South coast (Eastern Mediterranean)
Situation and Characteristics
Alanya (previously Alaja) lies on the east side of the Gulf of Antalya below a rocky promontory of marble crowned by a Seljuk castle. Away from the coast the land rises almost without interruption to the summit of
Ak Dagi (2,647m/8,685ft), a bare karstic peak forming part of the Taurus range. With its delightful setting and subtropical climate - dry summers and very mild winters - Alanya is popular for both winter holidays and as a seaside resort. A fine beach offers some of the best bathing in Turkey. In addition to this there is the attraction of the town's Seljuk architecture.
History
Known in antiquity as Korakesion (Coracesium), Alanya was a Cilician frontier fortress on the border with Pamphylia. In the second century B.C. Diodoros Tryphona, a pirate chief, erected a fortress on the hill; this stood until destroyed by Pompey in the final stages of his campaign against the Mediterranean pirates. Passing into Roman hands the town was later given by Antony to Cleopatra. It became a place of real consequence only after coming under Seljuk rule in 1221. Alaeddin Keykubad constructed a great stronghold on the promontory (completed in 1231) and transformed the town into an important naval base.
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