Alanya Castle
Imagine a structure rising like a crown in the middle of the Mediterranean, its walls battered by the waves defying centuries. Alanya Castle is not just a defensive structure made of stone and mortar; it is a vast historical archive bearing traces of Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods.
Located on a peninsula approximately 250 meters above sea level, this unique castle is today the most iconic symbol defining Alanya's skyline.
The castle's current magnificent form began with the conquest of the city by Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat I in 1221. The Sultan declared the city his winter capital and completely renovated its defense systems. The 6.5-kilometer-long walls, nearly 140 towers, and hundreds of cisterns represent the pinnacle of Seljuk engineering at that time.
Alanya Castle is not a single structure, but consists of several interconnected sections:
Inner Castle: Located at the highest and westernmost corner of the peninsula. Here you will find the remains of the Sultan's palace, military barracks, and the Hagios Georgios (Saint George) Church from the Byzantine period.
Ehmedek: Located in the central castle section, this part was built to prevent attacks from the north. Today, it is one of the best-preserved parts of the castle and welcomes visitors.
The area at the very top of the castle, overlooking a steep cliff, is known among the locals as "The Man's Throwing Point." According to legend, in ancient times, criminals condemned to death would throw stones down from here; if the stone they threw did not reach the sea, they themselves would be thrown down. Today, this is no longer a place of punishment, but the most popular spot to watch Alanya's famous sunset.
The most important feature that distinguishes Alanya Castle from other castles is that life continues within it. People still live in the historical houses located within the castle walls, handcrafted goods are sold, and the traditional fabric is preserved. While walking in the shadow of the Süleymaniye Mosque, you can encounter women weaving silk and witness a community living within history.
"Alanya Castle is a timeless guardian standing in the middle of two different worlds, one side facing Cleopatra Beach and the other the azure harbor."
Located on a peninsula approximately 250 meters above sea level, this unique castle is today the most iconic symbol defining Alanya's skyline.
1. The Seljuk Signature in the Mediterranean
The castle's current magnificent form began with the conquest of the city by Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat I in 1221. The Sultan declared the city his winter capital and completely renovated its defense systems. The 6.5-kilometer-long walls, nearly 140 towers, and hundreds of cisterns represent the pinnacle of Seljuk engineering at that time.
2. The Heart of the Castle: Inner Castle and Ehmedek
Alanya Castle is not a single structure, but consists of several interconnected sections:
Inner Castle: Located at the highest and westernmost corner of the peninsula. Here you will find the remains of the Sultan's palace, military barracks, and the Hagios Georgios (Saint George) Church from the Byzantine period.
Ehmedek: Located in the central castle section, this part was built to prevent attacks from the north. Today, it is one of the best-preserved parts of the castle and welcomes visitors.
3. "The Man's Throwing Point" and Legends
The area at the very top of the castle, overlooking a steep cliff, is known among the locals as "The Man's Throwing Point." According to legend, in ancient times, criminals condemned to death would throw stones down from here; if the stone they threw did not reach the sea, they themselves would be thrown down. Today, this is no longer a place of punishment, but the most popular spot to watch Alanya's famous sunset.
4. A Living Museum
The most important feature that distinguishes Alanya Castle from other castles is that life continues within it. People still live in the historical houses located within the castle walls, handcrafted goods are sold, and the traditional fabric is preserved. While walking in the shadow of the Süleymaniye Mosque, you can encounter women weaving silk and witness a community living within history.
"Alanya Castle is a timeless guardian standing in the middle of two different worlds, one side facing Cleopatra Beach and the other the azure harbor."
