Iskenderun

The history of Iskenderun, one of the key port cities on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, is rooted in deep antiquity and is closely linked to the name of a great commander.

Founding and First Mentions. The city was founded by Alexander the Great in 333 BC following his famous victory over the Persian King Darius III at the Battle of Issus. It was initially named Alexandria (Alexandria ad Issum) to immortalize the triumph. Over time, particularly during the Middle Ages, European pilgrims and traders began calling it Alexandretta, meaning "Little Alexandria," to distinguish it from other cities of the same name. The modern name Iskenderun is the Turkified form of the Arabic "al-Iskandarūn"—"the city of Alexander."

Key Factors of Development. Since its founding, Iskenderun has developed due to its strategic location. The most important factors were its geographical position (the city is situated deep within the Gulf of Iskenderun, creating a naturally protected harbor and serving as the "gateway to Syria"); trade (for centuries, Iskenderun was a vital trade center, from the Roman era to the Ottoman period, when European trading companies were based here); and political power (successive rule by the Seleucids, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans consolidated its status as a major port).

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics. The early history of Iskenderun was characterized by a blend of cultures and an active economic life. In the 4th and 5th centuries, the city was a significant religious center for Christianity. Thanks to international trade, it always hosted a multi-ethnic population, including Greeks, Armenians, Arabs, and European merchants, creating a unique multicultural environment. The architecture and lifestyle combined elements of Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage.

Key Milestones in the History of Iskenderun

• 333 BC — The city is founded by Alexander the Great as Alexandria ad Issum after his victory over the Persian King Darius III.
• 63 BC — The city becomes part of the Roman Empire, maintaining its importance as a major port and trade center.
• 4th–5th Centuries AD — During the Byzantine period, the city becomes a significant center for early Christianity in the region.
• 7th Century — Alexandria is conquered by Arabs and renamed al-Iskandarūn, from which the modern Turkish name Iskenderun originates.
• 16th Century — The city joins the Ottoman Empire and becomes a key port for trade between Europe, Iran, and India.
• 1620s — The British Levant Company opens a trading post in the city, known to Europeans as Alexandretta, strengthening its role in international commerce.
• 1912 — Construction of the railway is completed, facilitating further economic development of the port.
• 1918 — After the end of the First World War and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the city and the surrounding region (Sanjak of Alexandretta) come under French administration.
• September 7, 1938 — The independent Hatay State is proclaimed within the territory of the Sanjak, with its capital in Antakya.
• June 29, 1939 — The Parliament of the Hatay State decides to join the Republic of Turkey, and Iskenderun officially becomes part of Turkey.
• 1970s — A large steel plant is built in the city with the assistance of the USSR, becoming the foundation of modern industry in Iskenderun.
• February 6, 2023 — The city is severely affected by a powerful earthquake that caused significant destruction, a fire in the port, and flooding.

Key Stages in the Development of Iskenderun

The history of Iskenderun is the story of a strategic port that has adapted to changing eras and rulers over the centuries, transforming from an ancient polis into a modern industrial center. The main milestones of its development reflect key economic, cultural, and urban transformations.

• Antiquity and Byzantium: Laying the Foundations. The city's founding by Alexander the Great in 333 BC determined its destiny as a port center, thanks to its strategically advantageous bay. During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Iskenderun established itself not only as a trade hub but also as an important religious center of early Christianity, contributing to its cultural development.
• The Ottoman Era: An International Trade Center. From the 16th century, after becoming part of the Ottoman Empire, the city—known to Europeans as Alexandretta—became a key link in trade between Europe, Persia, and India. The establishment of trading posts by European companies, notably the British Levant Company, transformed it into a multicultural commercial hub.
• Railway Construction (1912). The laying of the railway line in the early 20th century provided a powerful boost to the modernization of the port. This effectively linked maritime routes with the country's interior, significantly increasing cargo turnover and strengthening the city's economic importance.
• Accession to the Republic of Turkey (1939). Joining Turkey was a turning point in the city's modern history. This step concluded the period of the French mandate and finally integrated Iskenderun into the economic and administrative system of the Republic of Turkey, opening a new chapter in its urban and social development.
• Industrialization: Construction of the Steel Plant (1970s). The construction of the large "İsdemir" steel plant with the assistance of the USSR radically changed Iskenderun's economy. The city transformed from a primarily commercial port into one of Turkey's largest industrial centers. This led to rapid population growth, infrastructure development, and the emergence of new urban districts.
• A Modern Logistics and Industrial Hub. Today, Iskenderun is not only a metallurgical giant but also one of Turkey's largest ports, the terminus of a major oil pipeline, and an important center for many industries, including food processing and mechanical engineering. Constant modernization of the port infrastructure maintains its status as a key player in Mediterranean trade.

