Alanya

Imagine: Sun, Beach, and the Sea rıght on your door step!

Turkey, a stirring country with new possibilities, awaits you at the end of a three and one half hours flight from Germany. Mainly, agriculture and mining business runs inland of the region. The South Coast welcomes you with its 300 days of sunshine, pleasant Mediterranean climate, and wonderful sandy beaches. Here, there are hidden ancient towns among aromatıc pine forests, picturesque villages, and secluded bays. A paradise for sun worshıppers and for people who love all kinds of water sports (Diving, jet-ski, parasailing, rafting, and peddle bikes.) The mountains situated at the end of the coast are perfect for hiking or mount climbing. It is even possible to skiing in March and April. Summer begins in April and ends in November.

Turkey is a member of NATO, UNO and UN, OECD, BIZ, WTO, IWF, the European Council, Associated Member of EU, and promınent member of the Black Sea Economic Union.

The formation of the modern Turkey we know today began with the Independence War in 1923 commanded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk's major reforms were separating religion and the state from each other (Laicism), inauguration of Swiss Civil Laws, and orientation of Western Industry Politics. "Kemalism" is still applies to both the nation's values and politics at present. Turkey has a multi political party system since 1946.

Joining the European Customs Union brought a considerable economic upturn to the country. A more specific basis of this positive development is the Tourism Industry. There is a growing money flow to the coast region with ever growing numbers of tourısts. The Turkish Riviera is the backbone of this booming sector with its endless sandy beaches and its clear sea water.

REGIONAL AND CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ALANYA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

Alanya, the most well-known southern touristic place of Turkish Riviera, the "Pearl" of Mediterranean Sea, is a city full of opposites: ancient Ruins, modern hotel facilities, kilometers of sandy beaches, ice-cold rivers coming from mountains, rustic and idyllic nature and tourıstıc (beach) towns.

This is where ancient and modern Turkey meet. Alanya is situated on a small peninsula. The landmark of the city; the Citadel of the Seljuks from 13th century with its 140 castle towers and 400 cisterns presents a striking view of Alanya below. It's location between the Taurus Mountains stretching in the north and the Mediterranean Sea in the south with its turquoise-colored water, hospitable people, the low cost of living and the wonderful environment, presents a good choice to take a vacation. You can travel by speedboat from Alanya port to Cyprus in only 3.5 hours and by plane it wıll take only 40 minutes. There are many different excursions to the surrounding areas for those who take an interest in Turkish customs and cultural sights; for example: Asphendos, Pamukkale travertine and Cappadocia.

RED TOWER, ALANYA MUSEUM, SEA CAVERNS, DRIPSTONE CAVERNS

The Red Tower (five floors on an octagonal ground) was built between the years 1225-1227 to control the Port entries and it is one of a unique example of the Seljuk's art. It is the main place of interest in Alanya. After a restoration (1951-1953), the Tower has been housıng an Ethnography Museum since 1979.

Alanya Museum was opened in 1967 and various art and utensils from Roman Age till Ottoman Age are exhibiting in the museum's Archaeological Department. Furthermore, several archaeological excavation documentations are being drawn up. The House where Ataturk stayed during his visit to Alanya in 1935, is now a museum open for visitors. On the first floor, Ataturk's personal belongıngs, several letters and documents are exhibited. On the top floor, you can see characteristic ethnographic furniture of this region.
The Natural Sea Caverns (Pirates Cave, Lovers Cave and Phosphorus Cave) are located on the right and left sides of the peninsula. In the Pirates Cave; pirates hid the loot they had pillaged. In the Lovers Cave; lovers met secretly. In the Phosphorus Cave; flamboyant colored light plays engendered by phosphorous rocks and stones on the deep sea ground can be seen. Another place of interest is Dripstone Cavern. The Damlatas Dripstone Cavern was discovered by accident in 1948 during digging works ın the port. According to the research by geologists this cavern dates back 10.000-15.000 years and was created by rainwater oozing through the alkaline strata. The cavern became famous because of its many magnificent colored dripstone columns and its special feature is the scientifically proven healing power of asthma and bronchial diseases.
The Dim Cavern is the second biggest cave in Turkey and located on the southern declination of the deep-edged Dim Valley at 232 m height of Kestel district.

TAURUS MOUNTAINS AND DIM BROOK

For an outing to nearby mountain landscape, Taurus Mountains is favorable place to go especially in scalding hot days. The clear Dim Brook springs beckons where Brook restaurants and picnic areas invite you to the experience of "Pure Nature" for a couple of hours at pease. You can sit directly by the brook or in small pergolas under trees and savor your food in the melodious soothing atmosphere of water. A lot of local people also come here at weekends to relax. Anglers can fısh for fresh trout out of a mountain brook at every time of year for fish-lovers. To learn more about "Country and People", it may be interesting to visit the idyllic sited mountain villages, for example; visiting the mosques or savoring traditional Turkish tea in a typical small Turkish tea-house. Those who wish to do some outdoor sports should take part in a rafting tour on Dim Brook or explore the Taurus Mountain Ranges with a Jeep-Safari.