Much has changed in Alanya during the recent years. A small town has become a well-known tourist center. Since then a large number of foreigners has bought a house here or even settled down permanently. Everyone probably has different views and experiences with the "old" and "new" Alanya. Therefore, we want to ask different people, from different countries and of different backgrounds, how they feel about these fast paced changes Alanya is going through.

Introduce

Henk Borchers 61 years old from The Netherlands.

1.When did you first come to Alanya? What were the reasons?

My wife and I came to Alanya at 1990. My mother in law who travelled all over Turkiye in the years before, advised us to visit Alanya.

2. What was Alanya like back then? What were your first thoughts?

Alanya was much smaller than now and at the first day of our stay we met some friends for life. We felt immediately like home.

3. What is the biggest change you have noticed so far?

In 20 years much has changed, but especially the big amount of new buildings (most empty) are becoming a big problem. Also the large number of so called all in hotels are not good for a positive image. We would like to see more investments in preserving the old culture and hospitality, which were so famous to the first tourists. Those were the main reasons we always came back.

4. Which region has gone through the biggest change?

The eastside of Alanya has been developed very quickly. The beaches are much nicer now.

5. What are the biggest differences in the everyday life in Alanya?

Life in Alanya seems more hasty nowadays and the famous hospitality is almost disapeared.

6. What are its benefits and downsides?

The benefit for the people of Alanya themselves is probably to have more income and work, but we think that most of the big money goes to a small number of people.

7. What do you miss about the old Alanya?

We miss the old hospitality. To many people are running after their money and forget to live relaxed and respectful to one and other.

8. What or which area in your opinion has not changed?

It seems that the old castlevillage has not changed.

9. Which place/restaurant/service reminds you of the old Alanya?

The small tourboats (fishingboats) have not yet disapeared and the atmosphere at the harbours restaurant is still nice, because not only tourists are sitting there. Also we like the restaurant Kervanseray, because of good and friendly servis.

10. What do you like in the new Alanya?

The city is modern, you can find everything you want. The streets in the merkezi are much better now!

11. How do you see Alanya after 10 years?

More and more tourists will come, but that means also more and more criminals will find Alanya a nice place to be!
We hope very much that Gazipasa airport will soon be ready For bigger foreign aiircrafts.

12. Which is the best local/regional business?

I don’t know, but maybe the tourists make good business for a lot of people. Also the big markets are visited by a lot of people.

13. Are there any special local activities? Do you participate?

Till now we don’t participate in some kind of local activities, but we will soon try to find some.

14. Which sights/destinations/know-how would you recommend to the tourists?

The castle, Dimcay, Barraj, boattour, caves, local restaurant, Toros, harbour, etc.

15.Is there anything about Alanya that bothers you?

Everywhere buildings are completed, but many of them are a long time empty. To many people try to earn some kind of living, but only a few have profit by their business.
Also I miss the old atmosphere and hospitality frrom before.

16.If you could change something about/in Alanya, what would it be?

I would stop the all in hotels and stop building. The image from Alanya must stay friendly and respectful to everybody. And let all people share in the progress Alanya is developing.

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