The architectural appearance of Iskenderun is a fascinating journey through the centuries, reflecting its rich history as a vital Mediterranean port city. Founded by Alexander the Great, the city was influenced by Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman cultures across different eras, shaping its multi-layered urban character. While few ancient monuments remain, the city's core architectural landscape was defined by later periods. Today's Iskenderun is a harmonious blend of late 19th-century European-style buildings, Ottoman heritage, and the modern architecture typical of Turkey's dynamically developing cities.

The historical center most vividly showcases buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, many European-style mansions appeared, particularly in the old port area. The period of the French mandate had a significant impact on the city's layout and appearance, introducing elements of early modernism and colonial architecture. Witness to its multicultural past are various religious structures: the Catholic Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in the mid-19th century, the Greek Orthodox Churches of St. Nicholas and St. George, and the Armenian Surp Karasun Church. These buildings are excellent examples of the religious architecture of that era and reflect the cosmopolitan spirit of the port city.

Iskenderun's modern development phase began in the second half of the 20th century as it became a major industrial and commercial hub. This led to the active construction of new residential neighborhoods, public buildings, and infrastructure. Modern hotels, office buildings, and shopping complexes like Primall Iskenderun and the Iskenderun Park Forbes Shopping Center emerged along the waterfront and main streets. An important symbol embodying the modern history of the city and the entire country is the Atatürk Monument. At the same time, buildings retaining traditional Ottoman architectural features can still be found throughout the city, creating an interesting contrast and giving Iskenderun its unique character.

Notable Figures Associated with Iskenderun

Throughout its rich and multifaceted history, Iskenderun has been a place that attracted and gave birth to outstanding individuals—from ancient commanders to modern scientists and artists.

• Alexander the Great (356–323 BC) — The great commander and founder of the city. He established Alexandria ad Issum in 333 BC after his famous victory over the Persian King Darius III, marking the beginning of this strategic port's centuries-long history.
• Sokollu Mehmed Pasha (c. 1506–1579) — One of the most influential Grand Viziers of the Ottoman Empire. By his order, a grand complex including a caravanserai, mosque, and hammam was built in the nearby town of Payas, designed by the great architect Mimar Sinan. This complex played a key role in ensuring the safety and service of trade and pilgrimage routes passing through the Iskenderun region.
• Luigi Mayer (1755–1803) — An Italian-German artist and one of the most important European painters to capture the Ottoman Empire in the late 18th century. While traveling through the region, he created valuable sketches and panoramas, including views of Alexandretta (the old name for Iskenderun), which today serve as important historical evidence of the city's appearance during that era.
• Tayfur Sökmen (1892–1980) — A prominent political figure who became the first and only president of the short-lived Hatay State (1938–1939). He played a key role in the movement to join Hatay, including Iskenderun, to the Republic of Turkey, which took place in 1939.
• Uğur Şahin (born 1965) — A world-renowned immunologist and oncologist, co-founder and CEO of the German biotechnology company BioNTech. Born in Iskenderun, he became one of the key developers of the world's first mRNA vaccine against COVID-19, earning international recognition and becoming a source of pride for his hometown.
• Yasin Özdenak (born 1948) — A former Turkish national team goalkeeper born in Iskenderun. He is well-known for his performances for Galatasaray and the American club New York Cosmos, where he played alongside legends such as Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer.