TURKEY ALANYA- ALARA AND OTEHRS

ALARA FORTRESS

From a turn off on the highway to Antalya, 30 kilometres outside Alanya, a rod leads up to the Alara Stream. From here, a steep climb on hillside and stairs is rewarded by an enchanting view once you reach the Fortress. The Fortress, built at this spot during the reign of Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat to safeguard the road between Antalya and Alanya, maintained a stronghold over the active trading routes of the period. The clear air and view at the hilltop makes the climb more than worthwhile.

ALARA INN

This inn,which dates to 1231 , was built 35 kilometres to the northwest of Alanya, about 9 kilometres inland, in order to facilitate the trading caravans’ journeys through the region. It has a 2000 square metre foothold. While the courtyard is normally in the cnetre of the building on other inns, surrounded by cells, at the Alara Inn it faces the outer wall. This unique distinguishing feature and its general attributes make it one of the best examples of Turkish architecture.

DARPHANE (MINT)

A group of buildings topping the rocky cliff at the tip of Cilvadra Point, the end of Alanya Peninsula, is locally known as Darphane (Mint), although not a single coin was minted there. One of the stone buildings from the 11^th century is a chapel with a dome which is still intact. There is also a cistern hewn out of the rocks. The Darphane could be seen from the Ickale (Citadel) and it is an impressible sight when seen from the sea during any trip around the peninsula.

HIDRELLEZ CHURCH

In a magnificent natural setting overlooking, the Mediterranean, at Hidir Ilyas locality, near the village of Haci Mehmetli ( 10 kilometres from Alanya)is the Hidrellez Church . It is believed to have been built at the beginning of the 19^th century. The church has been used to date for worship and has a rectangular plan with a small apse. The cut stone building has a mezzanine floor decorated with woodcarving. According to the inscription tablet it was repaired in 1873. The tablet is on permanent display in the Alanya Museum. The Hidrellez Church has a spring nearby and it is also known as “ Agios Georgios Church “.

ANDIZLI MOSQUE

The Andizli Mosque is in the Tophane Neighbourhood and can be reached through the lower gate in the walls next to the Kizikule. Its name is derived from the Andiz ( Arceuthos drupacea) tree next to it and it was commissioned by Emir Bedruddin in 1227. Therefore it is also known as the “Emir Bedruddin Mosque”. The building displays the typical features of Seljuk architecture. It was built with cut stone and has a squat minaret. Its minbar is one of the best examples pf Seljuk woodcarving.

SARAPSA INN

This inn is situated about 13 kilometres west of Alanya on the intercity highway. It was commissioned in the 13^th century by Sultan Giyaseddin Keyhusrev of the Seljuk Empire as a caravanserai on the Silk Road. For centuries, it served as a staging post for trading caravans and travelers. Now it is an excellent and authentic stopover spot for contemporary travelers through history. Visitors can easily imagine themselves among the caravans and processions of medieval Anatolia.

KARGI INN

 Situated on the north bank of the Kargi Stream, this building served travelers as a caravanserai in the Kesikbel locality, on the road that connected the Mediterranean Sea with Central Anatolia., during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. There is not sufficient information related to its construction date; but its size is impressive: 50 metres long and 46 metres wide. Its plan features a central courtyard and surrounding cells. Each cell has a ventilation opening in its ceiling. As a witness of centuries, it is one of the important historical sites in Alanya.