Alanya Lighthouse – where we discovered the love locks
There is always something new to discover in Alanya and we have always loved walking around Alanya Harbour. Even though we have lived here for many years we have never actually ventured along the causeway and walked all the way to the Alanya Lighthouse.
I don’t know why we haven’t been before, probably because there is always some sort of mission when we visit Alanya Harbour, showing guests and family around, shopping, boat trips, photography etc. etc.
This particular day was in early Spring and it was too chilly to sit outside and eat, too nice to want to be indoors and so walking was the preferred activity and we ended up walking all the way to the Alanya Lighthouse.
If I was a regular visitor I would know when this trend started but we were intrigued as to why there were hundreds of little padlocks attached to the chains lining the perimeter of the pathways around the lighthouse.
On closer inspection there appeared to be names on each padlock, presumably the names of lovers, of couples and the locks are a gesture, symbols of their love.
So that led to me thinking, probably overthinking, as is my nature.
How does this lock thing work then?
Do you buy a lock, go together, attach the lock to the chain and throw away the key symbolising love forever, un-lockable hearts?
Does your lover surprise you with a lock when you are out for the walk and then lock it together in some sort of romantic ritual?
Does the lock come with a proposal – is that what is meant by the symbolism.
Does each lover keep a key – what happens then if they split up, does the scorned party go back and release and remove the lock?
Can you have family locks or is it all just about lovers?
When did it start and many nationalities have put locks on?
is there anywhere else in the world where this has been done.
Where can you buy the locks!!!! I think Gray and I should have one.
If anyone knows more about this then please feel free to enlighten us all. I think it is rather lovely and should be encouraged.
Much nicer than graffiti and something that will withstand time, so long as the locks are left there and not destroyed.
Want to know more about the locality ? Check out other the pages on this website
