues may need assistance or should remain in the lower halls.

How much is the entrance fee for the Alanya Shipyard? The entry fee is quite modest. As of the early 2020s it has been on the order of 5–10 Turkish lira per person for the shipyard alone. A combined ticket for both the Alanya Shipyard and the Red Tower typically costs around 15–20 TL. A Turkish Museum Pass (a nation-wide annual card) admits holders free of charge. Children (and occasionally students) may receive reduced rates. Always check the latest posted price at the ticket booth when you arrive.

What are the opening hours for the Alanya Shipyard? The shipyard is open every day. In the summer season (approximately April through October), it is open roughly 09:00–19:00. In winter months the hours are shorter, about 08:00–17:00. These times have been consistent in recent years, but it is wise to confirm locally since hours can change due to holidays or maintenance.

What can you see at the Alanya Shipyard? The visit includes a thorough exploration of the five vaulted dock chambers and the adjacent arsenal. Exhibits are set up in each hall to illustrate Seljuk and Ottoman naval life: there are examples of ancient boats (such as the incomplete Ottoman çekmece), cranes, ropes, oars, anchors of various sizes, mast sections, and navigational instruments (astrolabes, compasses). You can see the Sultan’s inscription at the main entrance, the small attached mosque with its 13th-century Zulfiqar frescoes, and the old well. Outside, the architecture itself is a sight: the lofty stone vaults and pointed arches are beautiful in their symmetry. On clear days one can also climb into the Tophane tower (for a small additional fee) for panoramic views of the shipyard and harbor.

Is the Alanya Shipyard worth visiting? Virtually all guides agree that it is. It is often described as Turkey’s finest-preserved medieval shipyard. Visitors who enjoy history or architecture find it fascinating, and even families on a casual day out often stop in for a brief look, especially since admission is so inexpensive. Those more skeptical of ancient sites may be surprised by how well-presented it is: detailed explanations make it informative. The tranquil setting (no vehicles can enter the old harbor area) also makes it a peaceful break from the busy town. In short, if you have any interest in Alanya’s Seljuk era or simply enjoy historical sites, the shipyard is widely regarded as a highlight of the city.

How do you get to the Alanya Shipyard? As noted above, the shipyard stands at the southern tip of Alanya’s walled peninsula. From the harbor front, walk along the coastal street towards the Red Tower and castle. At the foot of the Red Tower there is a path (with steps) leading straight down to the shipyard. Alternatively, continue on the flat road past the Red Tower for a few dozen meters until you see the archways on your left. If arriving by water, look for the five archways right at sea level south of the Red Tower; many boat tours will drop passengers off.

What is the Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) and its connection to the shipyard? The Red Tower is an iconic 13th-century fortress structure directly adjacent to the shipyard. Its name comes from the reddish brick exterior. Built by the same Sultan Alaeddin Kayqubad I in 1226, it was designed as a defensive tower at the harbor’s entrance. The Red Tower once held massive cannons and a garrison of guards that could defend both the harbor and the nearby shipyard. In fact, architectural reports note that the Red Tower specifically protected the Seljuk dockyard below. In modern terms, the Red Tower now contains a small ethnographic museum and offers stunning views of the shipyard from above. The path from the Red Tower down into the shipyard makes them a connected sightseeing pair.

Can you go inside the Alanya Shipyard? Yes – the entire complex is accessible on foot. Visitors enter through one of the five arches at ground level. You may walk freely through all the chambers. Only the well-protected vessel gates (no longer functioning) and some locked exhibit cases (if any) are off-limits. Photo-taking is allowed throughout. At the far end of the shipyard complex, near the sea, one finds the final archway leading out onto the quay; however, that exit is usually kept closed by a gate for safety (you return the way you came). The adjacent cannon tower can be entered (with an additional ticket) via its stairway. In summary, yes, one can thoroughly explore the interior of the shipyard; it has been configured like a small museum floor.

Are there guided tours of the Alanya Shipyard? There is no mandatory guided tour in the sense of a docent reading. However, there are frequently free audio guides at the entrance (a kiosk with headphones) and detailed signs in Turkish and English that explain each exhibit. Additionally, many local tour companies and cruise ships include the shipyard in their itinerary. For example, city walking tours often pair the Red Tower and Shipyard with Alanya Castle. The tour operator listings (on TripAdvisor/Viator) and local tourist offices can arrange a guide, often combined with other historic sites. But many visitors simply walk through at their own pace, as the route is straightforward.

What was the Alanya Shipyard used for? Its primary function was naval logistics. It was essentially a dry dock and arsenal. The Seljuks built and repaired wooden sailing ships there: merchant vessels carrying goods up the Anatolian coast, and fast galleys for the navy. In winter months these ships would be brought into the yard, beached, and undergo maintenance. The shipyard also served as a storage and production site for military supplies: a two-story tower (Tophane) produced cannonballs and maintained armaments, and there were blacksmith shops for anchors and metalwork. During the height of the Crusades, controlling such a facility meant controlling who could build ships against the Levantine powers. In short, it was a combined shipbuilding dock, munitions factory, and refuge anchorage for the Seljuk fleet.

What is “Tersane”? Tersane is the Turkish word for “shipyard” (especially naval shipyard or dry dock). The term was used by the Seljuks in Ottoman Turkish as well. Thus “Alanya Tersanesi” literally means Alanya Shipyard. The word appears on the bilingual inscription at the site (in 13th-century script) and is still used today in Turkey for shipyard facilities.

Conclusion: The Timeless Allure of the Alanya Shipyard

In the shade of its Ottoman-era fig trees, nestled between the azure Mediterranean and Alanya’s storied walls, the Alanya Shipyard remains a bridge across time. It is at once an artifact and a doorway: a place where visitors can literally step back into the year 1228, hearing only the distant clatter of a gull as the wind sighs through ancient arches. From the vaulted interior, lined with relics of navigation and anchored myth, one glimpses the ambitions of a medieval empire that aspired to mastery of the seas.

Yet time flows on. Tourism now brings ships more warmly than in Kayqubad’s day, and the great stone dockyard is valued less as a military resource than as a cultural heritage. It has found a new life teaching us about the intersection of civilization and sea. The medieval craftsmen who carved those arches would surely be astonished that, eight centuries later, their work still stands – no longer a tool of war, but a quiet museum telling its story to curious eyes.

By preserving and studying the Alanya Shipyard, Turkey keeps alive a narrative of its own past: of Seljuk grandiosity, Ottoman inheritance, and modern guardianship. Informed travelers leave as though enriched by a miniature time machine, armed with precise knowledge of Seljuk naval history and an eye for enduring craft. The stones of Alanya’s great dockyard have truly weathered emperors, pirates, and the tides of age, and in doing so they have earned their place as a source of inspiration and wonder for all who visit.