Tersane Shipyard
Tersane Shipyard in Alanya, Turkey
Tersane Shipyard is located in the center of Alanya, at the foot of the castle promontory, next to the Red Tower and the old port. It is one of the best-preserved monuments of the Seljuk period in the city, linked to the time when Alanya was an important naval and trading base on the southern coast of Anatolia.
The shipyard was built in 1228 under Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, shortly after the harbor was fortified and the Red Tower was constructed. The complex was intended for the construction, repair, and sheltering of ships. Its main feature is five stone vaulted docks opening onto the sea, making the layout of a medieval shipbuilding yard clearly visible.
Today, Tersane is of interest primarily for its architecture and waterfront location. Inside, visitors can see massive vaults, elongated spaces, and a simple layout shaped by practical needs. The site also preserves elements of the Seljuk complex, including a small mosque and historical inscriptions dating from the time of its construction.
This place is usually included in a walk through the historic center of Alanya together with the Red Tower, the fortress, and the port promenade. The shipyard helps visitors better understand how the city's defense, harbor, and maritime activity were interconnected during the medieval period.
Tersane Shipyard on the map
Tersane Shipyard by the Red Tower and the old port
Here, medieval port architecture and the city's connection to the sea are clearly visible.
Five Seljuk-era sea docks by the fortress wall
When visiting the shipyard, the long vaulted chambers opening directly onto the sea immediately draw attention. These stone bays were built so that ships could be brought inside for repair and storage. Thanks to the open arches and the depth of the chambers, the practical side of medieval port architecture is especially clear here.
Inside, the strict structure has been preserved without decorative excess: massive walls, high vaults, and elongated passages. It is best to come here during daylight hours, when you can examine the texture of the stone, the design of the arches, and the position of the shipyard in relation to the water. From the shore and the promenade, it is easy to see how the complex is integrated into the line of fortifications below the fortress.
Nearby are the Red Tower, Alanya's old port, and the ascent to the fortress, so a visit to Tersane can easily be combined with a walk through this part of the city. People usually come here on foot from central Alanya along the promenade and port area, and the route takes little time.
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