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The fort seen from Kleopatra beach
Robin Hood and his merry men and women
turism
HAND MADE CARPETSAlanya Fortress
Alanya Fortress is a series of walls and towers located on the Alanya peninsula that form a ring around portions of the historic quarters of the city. The entire chain of the fortification stretches from the Red Tower, which is situated below adjacent to the harbor, up to the summit 820 ft. (250 meters) above the sea, and then back down to the Red Tower.
The fortress was constructed between 1226 and 1232 by the Seljuks under the command of Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat, shortly after their capture of the area. It is known that previous fortifications and structures were built on this spot, including ones by Mediterranean pirates and the Byzantines. When Sultan Alaaddin constructed this fortress, he set out not only to protect the city and harbor from attack and invasion, but to announce the arrival of the Seljuks to this region, and their proclaimned dominance of it. With the completion of the Alanya fortress and adjoining dockyards in the harbor, along with a similar fortification established on the Black Sea port of Sinop, Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat was given the title "Sultan of the two seas".
A restoration project was completed in 1955 by the Turkish government, and the fortress was officially opened as a national landmark. It is an incredible sight to see, both within the walls of the fortress, as well as from down below. At the summit, in and around the old Ehmedek quarter, there are numerous structures and ruins to be explored. Not all are Seljuk though, as there is an old Byzantine church present, which preceded the Seljuks, as well as a few examples of Ottoman architecture, which followed them.
From this height above the town and sea, simply spectacular views are to be seen! One of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever witnessed was from the top of the fortress. Great manmade sights, and great sights made by mother nature! Excellent! :)
