Alanya – from 0 to 100 this beautiful coastal city of Türkiye
If you haven’t come across the name Alanya, you might believe that a trip to Turkey revolves solely around visiting cities like Istanbul and Antalya. Allow us to introduce you to one of Turkey’s lesser-known yet captivating destinations – the city of Alanya. Despite being less familiar to Iranians, Alanya stands out as one of the most beautiful historical and coastal cities in Turkey, boasting a Mediterranean climate, diverse geography, natural and historical attractions, and stunning beaches.
Every year, numerous tourists from around the globe choose to explore this coastal gem, immersing themselves in its rich offerings. If you find yourself among those intrigued by this city, continue reading this article to discover everything about Alanya, Turkey – from its historical background and climate to the culture and customs of its inhabitants.
Introducing Alanya, a city with the warmth of a smile
Alanya, formerly known as Ghalaiye, stands as one of Turkey’s historical and coastal cities, situated in proximity to Antalya. Bordered by the Taurus Mountains to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, Alanya occupies a small peninsula in the Mediterranean, historically serving as a robust natural fortress for significant empires, including the Ottoman, Seleucid, Byzantine, and Roman. The city gained particular prominence during the era of Sultan Aladdin Kiqbad. Alanya experiences a mild Mediterranean climate during summers and rainy, humid winters. While the city itself rarely sees snow due to its moderate Mediterranean weather, the surrounding heights are often covered in snow, presenting a breathtaking view.
Alanya is renowned for its abundance of beach activities, coupled with a wealth of natural and historical attractions. This combination has propelled the city into becoming a popular tourist destination in Turkey in recent years.
Where is Alanya? A peninsula in the south of Türkiye
The city of Alanya, covering an area of 159,851 square meters with a population of 364,180, is situated on the southern coast of Turkey, forming a small peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea. Positioned 135 km from Antalya and 807 km from Istanbul, Alanya shares its western border with Mangot and its eastern border with Ghazi Pasha. Notably, the city is in close proximity to Cyprus. To help visualize its location, refer to the map of Turkey below, highlighting the position of Alanya.
The historical story of the city of Alanya, Türkiye
Throughout history, Alanya Turkey has been a part of Cilicia, which itself formed a large part of Anatolia. Also, for many years, this region was considered a part of the land of Pamphylia, somewhere in South Asia Minor. For a while, this city was in the territory of the Iranian Empire, and the Greeks and Romans even dominated this city for a while. In the 13th century, Aladdin Kiqbad, the Seljuk king named this city Alaiyeh. This city was finally annexed to the Ottoman Empire in 1481 and its name was changed to Alanya.
Briefly about the culture and customs of Alanya
Given the historical transitions and changes of rule in Alanya, Turkey, the city has acquired a rich cultural diversity, with its own set of customs and traditions. Travelers heading to Alanya should be aware of and respect these customs as the native people hold them dear. For instance, the residents of Alanya celebrate the birth of a baby with grand parties, and when invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift. Additionally, a common practice when entering someone’s house is to remove one’s shoes. An interesting tradition in Alanya dictates that bread must be present on the table when serving food, adding a unique touch to their customs.
The people of Alanya predominantly follow the Sunni sect of Islam and celebrate Muslim holidays and mourning ceremonies with full enthusiasm. In Alanya, as in many Turkish cities, wearing the hijab is a personal choice and is freely practiced. However, when visiting mosques, it is advisable to dress modestly, opting for clothing such as long skirts and blouses. Understanding and respecting these customs enhances the travel experience and fosters positive interactions with the local community in Alanya.
Alanya weather; Where the sun smiles
Alanya experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by moderate summers and rainy, humid winters. The subtropical region witnesses the majority of its rainfall during the winter months, making summers the ideal time for beach activities in this coastal city. During the summer, Alanya enjoys pleasantly warm days, earning it the nickname “where the sun smiles.” The winters in this part of Turkey are also appealing and picturesque. While it typically does not snow in the city itself, the surrounding mountains are often covered in snow, adding to Alanya’s allure in the winter months. In August, the average temperature in Alanya is around 28 degrees Celsius, providing a comfortable environment for visitors to enjoy the city’s attractions.
