The Magnificent Symbol of the Medieval Seljuk Capital is here in Alanya

Two iconic towers of two ancient capitals; the Red Tower is to Alanya what the Maiden's Tower is to Istanbul! This majestic structure, which has been watching over the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean for nearly 800 years, stands out as one of the most impressive examples of Seljuk architecture. The Red Tower, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List, continues to whisper memories of the glorious days when it was the capital of the Seljuk State that once ruled Anatolia, to its visitors, even though Alanya is now a district.

The Name and Construction of the Red Tower
Do not think that its color is named after the redness of Alanya's magnificent sunset. The Red Tower, which was built up to a certain height from marble and limestone cut blocks collected from the ruins of buildings used in previous centuries, was built with baked clay bricks towards the top. As time passed and the rains added to the iodine of the salty Mediterranean, all the marble and limestone blocks became even redder.

This medieval Seljuk work, designed in the octagonal Razi style, was built in April 1226 by the master Ebu Ali Reha el-Kettani from Aleppo, who also had his signature on Sinop Castle, by the sultan of the period, Alaaddin Keykubad I. The tower, built to ensure the security of the port and the city after the conquest of Alanya by the Seljuks, was designed as one of the most important sea defense structures of the period.

Architectural Structure and Original Features
Since each of the eight walls is 12.5 meters, the circumference of the tower is exactly 100 meters. This imposing structure, which is 33 meters high and 29 meters in diameter, once adorned the back of 250,000 TL banknotes and became a symbol of national importance.

The tower's door and entrance corridor are very small and narrow for military reasons. The back of the narrow corridor is quite wide. Thanks to the sunlight it receives from the terrace, the interior is also quite bright. According to Evliya Çelebi, a 17th century traveler, during a siege, it could hold 2 thousand men. It could!

Floors and Functions
The first two floors of the five-story structure, including the ground floor, are quite high for the daily drills of the soldiers inside. The middle floor was probably designed as an intermediate floor with little light and a very low ceiling, since it was reserved for the soldiers to rest during the day.

The fourth floor is the terrace floor, where the mouth of the cistern well is also located. To reach here, you have to climb 85 high-stepped stone stairs. The half floor above the terrace floor was built for observation, surveillance and easy defense. Now it is used as a walking area where you can watch Alanya 360 degrees.

Defense System and Water Cistern
In the middle of the tower, there is an octagonal cistern to meet the water needs. This strategic feature was of vital importance to meet the water needs of the soldiers inside during sieges.

A total of 56 vertical and 22 horizontal defense gratings and six gargoyles were placed on the outer walls. In the middle of the terrace, there are 16 chimneys placed around the mouth of the water cistern and for both ventilation and lighting. These details show the elegance and functionality of Seljuk military architecture.

Historical Ship Graffiti
When you exit the door opening to the walls from the second floor of the tower, the large ship graffiti on the northern wall on the right after 20 meters does not escape careful attention. This interesting detail provides clues about Alanya's maritime history and arouses curiosity. You can learn the story of the ship graffiti in more detail in the "Follow the Trail of Legends" section.

Stonework and Decorations
The stonework of the Red Tower exhibits the skills of the masters of the Seljuk period. Especially the decorations and inscriptions on the entrance gate reflect the artistic understanding of the period. The signatures of the stonemasons that emerged during the restoration of the structure are also among the striking details.

Red Tower Today
Today, the Red Tower serves as one of the most important historical and touristic places in Alanya. There is an Ethnography Museum inside the tower, offering visitors the opportunity to discover the historical and cultural heritage of Alanya.

The tower is open to visitors throughout the year and attracts great attention especially in the summer months. Going up to the terrace of the five-story tower and watching the unique view of Alanya gives visitors an unforgettable experience.