Alanya Castle

The exact construction date of Alanya Fortress is not recorded, but its strategic importance was evident as early as the 2nd century BC, when the pirate captain Diodoros Tryphton used it as his headquarters, controlling large parts of the Mediterranean coast from there. His rule ended in 139 BC by Antiochus. Pirates, under the name Korakesium, once again dominated the sea. They suffered a defeat in 70 BC when they kidnapped Julius Caesar, prompting Pompey to attack and damage the fortress. The Romans rebuilt it. In the 7th century, the castle was besieged by Arabs, though it remains unclear whether it was captured. A new age began in the 11th century with the conquest by Alaeddin Keykubat, who took over the fortress from the Christian commander Kir Vart after a two-month siege. Alanya subsequently became Keykubat's summer residence and second capital.

Alanya Fortress is located in the city of Alanya, in the Antalya district, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It stands at an elevation of approximately 239 meters above sea level.