Alanya

Customs / Culture
Until recently Alanya was a small city however, tourists quickly discovered the sandy beaches of Alanya and every year more and more tourists started visiting Alanya in the summer. It now is one of the most popular tourist resorts.It is believed that a settlement was founded by Greek colonists. It was named Kalonoros. Then it was subsequently taken over by pirates from Cilicia. After the pirates, the Romans conquered the city. Mark Anthony gave Cleopatra the city. In 1221 the town was overrun by the Seljuk sultan, who gave it its current name.


Traditions / Religion
99% of the Turkish population professes Islam. The Turks live in the religious Shiite areas in the south-east of Turkey. The majority of Turks are from birth introduced to the Muslim religion and know the five basic principles of Islam, although it is not always strictly enforced. The main point of Islam, as in other Arab countries is the belief in Allah (one God) and his prophet Muhammad. They pray 5 times a day and at least once in their life they participate in almsgiving and fasting during Ramadaan. However, Turkish Islam is more liberal. Ramadan is a quiet period in Turkey, a day of silence; however at night they have a celebration.

Events
Turkey is a country rich in culture and there is something of interest for everyone. The major holidays are national holidays, such as:January 1 - New YearApril 23 - Independence Day and the Day of the Child.August 30 - Liberation DayOctober 29 - Republic Day.November 10 - Day of the death of Atatürk.In addition to public holidays in Turkey are a number of religious holidays such as Ramadan (the annual fasting month), Kurban Bayrami (Feast of Sacrifice) and Ramadan Bayrami (a 3-day festival at the end of Ramadan).

Culinary Specialities
The Turkish cuisine has many great dishes to offer. The Turkish cuisine is influenced by Greek, Bulgarian and Turkish tastes. Known to us a kebab includes sliced ​​meat, bread with tomato sauce and vegetables. If you choose a kebab you can slightly change the form by choosing rice or fries instead of the bread. Turkey is also very popular in the Gözleme. These are pancakes with minced meat and spices. If you prefer a lighter soup corba is highly recommended. For dessert the most popular dish is a baklava (layers of pastry layered with honey, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, soaked with icing).

Lifestyle / Sights
If you're in Alanya it is worth visiting:- The Red Tower, built by the architect of Syrian Arabic.- Ethnographic Museum- Ottoman era shipyard- The ruins of the fort- Alanya Museum- Cave dripping stone, full of stalactites and stalagmites, with warm and humid air, which has a positive effect on people with asthma.- TL-cave in the middle of the water which is bright green- You can also relax on the beach of Cleopatra, who is considered the finest beach in Alanya.