Aksaray

Aksaray has many mosques, tombs, hot springs and churches to see. The main ones are:

Sultan Hanı, Çatalhöyük (in the Çumra district of Konya), the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami, the Karamanoğlu Mosque, central district), the Eğri Minare (Crooked Minaret, also called the Kızıl Minare, central district), Şeyh Hamid-i Veli (Somuncu Baba), the Kaya Mosque (Güzelyurt), the Tomb of Selime Sultan (Selime village), the Kilise Mosque (Church of St Gregory) (Güzelyurt), the Church of St Anargyros (Güzelyurt), the Sivişli Church (Güzelyurt), Selime Cathedral (Selime), the Kale Monastery Church (Selime), the Yüksek Church (central district), the Kızıl Church (Sivrihisar), the Pürenli Seki Church (Ihlara), the Kokar Church (Ihlara), the Eğritas Church (Ihlara), the Sümbüllü Church (Ihlara), the Yılanlı Church (Ihlara), the Church of St George (Kırkdamaltı Church, Belisırma), the Bahattin Samanlığı Church (Belisırma), the Direkli Church (Belisırma), the Ala Church (Belisırma), the Karagedik Church (Belisırma) and the Ziga hot springs (Güzelyurt)

Selime Cathedral and fairy chimneys

Selime, a small town in Güzelyurt, lies at the end of the Ihlara Valley. A favourite stop for tourists coming to Cappadocia, Selime’s churches, caravan road and monastery wrap the area in a mystical atmosphere. The cathedral and fairy chimneys in Selime will be the first beauties you see. In the old days, because of the market held in Selime, caravans came to the area and camels were taken up into the middle part of the cathedral. The cathedral and monastery were built so that arriving caravans could rest and worship. The monastery was also important as a place where the clergy of the region were trained, and the churches carved into the rocks here are mostly examples of Byzantine art. With its shelters, refuges, churches and tombs carved and worked into the fairy chimneys, Selime is a town that should be included on any trip to Aksaray. To make a long journey and have an enjoyable time, you should add the town of Selime to your route. Selime Cathedral and its fairy chimneys will take you away from the time you live in for a while.

Ziga hot springs, Aksaray

The Ziga hot springs, within the boundaries of Yaprakhisar village in Güzelyurt, are one of the riches of the Ihlara Valley. They are 30 kilometres from the centre of Aksaray and 18 kilometres from Güzelyurt. The area around the springs has been declared a protected zone by decision of the Council of Ministers, and no new building is allowed; only the existing facilities are there. The spring water is 47 degrees and rich in minerals. Good for eye, metabolic and gynaecological complaints and rheumatism, the Ziga hot springs have great potential for visitors. If you decide to go, you should book at the local accommodation in advance, or it may be hard to find a place.

Church of St Gregory, Aksaray

The Church of St Gregory in Aksaray’s Güzelyurt district is known to have been built in AD 385. Its location in the Aşağı neighbourhood of the district centre makes it easy to reach. The church’s dome is octagonal and sits in the middle of the worship space. Because the building was enlarged with additions over time, it has moved away from its original form. The Church of St Gregory was converted into a mosque in the Ottoman period and is now called the Kilise Camii (Church Mosque). The building, which came down to us in ruins, has been repaired by the General Directorate of Foundations. You can include this building, which has witnessed Güzelyurt’s history, on your route, then make short trips to Belisırma village, the Kırkdamaltı Church and the countless historic places of the Ihlara Valley.

Kırkdamaltı Church, Aksaray

The Kırkdamaltı Church in Belisırma village, in the Güzelyurt district, was built between 1283 and 1295. According to its inscription it was built by a Georgian princess named Tamara, and its other name is the Church of St George. The church is hexagonal in plan and its interior is covered with frescoes; the Ascension of Christ, the Crucifixion and the Dormition of the Virgin are among the scenes depicted on the walls. Today the church’s apse has collapsed, and there are graves on the ground floor and in the niches. Belisırma village, in the middle of the Ihlara Valley, will show you different eras from start to finish with the Kırkdamaltı Church and its many remains.

