The Significance of the Historical Alanya Shipyard and Armory
The Alanya Shipyard, established in 1228 during the Seljuk Empire, stands as a remarkable testament to maritime history—the first shipyard founded by the Seljuks in the Mediterranean and the only surviving example in the world. Constructed under the visionary leadership of Alaaddin Keykubat, who previously developed a shipyard in Sinop on the Black Sea, he earned the illustrious title of "Sultan of Two Seas." Adjacent to this magnificent shipyard is the Armory, a three-story rectangular marvel perched 10 meters above sea level, built from cut stone to safeguard the shipyard. This enduring structure is renowned for its crucial role in casting cannons for warships.
Institutions Involved in the Restoration
The restoration of the shipyard has been a collaborative effort involving the Alanya Municipality, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Alanya Museum, showcasing the power of partnership in preserving our heritage.
Relationship Between the 360 Degrees History Research Association and the Museum
As part of the 360 Degrees History Research Association, we played a vital role in crafting the conceptual framework for the Alanya Shipyard Museum. Our commitment included creating replicas of all displayed items, such as the 15-meter-long boat known as Çekevele, which served throughout various periods of the Ottoman Empire, illustrating the intricate manufacturing processes of the past. Engaging in this 800-year journey, where we acted as consultants, has been nothing short of extraordinary.
The Alanya Shipyard Museum also proudly presents exhibits of cranes, catapults, ram's horns, boat-building tools from the 1200s, and the Market Boat, a vessel pivotal for transportation during the Ottoman period, solidifying its place in our shared maritime legacy.
