Ehmedek Kalesi, Medieval fortress in Alanya, Turkey
Ehmedek Kalesi is a medieval fortress in Alanya near the Mediterranean coast, featuring multiple defensive walls, towers, and ancient structures spread across the northern side of a hilltop complex. The ruins display construction techniques from different periods and offer views across varied terrain marked by steep slopes and overlook points.
The fortress was built on foundations of Hellenistic fortifications and served as a military garrison, treasury, and arsenal during Seljuk and Ottoman rule. Its development reflects the strategic importance the region held for successive powers across multiple centuries.
The Mosque of Suleiman sits within the fortress and displays Ottoman religious architecture with its single minaret and traditional design elements. Visitors can see the prayer spaces and admire the stonework details that reflect the builders' craftsmanship and devotion.
A cable car system takes visitors up to the fortress and provides a convenient alternative to walking from the harbor area. Pathways on the grounds can be uneven and steep, so sturdy footwear is recommended and allowing extra time to explore the site is wise.
The name Ehmedek comes from the Chagatai word 'açmedek', meaning 'the castle in the fortified area'. This linguistic heritage preserves a piece of the Central Asian culture that shaped the region during the Seljuk period.
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