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Aksaray

Aksaray, Aksaray, Turkey

Step into History in Aksaray, Turkey Nestled on the ancient Silk Road in central Turkey, Aksaray offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural wonders. More than just a stopover, this vibrant city invites y…

#historic sites#cultural heritage#central Anatolia#mosques#Turkish cuisine

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Aksaray.

Top Hotels in Aksaray

Top Flights to Aksaray

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Aksaray.

Tours

Sultanhanı Caravanserai Visit

Visit the historic Sultanhanı Caravanserai, one of the largest and best-preserved caravanserais in Turkey.

Aksaray Museum Tour

Discover the rich cultural heritage of the region at Aksaray Museum.

Salt Lake Sightseeing

Visit Turkey's second largest lake, Tuz Gölü, known for its salt production and stunning landscapes.

Shopping

Shopping at Grand Bazaar Aksaray

Enjoy shopping at Grand Bazaar Aksaray with a variety of shops selling local goods and souvenirs.

Outdoor

Ihlara Valley Hiking

Explore the stunning landscape of Ihlara Valley, known for its unique rock formations and ancient cave churches.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Aksaray.

Currency

₺ | TRY | Turkish Lira

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Aksaray, Aksaray, Turkey is '0.4 million'.

Languages

Turkish, Turkish

Average weather

Aksaray

Jan

5°-3°

Feb

7°-2°

Mar

12°1°

Apr

17°5°

May

22°9°

Jun

27°13°

Jul

31°16°

Aug

31°16°

Sep

26°12°

Oct

20°7°

Nov

13°2°

Dec

7°-1°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Aksaray.

What people love

Aksaray is a city located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. Here are some potential pros of traveling to Aksaray:

Historical and Cultural Sites: Aksaray has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with various historical and cultural sites to explore. The city is home to the Aksaray Museum, which showcases artifacts from the region's past, as well as the historical Caravanserai of Agzikara Han, a well-preserved inn from the Seljuk period.
Natural Beauty: Aksaray is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the volcanic Mount Hasan and Mount Melendiz. Visitors can explore the scenic Ihlara Valley, known for its rock-cut churches and hiking trails, or visit the nearby Salt Lake, a unique natural wonder with therapeutic mud baths.
Local Cuisine: Aksaray is known for its delicious traditional Turkish cuisine, offering a variety of dishes such as kebabs, baklava, and gözleme. Visitors can sample local specialties at restaurants and markets throughout the city.
Hospitality: The people of Aksaray are known for their warm hospitality and friendly demeanor, making visitors feel welcome and at home during their stay in the city.
Authentic Experience: Traveling to Aksaray allows visitors to experience a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path side of Turkey, away from the more touristy destinations. This can provide a unique and immersive cultural experience.

Overall, traveling to Aksaray can offer a combination of historical, cultural, natural, and culinary experiences for visitors looking to explore a lesser-known gem in Turkey.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Aksaray in Aksaray, Turkey, could include:

Limited tourist infrastructure: Aksaray may not have as developed tourism infrastructure compared to more popular tourist destinations in Turkey, which could make travel logistics more challenging.
Language barrier: English may not be as widely spoken in Aksaray as in other tourist areas, so communication with locals could be more difficult.
Limited attractions: Aksaray may not have as many well-known tourist attractions or historical sites compared to other cities in Turkey, which could limit the things to see and do during your visit.
Transportation options: Getting to and around Aksaray may be more limited or less convenient compared to other cities, which could impact your travel experience.

Please note that these are general potential cons and individual experiences may vary. It's always a good idea to research and plan your trip carefully to make the most of your visit to Aksaray.

Aksaray, located in central Turkey, is a city with a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It has been a significant settlement due to its strategic location on trade routes, particularly the ancient Silk Road.

Ancient and Classical Periods

Ancient History: The area around Aksaray has been inhabited since the early Bronze Age. It was part of the Hittite Empire, which dominated the region during the second millennium BCE.
Classical Antiquity: During the classical era, the region was influenced by various empires, including the Phrygians and later the Persians. It became part of the Roman Empire, and then the Byzantine Empire. The city was known as Archelais Garsaura during the Roman period, named after Archelaus of Cappadocia, who was a client king of Rome.

Byzantine and Seljuk Periods

Byzantine Influence: Under Byzantine rule, the region continued to be an important trade center. However, it faced numerous invasions and battles due to its strategic location.
Seljuk Era: Aksaray gained prominence during the Seljuk period in the 11th and 12th centuries. The Seljuks built caravanserais and mosques, enhancing its status as a hub on the Silk Road. The Sultanhanı Caravanserai, located nearby, is one of the most significant and well-preserved examples from this period.

Ottoman Era

Incorporation into the Ottoman Empire: Aksaray was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the late 15th century. The city continued to flourish as a commercial center due to its location and the stability provided by the Ottomans.
Architectural Developments: During the Ottoman period, several mosques and public buildings were constructed, contributing to its architectural heritage.

Modern Era

Republic of Turkey: With the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Aksaray became part of the new nation. It was initially part of the Niğde Province but became a separate province in 1989.

Significant Landmarks

Sultanhanı Caravanserai: Located on the road between Aksaray and Konya, this is one of the largest and best-preserved caravanserais in Turkey, built in 1229 under the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I.
Aksaray Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami): This mosque is a fine example of Seljuk architecture and is one of the city's most notable religious structures.
Ihlara Valley: Although not within the city itself, the nearby Ihlara Valley is a spectacular natural and historical site with early Christian rock-cut churches and frescoes.

Notable Historical Figures

There are no widely recognized historical figures from Aksaray that have had significant influence beyond the local or regional level. However, the city has been a place of passage and temporary residence for numerous traders, scholars, and travelers throughout its long history.

In summary, Aksaray's history is marked by its role as a trade center through various empires and its architectural and historical landmarks, especially from the Seljuk period. Its strategic location has contributed to its historical significance over the centuries.