Alanya Shipyard, built by the Seljuks in 13th century, stands overlooking the sea.
If you are into maritime history and medieval buildings, make time to visit the only remaining shipyard from the Seljuk Period in Turkey.
In this article, we will give you all the information you need for your visit to the Alanya Shipyard, including access, activities on site, tickets, and more.
Keep reading!
What Can I Do at the Alanya Shipyard?
The Alanya Shipyard (Tersane) has been used for trade and protection purposes throughout history. Standing upright and back to back with the Red Tower, the Alanya shipyard is the only shipyard remaining from the Seljuk period. It was built in the first half of 13th century.
After visiting the Red Tower (Kızıl Kule), as you follow the walls, you'll reach the Alanya Shipyard. Inside you can see detailed demonstrations about maritime navigation in the Mediterranean during the Seljuk period and also the history of building, as it is oldest medieval shipyard in Turkey. It's now a museum with many maritime related artifacts, an interesting collection of anchors, tunnels, and storage rooms.
The shipyard, which consists of five arches, has a 56.5-meter sea-facing facade with a depth of 44 meters. When the Seljuks built the shipyard, they carefully chose the best location to make the most of the daylight. There is a commemorative inscription decorated with rosettes from the Sultan at the entrance gate to the yard.
Tophane (Arsenal)
The arsenal is to the right on the south side of the shipyard and was built on a 10 meter high rock block in 1227 to protect the shipyard against possible attacks from the sea. The arsenal is a 3-story rectangular building, where they cast warships and cannons as well.
Entrance, Tickets, and Tours
How to Get to the Alanya Shipyard
The Alanya Shipyard stands south of the Red Tower. It can be easily reached on foot from there by following a 300-meter path.
- Bus: You can reach the Alanya shipyard with bus numbers 1, 40, and 50.
Read about the Red Tower (Kizil Kule) in Alanya, so you can visit it as well.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
The Alanya Shipyard is located on the slope of the castle, facing the sea. You can reach the entrance of the shipyard by continuing along the coast from the city walls in front of Red Tower.
Seljuk Sultan, Aleaddin Keykubad, took the city in 1221 and rebuilt Alanya as a winter administrative center. The Alanya Shipyard and Arsenal are two historical buildings in Alanya that remain from the Seljuk period. in 1228, six years after the conquest of the city construction began near the Red Tower( Kızılkule). It was completed only in one year.
After visiting the Red Tower (Kızıl Kule), follow the walls and you'll get to the Alanya Shipyard. You can see detailed demonstrations inside about maritime navigation in the Mediterranean in the Seljuk period and the history the oldest medieval shipyard in Turkey. It's a museum with many maritime related artifacts, an interesting collection of anchors, tunnels, and storage rooms.
The shipyard, which consists of five arches, has a 56.5-meter sea-facing facade with a depth of 44 meters. When the Seljuks built the shipyard, they carefully chose the best location to make the most of the daylight. There is a commemorative inscription decorated with rosettes from the Sultan at the entrance gate to the yard.
Tophane (Arsenal)
The arsenal is to the right on the south side of the shipyard and was built on a 10 meter high rock block in 1227 to protect the shipyard against possible attacks from the sea. The arsenal is a 3-story rectangular building, where they cast warships and cannons as well.
The ticket for Alanya Shipyard is 12 TL. You can buy a combinaton ticket to see both the shipyard and Red Tower for 17 TL. If you have a Museum Card, you can visit the shipyard free of charge
The History of the Alanya Shipyard
The Alanya harbor was an important center used extensively in the Hellenistic Period (4th century BC) to send products, such as honey and wine, to Egypt.
Seljuk Sultan, Aleaddin Keykubad, took the city in 1221 and rebuilt Alanya as a winter administrative center. The Alanya Shipyard and Arsenal are two historical buildings in Alanya remain from the Seljuk period.
in 1228, six years after conquest of the city construction began near the Red Tower( Kızılkule). It was completed only in one year. During this period, Alanya became the base of the Seljuk navy. After the construction of the Red Tower and the Alanya Shipyard, Seljuk Sultan, Aleaddin Keykubad, changed the name of the city to "Alaiyye".
The Alanya Shipyard is the first Seljuk shipyard in the Mediterranean Sea. Before that, Aleaddin Keykubat built the Sinop Shipyard on the Black Sea. With the construction of this shipyard in Alanya, the Seljuk Sultan was named "the ruler of two seas" (Sultan-ül Bahreyn).