Alanya: history, climate and economy

Alanya is a peninsula-shaped tourism district on the Mediterranean coast of Antalya province in Turkey. The Taurus Mountains lie to the north. Alanya has the longest southern coastline in the region and covers an area of 1,598.51 km². According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the district had a population of 291,643 in 2016.

History

Throughout history, Alanya served as an important Mediterranean fortress for empires such as the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman. In the Seljuk period, under the rule of Alaeddin Keykubad I, the region gained geopolitical importance. The Red Tower, the shipyard and Alanya Castle, which are among the symbols of the city today, were built in this period.

Tourism and economy

Tourism started to develop especially after 1958. It became the district’s most important business and led to population growth in the region.

The district’s economy is largely based on agriculture and tourism, and the service sector has grown with them. Almost all of the services and goods produced are consumed in the tourist hotels in the area.

Alanya has an important share in the country’s tourism. The city became what it is today thanks to the tourism boom that started in the 1980s. At first the district was dominated by apart hotels; today it has many kinds of tourist facilities, from those for 1,000 guests to large resorts for 3,500.

Climate

Alanya has a typical Mediterranean climate. Winters are mild and rainy, while summers are longer, hotter and drier than winters. Thanks to its climate, the district suits many sports and cultural activities. Although not very frequent, thunderstorms occur throughout the year in areas close to the coast. Because the Taurus Mountains are so close to the sea, there is fog on most mornings and rainbows appear. Snow falls on the high parts of the mountains, although not often.

The average annual sea water temperature in Alanya is 21.4 °C (71 °F), and 27.9 °C (82 °F) in August. The warm sea and the many sunny days are important for keeping tourism alive.