More rafting coming to Alanya
 
This summer will see more rafting planned for the Köprü and Alara rivers near Alanya, which will secure the Alara River’s place as a must-see destination for tourists interested in rafting and outdoor sports in Turkey.
 
The Alara River also boasts the historic 1,250 year old Ali Köprüsü (Ali Bridge), an attraction which is being introduced at domestic and international tourism trade fairs even now.

In preparation for the fast approaching tourism season, the Alanya Tourism Services Union (ATHB) has been at work beautifying the Ali Bridge, while the Konakl? Municipality and the Güneycik Village Assistance and Cooperation Foundation sponsored a rafting event on the Alara River. In order to symbolize the caravans which once passed over the historic Ali Bridge when it was a part of the Silk Road during the Seljuk period, there will be camel, horse and jeep safari tours. Contributions from Konakl? Mayor Abdullah Sönmez have led to the building of a 3 kilometer road linking Güneycik village and the Ali Bridge to the Alara River.

Osman Y?lmaz, a local authority, spoke of the 13 centuries of history linked to the bridge, noting that the Seljuk leader Alaeddin Keykubad used to cross the Ali Bridge when passing from Konya to the winter capital of the Seljuk dynasty, Alanya. The bridge, notes Yilmaz, carries all the typical hallmarks of Seljuk period architecture. Yilmaz is hopeful about raising the level of rafting on the Alara River, explaining: “We will hold tours symbolizing the caravan trade which used to pass over the Ali Bridge. Through our efforts, it should become at least the second most popular spot for rafting after Köprülü Kanyon. We will make this area known to the world.”

In a similar move, representatives from the Güneycik Village Assistance and Cooperation Foundation are addressing tourism agents in Alanya and Manavgat. Foundation head Ahmet U?ur asserts that Alanya’s natural beauty has remained relatively untouched and says the well-preserved historical bridge represents a great opportunity for Güneycik village residents, whose villagecontains all the elements necessary for successful nature tourism. Says U?ur: “The history and geography of our village make it perfect for all the outdoor sports. We believe that this will be a preferred spot for rafting during the tourism season.”

By Abdurrahman Büyükkeskin  Alanya
 
Source: Turkish Daily Newspaper "ZAMAN"