Aşıklı Höyük, Aksaray

Aşıklı Höyük, which holds a place in the history of the Cappadocia region, is in Kızılkaya village, 25 kilometres from Aksaray. On the bank of the Melendiz river, the mound is only 4.5 kilometres from the Ihlara Valley, which offers those visiting it other places to explore. Aşıklı Höyük is known to have a history of 10,000 years and is thought to be the oldest settlement in the Cappadocia region. Research has shown that when the first settlements appeared on the mound, people had settled down and were farming. Traces of surgery found on two skulls in the area are also very important for the history of medicine: they show that the first brain operation in history took place in this region. The skull is now displayed in the Aksaray Museum.

On the days you visit Aşıklı Höyük, you can include the monasteries, churches and caves of the nearby Ihlara Valley and spend long but equally enjoyable hours.

Karagedik Church, Aksaray

The Karagedik Church in Aksaray was built on a hill leaning against a steep rock. In its structure it resembles the Çanlı Church, and it is also known as St Hermolaos. There is no certain information about the Karagedik Church, but study has shown that it was built in the 11th century. Although the frescoes inside are damaged, they are still worth seeing and show traces of Byzantine art. One of Aksaray’s places waiting to be discovered, the Karagedik Church will make a lovely trip for you. The Ağaçaltı Church, the Sümbüllü Church, Acemhöyük and the Pürenli Seki Church, which add to the city’s historic atmosphere, can also be part of your trips.

Çanlı Church, Aksaray

In Aksaray, where you can see places of worship of many faiths as well as natural beauty, you should especially include the Ihlara Valley in your visits, because there you will witness the wonderful harmony of natural beauty and historic sites. In the valley, many churches with deep-rooted histories will take you on short journeys to the past. Let us tell you a little about the Çanlı Church here, and you can add it to this lovely journey. The Çanlı Church is 11 kilometres from the centre of Aksaray, within the boundaries of Akhisar village; although its frescoes are damaged, they are still striking. We can say these frescoes are a good reason to visit. After the Çanlı Church you can fit many historic places into your days in Aksaray; the Sümbüllü Church, the Ağaçaltı Church and the Ala Church are just a few of the places near the Çanlı Church.

Ağaçaltı Church, Aksaray

The Ağaçaltı Church is in the Ihlara Valley, which offers both Aksaray’s natural beauty and its historic sites together. The real entrance of the church, located at the valley’s entrance stairs, is underground; the present entrance is in the part known as the second floor. Although most of the paintings inside have faded, they are still worth seeing, with many Christian depictions. The construction date of the Ağaçaltı Church is not known exactly; it is only thought to have been built between the 9th and 11th centuries. Though in ruins, the church is still visited, and you can include it on your Ihlara Valley trip.

Sümbüllü Church, Aksaray

Among the unique buildings of the Ihlara Valley, the Sümbüllü Church draws its visitors into a historic atmosphere. The Sümbüllü Church, within Aksaray’s boundaries, is thought to have belonged to a monastery. Little is known about it, but it is thought to have been built between the 11th and 12th centuries. Among the details worth seeing are its frescoes: scenes from the Gospels, the Virgin between Michael and Gabriel, the Dormition of the Virgin and depictions of saints have survived in good condition. Don’t forget to visit the Sümbüllü Church on your Ihlara Valley trip. You can also add the Ala Church and the Yılanlı Church, among the valley’s most visited places, to your list.

Acemhöyük, Aksaray

One of Aksaray’s historic sites, Acemhöyük is among the places you can explore thanks to its closeness to the city centre and easy access.

The site is in Yeşilova village, 18 kilometres from the provincial centre, and its first settlement dates from the Early Bronze Age. Archaeological excavations at Acemhöyük have uncovered seals, beads, gold ornaments, bowls, pots, ivory works, figurines and houses.

Today’s excavations are carried out by Ankara University. Acemhöyük is one of the places tourists coming to Aksaray visit.

You can find out about the city’s other sights on our pages on the Pürenli Seki Church, the Eğri Minare, the Ala Church, the Zinciriye Madrasa and Çatalhöyük (Konya).

Pürenli Seki Church, Aksaray

Touring every corner of the Cappadocia region is a special thrill. In Aksaray, where every corner reflects a different history, we invite you to the Pürenli Seki Church. One of the city’s oldest buildings, the Pürenli Seki Church has four sections. There are graves in the floor of the narthex, and the frescoes inside are dated to the 10th–12th centuries. The prophecy of the Prophets, the Virgin and bishops, and various scenes from the Gospels painted on its walls still keep their appeal. During your days in Aksaray you can visit the Pürenli Seki Church and witness its impressive frescoes on a long journey through history.

Eğri Minare (Crooked Minaret), Aksaray

The Eğri Minare in central Aksaray is one of the city’s sights. It is thought to have been built between 1221 and 1236. It takes its name from its leaning form, and because it is built of red brick it is also called the Kızıl Minare (Red Minaret). The minaret was built in the 13th century by Sultan Keyhüsrev I, father of Alaeddin Keykubad; the mosque beside it was built later. Reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Eğri Minare draws tourists’ interest and could be one of your stops in Aksaray. On your trip, don’t forget to visit the beauties of the Cappadocia region too. We especially recommend adding the many churches of the Ihlara Valley, Belisırma village and the Zinciriye Madrasa to your list.

Ala Church, Aksaray

The Ala Church is one of the historic sites of the Ihlara Valley. Dating from the early period of Christianity, it was carved into the rock and has small entrances and windows. The church, within Aksaray province, is one of the first stops for those exploring Cappadocia. Its frescoes are impressive, with the Nativity, the Last Supper, the communion of St Mary of Egypt and depictions of saints. You can add the Ala Church to your Cappadocia explorations and enrich your journey through history with its eye-catching frescoes. The Bahattin Samanlığı Church, Güvercinkayası, Çatalhöyük (Konya) and the ancient city of Nora are just a few of the other must-see places in the city that can take their place on your routes. A trip to Aksaray full of discoveries awaits you.

Zinciriye Medresesi (Zinciriye Madrasa), Aksaray

Built in the 15th century by İbrahim Bey of the Karamanids, the Zinciriye Madrasa is in the central district and very easy to reach. Located in the Zincirli neighbourhood, the madrasa draws great interest from tourists coming to the city. Welcoming its guests with its grand architecture, it was built of cut stone and brick. Restored from time to time, it has kept its soundness to the present day, and Seljuk-style floral motifs can be seen above the iwans. The Zinciriye Madrasa continued to function as a madrasa until the early 20th century. You can include it among the places you visit in Aksaray, and after the madrasa, which is easy to reach, you can go on discovering new places in the city. You can look at our pages on the Bahattin Samanlığı Church in Belisırma village, Güvercinkayası, the ancient city of Nora, the Aksaray Museum and the Güzelyurt houses to find new places to add to your list.

Bahattin Samanlığı Church, Aksaray

The Bahattin Samanlığı Church in Belisırma village, Aksaray, is one of the countless historic monuments of the Cappadocia region. Its construction date is not known exactly but is thought to be between the 10th and 11th centuries. The church has a single nave and an apse, and its frescoes have survived well. They depict scenes from the life of Christ, Gabriel and Peter, as well as the Three Magi, the Nativity, Joseph’s dream and the Crucifixion. The Bahattin Samanlığı Church, impressive for its frescoes, is 50 metres from the Direkli Church. The area was lived in until the 1950s, and the church got its name, “Bahattin’s Hayloft Church”, after a local man named Bahattin used it as a hayloft. You can add this church to your Ihlara Valley trip and go on discovering different places on an enjoyable Cappadocian journey.

Güvercinkayası, Aksaray

Güvercinkayası, which has survived from the Chalcolithic to the present, is in Aksaray province within the boundaries of Çatalsu village. It is one of the places tourists coming to Cappadocia visit and is an important mound that sheds light on Anatolian history.

Güvercinkayası was built on a high rock mass by the Mamasın reservoir. Archaeological excavations have been carried out, and research has shown it to be the oldest and first settlement in the area described as a fortified town. Animal bones were uncovered in the excavations. Don’t forget to include Güvercinkayası on your trip to discover Aksaray and witness the traces of a deep-rooted history.

If you want short information about the city’s sights, you can click our pages on the Güzelyurt houses, the ancient city of Nora, Çatalhöyük (Konya) and the Monastery Valley.

Güzelyurt houses, Aksaray

The Güzelyurt houses of Aksaray are still well worth seeing for their architecture and solidity. If you travel to Aksaray, you will be sure to have the chance to see and study them. The Güzelyurt houses were first lived in by Greeks. After the War of Independence the Greeks emigrated to Greece, and Turks from Greece came to Güzelyurt and lived in these houses. The Turks looked after the houses’ architecture and made sure they survived in good condition to the present day. Now brought into Cappadocian tourism, the Güzelyurt houses are visited by thousands of tourists every year. The houses are 28 kilometres from the centre of Aksaray and easy to reach. The construction date of each house in the area is written on its door, revealing its long history. If you have the chance to discover Aksaray’s historic riches on an enjoyable trip, we recommend including the Güzelyurt houses.

Aksaray Müzesi (Aksaray Museum)

The Aksaray Museum, open to visitors in the Zinciriye Madrasa built in the Karamanid period, was attached to a Museum Directorate in 1985. Serving as a museum ever since, it has gathered works from the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Phrygian, Classical, Roman, Hellenistic and Byzantine periods. It also presents a collection of clothing, kilims, carpets, socks, coins and weapons gathered from around Aksaray. With its rich collection, the Aksaray Museum is ready to present its remarkable finds and its own historic beauty.

Nora Antik Kenti (Ancient City of Nora), Aksaray

The ancient city of Nora, 30 kilometres from Aksaray, lies at the foot of Hasandağı. Used as an important military centre, the city kept its importance in the Roman and Byzantine periods. It has many church remains, most of them Byzantine. Various frescoes, churches, an acropolis and a small castle are among the surviving structures, but there is no basilica. One of Aksaray’s historic sites, Nora is especially worth seeing for its frescoes. Adding this ancient city when you plan a trip will give you a lovely time.

Sultan Hanı, Aksaray

Built in 1229 by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, this han remains the largest han in Anatolia. It is in Aksaray. Its entrance gate, in which you can easily see touches of Byzantine architecture, is very grand. To the right of the entrance of the Sultan Hanı there is a small market area, and in the middle there is a masjid. While you are in Aksaray, the Obruk Hanı is another must-see; like the Sultanhanı, it is one of the famous caravanserais of Aksaray.

Çatalhöyük (Konya)

Records relating to Hasandağı and Aksaray are found here. Çatalhöyük is not in Aksaray but in the Çumra district of Konya, about 10 km east of Çumra; from Aksaray you reach it via Konya.

Here we can find traces of the way of life of Anatolian civilisation in the Neolithic, in 7000–6000 BC. One of the most interesting works is an incised picture depicting Hasandağı erupting lava.

Settlements in and around Aksaray were inhabited in the Neolithic, so pottery from this period is found in nearby villages (Böget and Koçaş). It is one of the leading historic and natural sights you must see while in Aksaray.

Manastır Vadisi (Monastery Valley), Aksaray

Güzelyurt, where Christianity spread into Anatolia, where the foundations of Orthodox thought were laid and where monastic life emerged, holds a very important place in history. The Monastery Valley was the area of Güzelyurt most densely inhabited by Christians. Along the 4.5-kilometre valley there are nearly 50 churches and monasteries. Along the valley, which starts at the lower part of the district and runs to Sivrihisar village, the historic remains and works are truly beautiful and well worth seeing.

Source: http://www.gezilebilecekyerler.com/aksarayda-gezilecek-yerler/

• Ağaçören
• Eskil
• Gülağaç
• Güzelyurt
• Merkez (central district)
• Ortaköy
• Sarıyahşi