| Red Tower | |
|---|---|
Kızıl Kule | |
 The Tower as seen from the water | |
 Interactive map of Red Tower | |
| General information | |
| Type | Tower |
| Architectural style | Seljuk |
| Location | Alanya,Turkey |
| Completed | 1226 |
| Height | 33 m |
| Dimensions | |
| Diameter | 29 m |
TheRed Tower (Turkish:Kızıl Kule) is a historicaltower in theTurkish city ofAlanya. The building is considered to be the symbol of the city, and is used on thecity's flag.
Construction of the building began in the early reign of the AnatolianSeljuq SultanAla ad-Din Kay Qubadh I and was completed in 1226. The sultan brought the accomplished architect Ebu Ali Reha fromAleppo,Syria, to Alanya to complete the building.[1] The octagonal red brick tower protects the Tersane (shipyard) which dates from 1221.
The name derives from the more red color brick he used in its construction.[2] The building itself is 33 m (108 ft) high and 12.5 m (41 ft) wide.[3] It remains a fine example of medievalmilitary architecture, and is the best preserved Seljuk building in the city.
In 1979 the city opened theEthnographic Museum of Alanya inside of the tower.[4] Besides providing visitors with a history of the tower and town, the museum gives attention to theheraldry, in particular the Seljuqdouble headed eagle that is used on the city flag.
The tower was depicted on thereverse of the Turkish 250,000lira banknotes from 1992 to 2005.[5]
36°32′11″N31°59′53″E / 36.53651°N 31.99797°E /36.53651; 31.99797