Tourist attractions in Alanya, Türkiye that you should not miss
As mentioned, there are many historical and natural attractions to visit in the city of Alanya. Therefore, if you go to this city, do not spend all your travel time on beach activities because visiting the tourist attractions of this city will make your trip more interesting and valuable. In the following, we will introduce some of these attractions to you:
Alanya Castle; Guardian of the Mediterranean Sea
Alanya Castle overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The walls of this fortress were built by the Seljuks in the 13th century. You may be interested to know that this castle is also registered as a historical monument in the UNESCO world list. Although most of the parts of this castle were built during the Seljuk period, some parts of it also belong to the time of Sultan Aladdin Kiqbad.
Water Planet Water Park; Have family fun
One of the attractions of Alanya city is Water Planet water park. This water park has a family environment and you can experience activities such as bungee jumping, water slides, numerous swimming pools and boating, etc.
Red Tower; A blood-colored building
The next attraction you should visit when traveling to Alanya is the Red Tower. This building was built in the 13th century, but it was completely renovated once. This building has a tower with a height of 29 meters, to reach it you have to go through different parts. Currently, this building is used as an ethnology museum.
Dim Çay River; A place for a picnic
The Dim Çay River holds significance for the residents of Alanya not only for agricultural purposes but also as a favored location for family and friendly picnics. Many locals choose to spend their Sundays by the river, enjoying its serene surroundings. While the general temperature of the river tends to be cold, making it less suitable for swimming, its banks offer various amenities for a delightful picnic experience.
Along the Dim Çay River, visitors can find facilities such as restaurants, a separate swimming pool, an artificial waterfall, and a children’s playground. These amenities create a welcoming environment, allowing individuals and families to safely enjoy a picnic by the riverside. The combination of natural beauty and recreational features makes Dim Çay River a popular and enjoyable destination for both locals and visitors in Alanya.
Manavgat waterfall; Getting to know the wonderful nature
If you’re keen on exploring one of Turkey’s renowned waterfalls during your visit to Alanya, look no further than the Manavgat Waterfall situated within the city. The Manavgat Waterfall stands at a height of two meters and 40 centimeters, and despite its modest height, it impresses with a robust water pressure. Surrounding the waterfall, you’ll discover captivating gardens, and adjacent to this natural attraction, there are additional facilities such as restaurants and souvenir shops to enhance your visit.
Alanya boasts several other noteworthy attractions, including the Greek amphitheater, Apollo Temple, Archaeological Museum, Dim Cave, and Damlatash Cave. Each of these sites contributes to the diverse and rich cultural tapestry of Alanya, offering visitors a chance to explore both natural wonders and historical landmarks. If you’re eager to delve deeper into the attractions of Alanya, you can refer to another article with the same title for more detailed insights.
Local dishes of Alanya; Don’t forget the tummy tuck
Trying the local food is an essential part of experiencing the culture of any city, and Alanya is no exception. The city offers a diverse array of delicious dishes, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region. Here are some traditional dishes you should consider trying in Alanya:
- Kebab: Kebabs are a staple in Turkish cuisine, and Alanya is no different. Indulge in various types of kebabs, such as Adana kebab, which is made with minced meat and spices, or shish kebab, where marinated meat is skewered and grilled.
- Börek: Börek is a savory pastry filled with ingredients like cheese, spinach, or minced meat. It’s a popular snack or breakfast item, often enjoyed with a cup of tea.
- Mezes: Mezes are small appetizers that showcase the diverse flavors of Turkish cuisine. They can include dishes like hummus, stuffed grape leaves (dolma), and eggplant salad (baba ganoush).
- Pide: Often referred to as Turkish pizza, pide is a boat-shaped flatbread topped with various ingredients, such as cheese, meat, and vegetables.
- Manti: Manti are Turkish dumplings filled with spiced meat and typically served with yogurt and garlic sauce. They are a delicious and unique culinary experience.
- Lahmacun: Also known as Turkish pizza, lahmacun is a thin flatbread topped with a mixture of minced meat, vegetables, and herbs.
- Baklava: No visit to Turkey is complete without trying baklava, a sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup.
In this article, we talked about the city of Alanya and introduced you to all the necessary information about this city, from its history to its geographical location and some of its attractions. In response to the question of whether Alanya is a good place to travel or not, the answer must be yes. This coastal city has been hosting many tourists every year for several years and its tourism infrastructure is improving day by day. If there is another point about Alanya, Turkey that was not mentioned in this article, or if you have the experience of traveling to this city, share your information and experiences with us and other readers so that others can benefit. I hope this article was useful for you and you can use it.
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