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Coordinates: 38°22′27″N 34°01′44″E / 38.37417°N 34.02889°E / 38.37417; 34.02889
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{{More citations needed|date=May 2021}}{{Other uses|Aksaray (disambiguation)}}
{{Other uses|Aksaray (disambiguation)}}
{{for|the neighbourhood in Istanbul|Aksaray, Istanbul}}
{{for|the neighbourhood in Istanbul|Aksaray, Istanbul}}
{{Infobox Turkey place
{{More citations needed|date=May 2021}}{{Infobox Turkey place
| type = municipality
| type = municipality
| name = Aksaray
| name = Aksaray
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| website = {{URL|https://www.aksaray.bel.tr/}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.aksaray.bel.tr/}}
}}
}}
'''Aksaray''' ({{IPA-tr|ˈaksaