Places to Visit in Aksaray

Aksaray, hosting many civilizations throughout history, has become a curiosity for everyone wondering about its places to visit. The region of Aksaray has been home to the Ottoman, Seljuk, Byzantine, Roman, and Hittite civilizations. As an important tourism destination, Aksaray has historically been one of the regions traversed by the Silk Road.

Aksaray, one of the most beautiful cities in Cappadocia, has not only captured the attention of Turkey but also the world. Its underground cities, temples, churches, fairy chimneys, and valleys are listed among the places to visit in Aksaray. Let’s now share detailed descriptions of the must-see places in Aksaray. Places to Visit in Aksaray

How to go to Aksaray?

Aksaray is accessible from every part of the country through bus services. You can also travel to the city by plane, with the nearest airport being Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport. Additionally, after landing at Kayseri Airport, you can reach Aksaray by using minibuses and buses departing from there.

List of places to visit in Aksaray

Aksaray’s clock tower, which holds symbolic significance among the places to visit, is constructed from wood. The Aksaray Clock Tower is a must-see location as it radiates beautiful lights throughout the city. Besides being a majestic structure, you can take souvenir photos here to immortalize your memories. Lastly, the clock tower is 10 meters tall and features the Ottoman Tughra on its surface.

Saratlı Underground City consists of a total of 3 floors. Located 25 km away from the center of Aksaray, this city includes rooms, water wells, storage areas, kitchens, and stables. Additionally, Saratlı Underground City is believed to date back to the Byzantine period.

Somuncu Baba’s real name is Sheikh Hamid-i Veli. Living during the reign of Yıldırım Bayezid, Somuncu Baba is also said to be from the lineage of the Prophet. Somuncu Baba, who took his name from the bread he baked in a bakery in Bursa, later came to Aksaray with his disciples. Somuncu Baba, who passed away in the year 1412, was buried in Evrah Cemetery.

Aksaray’s Ulu Mosque, an important Seljuk work and one of the places to visit, was commissioned by Rükneddin Mesud. It was renovated by the Karamanids in the year 811. Constructed from cut stone, the mosque has a square-shaped plan. Adorned with Seljuk motifs, this significant structure showcases examples of Seljuk woodwork. Additionally, the Ulu Mosque in Aksaray features panegyrics to the Seljuk sultan on its pulpit and numerous verses from the Quran.

Narlı Göl, a remarkable feature in the region, has a heart-shaped appearance. Located on the border of Aksaray and Niğde cities, Narlı Göl is considered romantic by many and carries philosophical meaning for some. Besides being a crater lake, its water has thermal properties, and it is said to be beneficial for conditions such as psoriasis and rheumatism. Narlı Göl, among the places to see in Aksaray, possesses a unique beauty in every season of the year.

Tuz Gölü, Turkey’s second-largest lake, is located approximately 57 km away from the center of Aksaray. This lake plays a significant role in meeting 40% of the country’s salt demand. Visitors can walk barefoot on the salt flats, offering a unique experience, and capture beautiful scenes at Aksaray Tuzgölü.

Hasan Dağı, the subject of many legends, is most notably known for shaping thousands of fairy chimneys in the region with its lava. According to one legend, the mountain was named after an old sage named Hasan who lived in ancient times. Hasan Dağı stands at a height of 3,268 meters, and it is a preferred destination for athletes for hiking and climbing activities. Additionally, it should be noted that the area is a center for winter sports. By ascending the mountain, you can witness the unique landscape of Cappadocia.

If you are looking for places to visit in Aksaray, you should definitely visit Nora Ancient City. This ancient city, dating back to the Hellenistic period, was most extensively used during the Byzantine and Roman periods. Located 30 km from the center of Aksaray, Nora Ancient City features a small castle, cross-shaped churches, and numerous frescoes. The oldest structure here is believed to date back to the 7th century AD.

Until 1924, Turks and Greeks lived together in this region, and after the population exchange, Greeks were sent to Greece. Therefore, Turks settled in the vacant houses. It should be noted that with the restoration of these houses dating back to the 19th century, they have achieved a beautiful appearance. While some houses are still inhabited by families, others are operated as restaurants and boutique hotels. The roofs of the Güzelyurt houses, which have been standing for about 200 years due to the arch system, exhibit a different and aesthetic architecture.

Güvercin Kayası, reaching back to the historical Chalcolithic period, is a destination for both tourists and history researchers. Located on the edge of the Mamasın Dam Lake, this area is situated on a very high rock. Moreover, it is known that Güvercin Kayası in the village of Çatalsu is one of the first settlement areas in Anatolia. The architectural design of the site incorporates a fortress-town model.

Çatalhöyük, whose reliefs have reached the present day, dates back to the Neolithic period. Research indicates that this region, where continuous settlement took place for 2000 years, is considered one of the most densely populated places. In the excavation works carried out in Çatalhöyük, it is known that there are a total of 13 layers, and leopard figures and female figurines have been unearthed as a result of the excavations.

The first settlement in Acemhöyük, located 18 km from the center of Aksaray, is believed to date back to the Early Bronze Age. Through excavations conducted at Acemhöyük up to the present day, sculptures, gold ornaments, pottery, and beads have been discovered.

Aşıklı Höyük, listed among the places to visit in Aksaray, is very close to the Ihlara Valley. Located in the village of Kızılkaya, approximately 4.5 km away, this mound has a history of 10,000 years and is known to be the first settlement in Cappadocia. It is believed that the first brain surgeries were performed here based on the results of excavations. Although there are no traces of surgery on the two different skulls found during the excavations, it is inferred that brain surgery was performed. The excavated skulls are exhibited at the Aksaray Museum.

Pasha Bath, located in the city center, was built in the 19th century. This significant structure, constructed from cut stone, was commissioned by Hacı Ali Paşa. With its six domes, this hamam continues to offer bathing services in separate sections for both men and women.

Pisa Tower, this leaning minaret, was constructed using red bricks, hence its other name, the Red Minaret. Thought to have been built between 1221 and 1236, the Leaning Minaret is among the places to visit in the center of Aksaray.

Aksaray to Konya route is marked by Sultan Han, which is said to have been built in 1299 by Alaettin Keykubat. Spanning a large area, this structure also holds the distinction of being the largest caravanserai in Anatolia. Upon entering through its magnificent 13-meter gate, visitors are greeted by a mosque in the central area.

The Valley of Monasteries, known as the place where the Orthodox philosophy spread to Anatolia, is located in Güzelyurt. In this valley, believed to have been built during the Byzantine period, there is a church and a monastery. Additionally, it is known as a place where saints withdrew for constant prayer.

It is stated that the Sultan Inn, located on the Aksaray – Konya route, was built by Alaettin Keykubat in 1299. This structure, which spreads over a large area, is also the largest caravanserai in Anatolia. After entering through the magnificent 13-meter gate, a masjid in the middle welcomes visitors.

Monastery Valley, known as the place where Orthodox philosophy spread to Anatolia, is in Güzelyurt. There is a church and a monastery in this valley, which is thought to have been built during the Byzantine period. It is also known as the place where saints retreated and prayed constantly.

This madrasa, which has survived from the 15th century to the present day, has taken its place among the places to visit in Aksaray. Carrying traces from many civilizations, this madrasa houses more than 15,000 historical artifacts. Built in the Seljuk style and constructed from cut stone, the madrasa features numerous botanical motifs that capture attention.

Located in the village of Yaprakhisar in Güzelyurt, these thermal springs are best known for their natural surroundings. The temperature of the water in Ziga Thermal Springs, where magnificent photos can be taken, is 47 degrees Celsius. Ziga Thermal Springs is the preferred destination for those seeking relaxation both mentally and physically, and it is said to be beneficial for conditions such as rheumatism and women’s health issues. As Ziga Thermal Springs are in a protected area, it is not possible to find many facilities in this region.

Selime Cathedral is located in the town of Selime. Research conducted on these places, which are in the exit area of Ihlara Valley, indicates that they were used as a market area in ancient times. Moreover, the cathedral, built for passengers to worship and caravanserais to rest, has produced many religious figures. In the same region, while watching the fairy chimneys, you can also see tombs, shelters, and rock churches.

The place where bezirs, which were used for lighting in ancient times, are made is called a “bezirhane.” The Bezirhane in the village of Belisırma is located next to Ala Church. Inside, the bezir oil pool made of wood stands out. It should be noted that Bezirhane, believed to have been completed in the 12th century, is among the places that must be visited.

Named after the depictions of women bitten by snakes on its walls, the Snake Church (Yılanlı Kilise) has earned its place among the places to visit in Aksaray. The story behind the depiction of women is even more intriguing. The first woman represents the one who abandoned her child, the second woman is portrayed as neglecting her children, the third woman is depicted as making false accusations, and the fourth woman represents the disobedient one.

While the exact construction date of this church is not known, it contains numerous frescoes. In addition, scenes from the Bible and Archangel Gabriel, as well as excerpts from the life of Jesus, are depicted here.

Carved into the rocks, Ala Church features depictions of the birth of Jesus, the Last Supper, and scenes of the Egyptian Mary. Additionally, this church, with its small windows and entrances, is one of the beautiful sanctuaries in Ihlara.

In the Pürenli Seki Church, there are graves on the narthex floor, along with frescoes depicting saints, Jesus, Bible stories, and Mary. This indicates the significance of the church as a remarkable structure.

The Sümbüllü Church, carved into the rocks in a rectangular plan with two floors, features frescoes depicting saints, Virgin Mary, scenes from the Bible, and stories involving the archangels Gabriel and Michael.

The church, built between 1283 and 1295, is known to have been commissioned by Georgian Princess Tamara. The church features numerous frescoes depicting the crucifixion and ascension of Jesus.

It should be noted that the region is home to numerous churches dating back to ancient times. Karagedik Church is one of these structures, built using the Closed Greek Cross architecture. Although many frescoes have been damaged, it is still worth seeing this church in the valley.

Another church in Ihlara Valley is the Ağaçaltı Church. This church, constructed with a free-cross plan, allows entry from the second floor. Inside, you will find paintings depicting apostles, prophets, and the ascension of Jesus.

Aksaray’s list of places to visit is undoubtedly led by Ihlara Valley. Ihlara Valley is perhaps one of the most important among the places to visit, and it is indeed one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. The Melendiz River, flowing through this valley located at the entrance of Cappadocia, has contributed to the lush greenery of the region. The depth of this valley, with steep cliffs, is approximately 120 meters.

In Ihlara Valley, located in Aksaray, there are more than 100 religious structures, but only 14 of them have survived to the present day. Furthermore, the churches carved into the rocks and the numerous frescoes painted in these churches have successfully captured the attention of everyone visiting the region.

Aksaray places to visit Map

Places to Visit in Aksaray

Aksaray Photo gallery

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aksaray