The Alarahan Karavanserai was built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in 1230 on the banks of the Alara River. On the top of `a near_by hill the Alara Fortress commands a view of the whole area. The large and popular resort center of Alanya lies at one end of a rocky promontory which juts out into the Mediterranean between two long sandy beaches.

A fortress, repaired by the Seljuks in 1231, one of the most magnificent sights on the coast, crowns the headland. Nearly 150 towers punctuate the walls of the wellpreserved, double-walled citadel. Within the outer walls are ruins of mosques, a caravanserai and a covered bazaar and within the inner walls are a ruined cistern and a Byzantine church.

Although Alanya's history dates back to Roman times, it rose to prominence under the Seljuks, when in 1220; Alaeddin Keykubat made it his winter residence and naval base. The surviving buildings reflect the importance of the city in Seljuk times. Besides the impressive citadel, tourists should explore the unique dockyards and the octagonal Kızıl Kule (Red Tower).
 

The town's lovely park, the road runs along the coast to the harbour, lined with countless boutiques that tempt tourists with handicrafts, leather clothes, jewellery, handbags and the amusing painted gourds fhat are a symbol of the area.

In August when Alanya hosts a colourful International Folklore Festival the atmosphere is charged with vitality and gaiety.

If you enjoy exploring you should visit the Damlataş Cave to see the eerie misshapen rock formations. Nearby is the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum (open weekdays except Monday).

A boat can take you to three sea grottoes: Fosforlu Mağara with its phosphorescent rocks; the Kızlar Mağarası, where pirates imprisoned their female captives; and the Aşıklar Mağarası.

When the intense sun overpowers you, take a day trip to the Dim Çayı Valley, 15 km east of Alanya, where you can relax in the shade of this scenic valley and listen to the stream rushing by. Thirty km east of Alanya is Aytap, the historical harbour city of lotape and a great excursion site with Roman ruins, secluded beaches and bays.

The valley at Alarahan

If you travel east from Alanya towards Gazipasa you will discover and, no doubt, linger on the exceptional beaches. The attractive Gazipa County was awarded its name by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Near Gazipasa is Yalandünya Cave with many natural water pools.

Also discover the Korsanlar Ask Mağarası (Pirates' Love Cave). The royal graves at Doğanci on Mount Adanda and Mount Güney are also worth seeing. Near the ancient city of Solinos there is a comfortable vacation locale. Be sure not to miss the picturesque Turkish houses at Hasdere.

Avsallar (Incekum), about 25 km from Alanya to the west, is a holiday resort center with fine sandy beaches.

Avsallar Beach
Picture: Avsallar Belediyesi

Mark Antony gave the lovely Cilician shores between Alanya and the Syrian Border to Cleopatra as a wedding present. Also associated with the region's past is St. Paul, a native of Tarsus. Today the region is known for its fertile soil which produces abundant crops, and for the hospitality of the region's denizens.

Surrounded by densely cultivated market gardens, Mersin (Içel) Province, lies midway on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Its shady palm-lined avenues, City Park and modern hotels create a pleasant ambience from which to visit the nearby historical sites and numerous beaches. A rapidly developing city and the largest free-zone port on the Turkish Mediterranean, Mersin has a regular car ferry service to Gazimagosa (Famagusta) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

In the fish market sample the daily catch in one of the several inexpensive restaurants. Other local delicacies include cezerye, a local confection made of carrot rolled around a walnut center and biberli ekmek, a small pizza topped with a spicy meatless sauce. Despite its very modern appearance, Mersin (ancient Zephyrium) occupies the site of an extremely ancient city. lt was called Kizuwatna by the Hittites. At the Yumuktepe Tumulus three kilometers west of town, continuing excavations have unearthed several successive settlements dating back to 6000 BC to the Neolithic Age.

lt has also been learned from a letter from the Hittite Queen, Puduhepa (1282-1275 BC), to the Ugarite king in Syria, Niqmepa, that the residents of Ura (Hyria) at the head of the Göksu (Calycadnos) River in Mersin were engaged in sea trade with the Ugarites. There are remains of various civilizations throughout Mersin, but the majority of remains are from the Roman, Byzantine and Turkish eras.

 

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