Will Alanya Become a Separate Province of Turkey?
Alanya – a city on the Mediterranean coast, at the foot of the Taurus Mountains. Just a few decades ago, it was a small, unremarkable provincial town, one of thousands in Turkey. However, today, thanks to tourism, agriculture, and the real estate sector, Alanya has transformed into a luxurious and fairly large city, incorporating many neighboring villages.
Geographically, Alanya is part of the Antalya province. Nevertheless, there is increasing talk of Alanya potentially becoming an independent province, the 82nd province of Turkey. The question of granting provincial status to Alanya is gaining traction, with local authorities and residents advocating for it and presenting numerous arguments.
Why should Alanya become a province?
Population: According to the latest census, Alanya is home to over 364,000 people. The population is continually increasing, not only due to natural growth but also because of significant migration from other Turkish cities and abroad. Alanya is also home to a large number of foreigners from the CIS countries and Europe. With 364,000 inhabitants, Alanya has a population comparable to several existing Turkish provinces, such as Yalova with around 300,000 people or Bartın with just over 200,000.
Tourism: Alanya is a renowned tourism hub in Turkey, attracting hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists annually. The city boasts excellent tourist infrastructure and offers a variety of recreational options. With its beautiful Blue Flag beaches, a superb climate, and a wealth of historical landmarks, Alanya has gained international recognition as the 'Turkish Riviera.' The tourism sector significantly contributes to the regional economy, and its scale is more fitting for a province than a city.
Agriculture: Alanya's developed agriculture is another economic advantage. The city and its surroundings cultivate a substantial variety of vegetables and fruits, including exotic ones like mangoes and avocados, which have become separate brands with geographical indications. Alanya's bananas are also popular worldwide. Agriculture contributes significantly to the city's income.
Culture and History: Alanya is rich in historical monuments and landmarks, with a history spanning over 800 years. The city's cultural distinctiveness and regular hosting of international festivals make it a worthy candidate for provincial status.
Real Estate: Alanya is currently experiencing active construction, expanding the city and improving its infrastructure. Many tourists, arriving initially, decide to buy property in Alanya and settle permanently. Alanya, within the Antalya province, is second only to Antalya city in terms of real estate sales to foreigners. Over 40,000 foreigners from more than 120 countries currently reside in Alanya. If Alanya becomes an independent province, it would further enhance its status for potential investors, including real estate buyers.
Advantages of Provincial Status for Alanya
The potential benefits are numerous.
Firstly, with provincial status, Alanya would receive more significant funding. While currently financed as a city primarily from the Antalya province budget, as a separate administrative unit, it would attract more funds, including from the national budget. This would provide a powerful impetus for the economic development of Alanya and its sectors.
Secondly, all the agencies present in provincial capitals would operate in Alanya, including foreign consulates. With its own governorship, major companies would be more inclined to enter the Alanya market.
Thirdly, provincial status would increase the prestige of living in Alanya. As the provincial capital, the value of real estate would rise, attracting more foreign investors.
The question of Alanya's status remains open, although city authorities regularly raise the topic. In any case, Alanya has substantial prospects of becoming an independent province. We recommend considering property investment in the city now to potentially reside in the future provincial capital. Reach out to RestProperty, and we will assist you in the purchase. By the way, the head office of our international company, dealing in real estate in five countries, is located precisely in Alanya.
