Red Tower (Kızılkule)

Carsi, Iskele Cd. No:102, Alanya 07400, Turkey

Kızılkule is a historic tower in the Turkish city of Alanya. This tower is considered the symbol of Alanya, and is even used on the flag of the city. The structure is a 13th-century Seljuk defensive tower, named for the building material - the red bricks that make up the upper floor and the balustrade of the structure. This rare medieval defensive structure was built to protect Alanya's harbor and shipyard, and welcome the arrival of people to the city over the centuries.

The Red Tower is an important monument of Seljuk architecture in Alanya, often used as a symbol of this city. This structure, located next to the harbour, is both a special landmark and a popular photo stop for many visitors who stroll through here. The building looks especially spectacular when viewed from the deck of a cruise ship or from the hill of the castle towering above it. On the other hand, a small ethnographic exhibition is displayed inside the tower. The Red Tower is well worth a visit if you want to enjoy the expansive panoramic views of Alanya and the Mediterranean Sea extending from its top floor.

The Red Tower was built in 1226 by order of Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Kayqubad I. The main architect responsible for the construction of this structure was Abu Ali Reha el Kett from Aleppo. His name is engraved right on the tower facade on the north side. The second inscription, dedicated to the king located on the south wall of the building, praises Alaeddin Kayqubad I as 'ruler of nations, King of Sultans, peacekeeper, ruler of the land and two the sea, and a helper to the Muslims'.

According to many records, the tower was built as an essential element of Alanya's defenses and protected a shipyard (p. Tersane) built a little later, in 1227 nearby. The Red Tower also guarded the entrance to the harbor and the local forts located above the hill, against attacks from the mainland. The famous Ottoman traveler, Evliya Çelebi, who arrived in Alanya in 1671, visited the Red Tower and had written records of it. He said that during the siege, it could provide shelter for two thousand people. In times of peace, there was a permanent garrison in the tower, consisting of the commander and forty soldiers.

For centuries, the Red Tower was used only for military purposes, but in the 20th century it was transformed into one of the tourist attractions in Alanya. An extensive renovation was carried out between 1951 and 1953, when its interior was converted into a series of exhibition halls. Restoration work continued in 1979 and it gave the tower its present shape and color. Later, the tower began to be called the Red Tower, because scarlet bricks were used in the reconstruction of the upper floors. The Red Tower is the best preserved Seljuk structure in Alanya and it is also considered the most important symbol of the city. The image of the tower was printed on the back of the 250,000 lira note from 1992 to 2005.

The tower is built of stone, brick and marble obtained from the ancient buildings of the Alanya area. The structure is built in an octagonal design, and each of its eight walls is 12.5 meters (41 feet) wide. The diameter of the building is 29 meters (95 feet) and its height is 33 meters (108 feet). The tower has five floors and 85 stairs leading to its top.

Although it looks simple from the outside, the architecture inside the tower is relatively complex. Each floor has a different internal structure, stemming from the needs of the military. There are small observation gaps on the outer walls. The entire building is supported by the inner pillar, forming the central axis of the tower. The inside of this turret is partially hollowed out thus creating a reserve tank providing drinking water for the defenders.

The top floor, the fifth floor, takes the form of a roofless terrace, surrounded by a fortified wall with defensive positions. That design was said to facilitate tower defense during sieges, by providing some protection for archers. There is also a circular walkway that allows walking around the top floor.

The Red Tower is open to visitors daily, from 09:00 to 19:00 in summer (April to October) and from 08:00 to 17:00 in winter. Tickets cost 5 liras including visiting the tower and some of the galleries held inside.

The tower located on İskele Street, next to the cruise ship port, is a tourist attraction because of its distinctive appearance and impressive size. A path just behind the tower leading to the ruins of the Seljuk shipyard (p. Tersane) and the armory (p. Tophane) is also open to the public. If you continue past these structures in the south, you will come to the Esat fortress (p. Esat Burcu), passing the ruins of many buildings and a small Byzantine church.

Business hours:

Summer: 09:00 – 19:00

Winter: 08:00 - 17:00

Ticket price: 5 liras/pax

Address: Carsi, Iskele Cd. No:102, Alanya 07400, Turkey

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