International Relations Office

About Alanya

ABOUT ALANYA

Alanya is a unique peninsula city located on the southern coast of Türkiye in the province of Antalya, nestled between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Spreading over an area of approximately 1,598 km², Alanya stands out with its lush nature and multicultural living spaces. According to the 2025 data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the city's population is 371,547.

Having hosted major civilizations such as the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman empires throughout history, Alanya became a critical center in the Mediterranean, especially during the reign of the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. The Red Tower (Kızılkule), the Historical Shipyard (Tersane), and Alanya Castle, which shape the city's silhouette today, are unique cultural heritages from this period.

With an economy primarily based on tourism, agriculture, and the service sector, Alanya has developed rapidly since the 1980s, transforming into a modern city. Today, moving beyond being merely a holiday resort, the city offers a cosmopolitan cultural and educational environment where international students, academicians, and foreign residents from all over the world live together peacefully.

CLIMATE AND LIFESTYLE

Alanya experiences a typical Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. While rainfall in the coastal areas is generally seen during the winter months, snowfall can be observed, albeit rarely, in the higher elevations of the Taurus Mountains. An annual average sea water temperature of 21.4 °C and a large number of sunny days throughout the year provide students with a year-round favorable environment for outdoor sports, nature excursions, cultural events, and social life.

SPORTS AND EVENTS

With its favorable climate and modern infrastructure, Alanya is a globally recognized destination for international sports organizations. The International Alanya Triathlon, held annually in October for over thirty years, is one of the world's most deep-rooted races, starting at Keykubat Beach and ending at the historical harbor. Furthermore, Alanya is a global hub for beach sports. The world-famous Cleopatra Beach and the Alanya International Beach Sports Center host highly prestigious events, including the World Beach Volleyball Pro Tour and the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) organizations.

OUR SISTER CITIES (CULTURAL TIES)

Possessing a broad international vision, Alanya maintains strong social and cultural ties with numerous cities from different countries around the world: