Aksaray is one of the cities that attracts attention with its historical texture and natural beauties. Aksaray province has been one of the important transit points for Silk Road Trade passing through Anatolia. You can explore the world-famous Ihlara Valley in all its splendor from here. It attracts the attention of local and foreign tourists with its mystical churches, caravanserai, mosque, madrasah, natural wonder Ihlara valley, hot springs, fairy chimneys.
IHLARA VALLEY
Ihlara valley; It is the canyon valley formed by the collapse of the lava sprayed by Hasan Mountain and the shaping effect of the Melendiz Stream. Melendiz Stream gives life to the 18-kilometer-long and approximately 150-meter-high valley. The Melendiz Stream stretches along the valley and also nourishes the surrounding vegetation. You can enjoy a nature walk in the valley and can see the traces of history. If you want a short break, you can sip your tea or Turkish coffee in one of the tea gardens against the unique view.
Selimiye town of Aksaray, which is considered the entrance of Cappadocia, is located in the town of Güzelyurt at the end of the Ihlara Valley, where you can see many fairy chimneys of various sizes.
ZIGA SPA
Ziga Thermal Springs, located on the border of Ihlara Valley, finds healing with its mineral hot waters between 45-52 degrees, while you can get away from your stress with the panoramic view of the valley. It is recommended as a complementary treatment method especially for rheumatic and orthopedic disorders. In addition, the minerals it contains provide benefits in diseases such as eczema, respiratory tract, eye and gynecological diseases.
Zigana Thermal Springs, which was declared a ‘thermal area’ by the Special Environmental Protection Board, is an important thermal tourism area with 5 mineral hot water springs at different temperatures and volumes.
NORA ANCIENT CITY (MOKİSSOS)
The ancient city, which is estimated to have been founded in the 4th century BC, is located on a large area at the foot of Hasandağı, which is now connected to the Helvadere town of Aksaray. In particular, the remains of the Byzantine, Roman and Hellenistic periods were found. In the area where it was used as a minimum center during the Roman and Byzantine periods, there are important building remains, especially on the slope side. Nora Ancient City has been accepted as a first degree archaeological site. Although it is also known as Viran city, it has an impressive historical texture. You can examine the remains of the church and fresco.
ACEMHOYUK
Located in Yeşilova town, 18 km from the city center of Aksaray, the mound looks like a springy hill. It is estimated that it has come from 3,000 BC to the present day. It was used as a trade center during the Assyrian period, its name is mentioned as Burushattum in Assyrian sources.
Remains such as palaces from the Assyrian period (Hatipler Palace and Sarıkaya Palace), mudbrick walls and pithos burials belonging to the Early Bronze Age were found.
GÜLAĞAÇ UNDERGROUND CITY OF ST. MERCURIUS
It was used as a shelter when Christianity was banned in 250 AD. 3 floors of the 7-storey underground city are open to visitors. Unlike other underground cities, it has a larger church and 20 tombs in it draw attention. You can also see various reliefs and cross symbols engraved on the walls.
ZİNCİRİYE MADRASA (AKSARAY MUSEUM)
The building, which attracts visitors who are interested in history, was built during the Karamanoğlu period. Most of the historical Turkish works that we can see in Aksaray reflect the traces of Seljuk architecture. The Zinciriye Madrasa was also built using local cut stone and brick, and the appropriate decoration methods and motifs of the Seljuk tradition were used. Herbal and geometric figures are embroidered in her motifs. It also resembles a castle appearance due to the dens on its outer walls.
In the madrasah, which has 6 rooms of different sizes; It has been a home of science, which has shed light on the Turkish-Islamic history and brought people with important knowledge and wisdom. It was used as a prison during the Ottoman period and operated as the Aksaray Museum in 1985-2006. Today, it is evaluated in social and cultural activities.
KIRKDAMALTI CHURCH
Located at the end of the Ihlara Valley, 1 km from the village of Belisırma, the church was built by carving high rock blocks. According to the pictures depicted on the frescoes on the walls of the church and the inscription written in Greek, the Seljuk Sultan II. Mesut is praised, and this is considered as proof of Turkish-Christian friendship in the period.
AZİZ GREGORIUS MOSQUE/CHURCH MOSQUE
The church, located in the town center of Güzelyurt, is one of the works of the early Christian era (385 AD). During the Ottoman period, the bell tower was converted into a minaret and is still used as a mosque today. For this reason, the church is also known as a mosque by the local people.
CURVE MINARET (RED MINARET)
As its name suggests, its minaret is inclined. Another name is the Red Minaret because the bricks of its minaret are red. It is known that the building, which is one of the examples of Seljuk mosque architecture, was built approximately in the 13th century during the reign of Alaadin Keykubat I. The historical monument in the city center is located within 400 meters of walking distance from the bazaar.
ALAY HAN
13th century Anatolian Seljuk ruler II. It was built with minimal purpose at the request of Kılıçarslan, and later it was used as a caravanserai in order to revive trade. It is the first caravanserai built in Anatolia. Its striking features are the cut stone and complex of different colors used in its construction.
AKSARAY SULTAN HAN
It is another historical building belonging to the Anatolian Seljuk period. It was built in 1229 at the request of Alaadin Keykubat I. During the Seljuk period, Aksaray was a frequent destination for traders since it was geopolitically on the Silk Road. The historical building, which is among the biggest inns of Turkiye today, is also on the World Heritage Tentative List by UNESCO. The building also gives its name to the town within its borders.
Although the cone of her dome has not survived to the present day, the inscription “Power belongs to Allah” under its belt can still be read.
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