History Of Alanya – From Ancient Times To The Ottoman Era

History of Alanya

History and Tourism of Alanya

From Coracesium to a Global Holiday Destination

Alanya, located on the Mediterranean coast, is not an ordinary seaside city. It has more than 2,300 years of continuous settlement history and has served as a strategic port and defensive center throughout different civilizations.

In antiquity, the city was known as Coracesium. During the Seljuk period it was called Alaiye, and after the establishment of the Republic it officially became Alanya.

These name changes reflect political shifts, economic transformations and cultural development over centuries.

Why Geography Made Alanya Important

Alanya’s history cannot be understood without examining its geography.

The city is built on a peninsula surrounded by sea on three sides and bordered by the Taurus Mountains. This natural structure created:

  • A natural harbor

  • Strong defensive advantages

  • Control over maritime trade routes

In ancient times, ships needed safe harbors during storms. Alanya provided natural protection, which made it attractive for settlement and trade.

The Ancient Name: Coracesium

The ancient name of Alanya is Coracesium.

The word is of Greek origin and is believed to mean “crow’s nest,” referring to the rocky and elevated position of the city.

Alanya’s ancient identity developed through three major phases:

  • Hellenistic period

  • Pirate era

  • Roman rule

Each period shaped the military and economic character of the city.

Hellenistic Period After Alexander the Great

After the campaigns of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, Anatolia became part of the Hellenistic world.

After his death, the region came under the control of the Seleucid Kingdom.

During this period, Coracesium:

  • Became part of Eastern Mediterranean trade networks

  • Adopted Greek cultural influence

  • Functioned as a defensive and maritime support point

This era marked the international integration of the city.

Pirate Period – A Power Center of the Mediterranean

In the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, Coracesium became a major pirate base in the Mediterranean.

Pirates chose this location because:

  • The natural harbor concealed ships

  • Rocky terrain made land attacks difficult

  • It was close to trade routes

The city served as a military and logistical base for pirate operations.

However, this situation changed when the Roman Empire intervened.

In 67 BC, the Roman general Pompey launched a major campaign against pirates and captured the region. This marked a turning point in Alanya’s history.

Roman Period – From Pirate Base to Trade Port

Under Roman rule, the city was transformed.

Roman administration brought:

  • The end of pirate activities

  • Organized maritime trade

  • Tax regulation

  • Infrastructure development

Public baths, water reservoirs, market areas and defensive structures were constructed.

Many archaeological remains visible today date from this period.

Ancient Cities Around Alanya

Alanya was not an isolated settlement. It formed part of a regional network of ancient cities that supported trade and defense.

Syedra

Syedra is located east of Alanya and developed significantly during the Roman period.

Important structures include:

  • A colonnaded street

  • Bath complexes

  • City gates

  • Inscriptions

The city minted its own coins, demonstrating economic independence.

Hamaxia

Hamaxia functioned as an economic production center.

Its importance lies in:

  • Cedar wood production

  • Timber used in shipbuilding

It supported maritime trade through natural resource supply.

Laertes

Located on the slopes of the Taurus Mountains, Laertes had strong defensive advantages.

Findings include:

  • Temple ruins

  • An agora

  • Mosaics

These remains show Roman cultural influence.

Iotape

Iotape is a coastal settlement.

Its features include:

  • Harbor remains

  • Necropolis areas

  • Bath structures

It played a role in the maritime trade network.

Selinus

Selinus is located within the modern district of Gazipaşa.

It was:

  • A port city

  • A military control point

  • A trade center

It is historically known as the place where the Roman Emperor Trajan died.

Alanya’s Ancient Power Structure

In antiquity, the region functioned as a system:

  • Center: Coracesium

  • Supporting cities: Syedra, Laertes

  • Economic production: Hamaxia

  • Coastal ports: Iotape, Selinus

Together, these settlements created:

  • Trade security

  • Maritime control

  • Defensive coordination

  • Economic distribution

This network made Alanya a regional power center.

Tourism History of Alanya

Alanya’s modern transformation began in the 20th century.

Before tourism developed, the city depended on:

  • Agriculture

  • Fishing

  • Small-scale trade

Tourism was not yet the dominant economic model.

1935 and Modern Identity

In 1935, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk visited the city.

After this visit, the name Alanya became officially recognized.

This period marked the beginning of modernization and state-level recognition.

1960–1980: The Beginning of Tourism Growth

During this period:

  • European individual tourists began visiting

  • Small guesthouses opened

  • Foreign investors showed interest

Tourism grew gradually but steadily.

1980 Onwards – Tourism Expansion

After tourism incentives increased in Turkey:

  • Large hotels were built

  • Charter flights started

  • The all-inclusive system developed

  • International tour operators invested

Tourism became the main economic driver of the city.

Tourism Today

Today Alanya is not only a summer destination.

Tourism types include:

  • Beach tourism

  • Yacht tourism

  • Cultural tourism

  • Historical tourism

  • Sports tourism

  • Health and wellness tourism

The city operates year-round and depends heavily on tourism revenue.