Alanya

Alanya is a seaside resort city and district of Antalya Province in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, 74.6 miles (120 km) from the city of Antalya. The municipal district, which includes the city center, has close to 400,000 inhabitants. The population is almost entirely of Anatolian origin, but is home to almost 10,000 European residents, with a growing presence in the city and its economy. Because of its natural strategic position on a small peninsula into the Mediterranean Sea below the Taurus Mountains, Alanya has been a local stronghold for many Mediterranean-based empires, including the Ptolemaic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Alanyas greatest political importance came in the Middle Ages with the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum under the rule of Alaeddin Keykubad I, from whom the city derives its name. His building campaign resulted in many of the citys landmarks, such as the Kizil Kule (Red Tower), Tersane (Shipyard), and Alanya Castle. The relatively moderate Mediterranean climate, natural attractions, and historic heritage makes Alanya a popular destination for tourism, and responsible for nine percent of Turkeys tourism sector and thirty percent of foreign purchases of real estate in Turkey. Tourism has risen since 1958 to become the dominant industry in the city, resulting in a corresponding increase in city population. Warm-weather sporting events and cultural festivals take place annually in Alanya. Mayor Hasan Sipahioglu of the Motherland Party has led the city since 1999.