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 11th 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 19th
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 13th 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.
