Zhalil & Ravil Gizatulin Bring Opera to Alanya’s Red Tower: A Cultural Night Between History and Harmony

Yakup Emir ORAL
Aug 25
3 min read

A once-in-a-lifetime night in Alanya, where world-class opera met Mediterranean breeze, ancient stones, and modern lifestyle.

On a warm June evening, framed by the timeless silhouette of Alanya’s Kızılkule (Red Tower), a truly unforgettable moment unfolded. Two world-renowned opera singers, Zhalil Gizatulin and Ravil Gizatulin, performed within the historic fortress walls, not in Rome, not in Berlin, but right here in Alanya.

This blog is more than a concert review. It's a personal journey. A reflection. And a testimony to how culture, lifestyle, and real estate investment come together in this beautiful corner of the Mediterranean.

Before the Spotlight: The Effort Behind the Elegance

My journey began 90 minutes before the first note. I met Yasin Kınay, the president of the New Alanyans Platform, at the entrance of the Kızılkule. Exhausted but radiant with excitement, Yasin was deeply involved in all the technical and organizational work of the day, from stage setup to artist coordination.

Without hesitation, I joined in. We carried large flower pots up the fortress stairs. A small physical gesture, but symbolically, it reminded me that beauty always demands labor.

While we worked, the Gizatulin brothers were already rehearsing. Hearing them perform live, in that intimate and ancient space, before anyone else arrived… It was a moment I won’t forget.

By 19:30, the entire amphitheater was filled. Locals, tourists, diplomats, and music lovers alike gathered in respectful anticipation.

The Program: From Schubert to Ochi Çornyie

What followed was magic. The concert opened with Rachmaninov’s Etude, flowed through Rossini, Debussy, Schubert, and embraced both classic Italian arias and Russian romances.

A few standout moments:

O Sole Mio lit up the evening with familiar warmth
Funiculì, Funiculà had the audience swaying
The deeply emotional Ochi Çornyie (Dark Eyes) created chills

Each piece, perfectly chosen, reflected not just vocal mastery but emotional storytelling. The brothers’ synergy was flawless, one a baritone, one a bass, resonating with the stones around them and the sea behind.

The Setting: Why Red Tower Matters

Holding a classical concert inside a medieval fortress is more than aesthetics. It’s identity. Kızılkule stands as a symbol of Alanya’s past and this event showed that it’s also a portal to its cultural future.

In recent years, Alanya has steadily grown into a lifestyle destination. Yes, there are beaches and sun. But events like these shift the perception: this is a place where art breathes, where creatives settle, and where history embraces the present.

A Note to Remote Workers, Investors, and Nomads

For remote investors, digital nomads, or culture-oriented buyers: this is your sign.

Zhalil and Ravil Gizatulin, two internationally respected opera singers, own properties in Mahmutlar and spend part of the year living in Alanya.

Think about that for a second. Two artists who have performed in Kazan, Moscow, Almaty, Berlin, New York, and Rome… chose Alanya as their retreat. That’s not coincidence it’s lifestyle alignment.

When artists settle, creativity follows. And where creativity flows, so does demand. This isn’t just a concert. It’s a signal: Alanya is evolving.

Thank You

I sincerely thank Yasin Kınay, Christine Farami, and the entire New Alanyans Platform team for organizing this breathtaking event. Special thanks also to Abdurrahman Açıkalın, who honored the artists with commemorative gifts and joined us in celebrating the night.

As the applause echoed off the tower walls and into the night sky, I realized something: this wasn’t just music it was a declaration. That Alanya is ready. For art. For culture. For the world. Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Alanya?I’m Yakup Emir ORAL — your trusted real estate advisor in Alanya.Reach out anytime for personalized guidance, exclusive listings, and honest support in every step of your real estate journey.