Alanya is a seaside resort and district of Antalya Province in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, 120 km (74.6 miles) from the city of Antalya. The municipal district, which includes the city center, has close to 400,000 inhabitants.
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 Seleucid, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Alanya's greatest political importance came in the Middle Ages with the Seljuk Sultanate of Rûm under the rule of `Ala' ad-Din Kay-Qubad, from whom the city derives its name. His building campaign resulted in many of the city's landmarks, such as the Kızıl Kule (Red Tower), Tersane (arsenal), and citadel.
The relatively moderate Mediterranean climate and historic heritage makes Alanya a popular destination for holidaymakers, responsible for 9% of all tourism in Turkey. Tourism has risen since 1958 to become the dominant industry in the city, resulting in a corresponding increase in city population.
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