The 33-metre tall tower was built in order to keep the harbor under surveillance at all times.
The technique used in its construction, its floor plan and its construction, its floor plan and its durability make this monumental tower one of the most prominent Seljuk monument. The octagonal tower built on rocky terrain has a diameter of 29 meters.
Local stone brought in from the vicinity and thick mortars were used in the construction of the first two stories of the tower and dark red baked clay brick was used in the construction of the upper stores.
This durable thick mortar was used in almost all of the Seljuk towers.
Although the stones in certain sections have crumbled down, the mortar still remains intact.
The tower was named after Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat when it was first built, but later it was renamed the red tower due to the red bricks used in the construction.
Many architectural pieces dating back to the ancient times were used in its construction.
Especially the ancient column shafts used horizontally in the construction of the facade give the tower an unusual appearance.
