Located in the Uğrak neighborhood of Alanya, Syedra has been the subject of filming for the “Zaman Çizgisi” project, which aims to promote cultural tourism in Turkey. The project involves using specialized equipment and filming techniques to capture the essence of different historical sites across the country. Once completed, the footage will showcase Alanya’s significant role in cultural tourism.

The Syedra shoot was helmed by renowned director Hasan Tual, who has over 22 years of experience in directing series, films, and documentaries. Tual expressed his excitement about the project, stating that it offers a unique perspective on Alanya’s rich history.

“We are delighted to be a part of the ‘Zaman Çizgisi’ project initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Habertürk,” said Tual. “This project initially focuses on six to seven ancient cities, including Syedra. During our filming in Alanya, we collaborated with a guide and a historian to create a captivating narrative that combines historical facts with poetic storytelling.”

“Aiming to Spark Interest in Cultural Tourism”

Tual emphasized the project’s innovative approach to filming, highlighting Alanya’s potential as a cultural tourism destination.

“We strive to go beyond standard filming techniques, and Alanya has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to do so,” he explained. “In addition to Syedra, the Seljuk-era ruins and Alanya Castle are also significant to us. This documentary will demonstrate that Alanya is not just a beach holiday destination but also a treasure trove of cultural heritage. We are grateful to Professor Ertuğ Ergürer and his team, who lead the excavation efforts at Syedra, for their contributions in bringing the site to this stage.”

Tual also mentioned previous collaborations with the Alanya Tourism Promotion Foundation (ALTAV), including a promotional film currently shown on Turkish Airlines flights. He expressed hopes that the “Zaman Çizgisi” documentary would also be featured on THY in the future.

“2023 A Turning Point for Syedra”

Associate Professor Ertuğ Ergürer, the Excavation Head of Syedra Ancient City, shared the following about the ongoing works:

“We started the excavations here in 2019. We have completed the 5th excavation season in 2023. 2023 has been a turning point for Syedra. With the great support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, we carried out intensive work with a large team of workers and technicians. Thanks to this work, all areas in the colonnaded street were cleared, and the colonnaded street was restored. The repair works of all structures in the bathhouse and other areas have been completed. It is planned to continue these works in other areas in 2024. Although we are entering the 6th year for Syedra Ancient City, we have obtained important data about the city in a short period of time. This is because the city has a structure that is conducive to obtaining data. Since the architecture here is better than in other areas, the repair works have been carried out more quickly and efficiently.”

“Bathhouse and its Surroundings to be Restored in the Coming Years”

Ergürer stated that the works in the bathhouse and its surroundings will be completed in the coming years.

“The bathhouse is of great importance as it is one of the most important and magnificent structures in the city,” Ergürer said. “It is also a well-known structure due to the Herakles Mosaic located in the city center. We plan to complete all the works in this area, create walkways, and open the Herakles Mosaic to visitors. New excavation areas will also be opened starting from the city center and expanding outwards. We are here with a professional filming crew with the permission and support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This filming will further emphasize the importance of cultural tourism in Alanya and try to get more support for this issue. The different techniques used in the filming aim to show different aspects of Syedra Ancient City rather than its previously shown face. This way, a more diverse ancient city emerges. The works are carried out in a very technical and professional manner. We would like to thank the Ministry for their support in this regard.”

The waste transported to the sea by rivers, combined with underwater pollution, results in the accumulation of debris on the shore, negatively impacting the appearance of the beaches. The waste, primarily consisting of items such as plastic bags, bottles, and cans, is gathered, packaged, and removed from the coastline through the collaborative efforts of ALTİD’s beach cleaning team, as well as the Alanya Municipality’s Departments of Cleaning Services, Public Works, and Environmental Protection and Control. Various types of waste, including nylon, plastic bags, PET bottles, and tin cans, are carefully collected, separated, and disposed of, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining the cleanliness of the shoreline.

The 34th Hotel Equipment – International Accommodation and Hospitality Equipment Specialization Fair took place from January 16 to 19 this year. Within the fair, HOTED organized two panels under the title ‘Main Issues of the Sector.’ Responding to questions during the panel and discussing season expectations, President Sili expressed optimism about a successful 2024 tourism season based on current data.

President Sili stated, “Despite the ups and downs since 2015 for various reasons, we managed to recover as of 2023. We anticipate a more positive year in 2024 for our country and the region in general. Last year, we reached positive levels in per capita income in Turkey and Antalya, even breaking records. For Alanya specifically, I can say that 2023 will be around 20% better than the previous year. Impressions from reservations at our facilities and discussions abroad support this view. Additionally, on a national level, there is an ongoing process initiated with the motto ‘Tourism in 81 Provinces,’ thanks to the efforts of both the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and our Ministry of Culture and Tourism to diversify products and increase source markets. It seems that, barring any unforeseen issues, a promising year awaits us in tourism throughout Turkey.”

During the visit, information about the 24th Alanya Atatürk Half Marathon and Public Run, which will take place on March 10th this year under the slogan ‘RUN TO ATATÜRK, RUN WITH ATATÜRK,’ was shared. The organization, led by ADD Alanya Branch, will be realized with the contributions of Alanya District Governorship, Alanya Municipality, ALTID, and the Athletics Federation. ALTİD will support the event by providing accommodation awards for the winners in 16 categories, along with the opening ceremony and appointed referees.

Efforts for the comprehensive development of Alanya, covering aspects from agriculture to commerce, tourism to gastronomy, continue. In this context, Alanya Municipality, in collaboration with Başak Fair Organization, will host the Alanya Hotel, Restaurant, Cafe Equipment, and Out-of-Home Consumption Fair, as well as the 8th Gastro Alanya International Culinary Competition, at the Cuma Pazarı Multipurpose Fair and Event Center from February 5th to 7th. The details of the fair and culinary competition were shared at a launch event held at Alanya Cultural Center. The meeting was attended by Alanya Mayor Adem Murat Yücel, Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ALTSO) President Eray Erdem, Alanya Touristic Hoteliers Association (ALTİD) President Burhan Sili, Alanya City Council President Nurhan Özcan, Başak Fair Organization General Manager Sedat Bozkurt, Golden Dipper Tourism and Chefs Association President Ergül Demirel, Gastronomy Stars Alanya Association President Hidayet Kızıları, Mediterranean Food and Beverage Managers Association President Mustafa Gençler, Anatolian Technical Managers Association President İlhami Yalçınkaya, and members of the press.

On the 5th to 7th of February, companies will have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one meetings and explore new collaborations during the events held at Alanya Municipality Cuma Pazarı area. As part of the fair, the Alanya Municipality and the Golden Dipple Tourism Chefs Association will also organize the 8th Gastro Alanya International Culinary Competition. The competition, lasting for three days, will feature participants and judges from 16 countries. In the competition category comprising high school, university, and professional chefs, 450 chefs, including 95 from abroad, will showcase their skills. With representatives from 16 countries, the competition will have 85 judges, captained by representatives from all cities, evaluating the performances.

ALTİD PRESIDENT SILI’S FIRST FAIR EMPHASIS

ALTİD President Burhan Sili, who stated that the fair would be an event worthy of Alanya, emphasized the importance of cultural, sports, and fair tourism for both the country and the city’s economy. Emphasizing the significance of the fair being the first of its kind, Sili noted that such an activity in Alanya would have a positive impact on various sectors, including gastronomy. The fair is expected to host around 25,000 industry professionals.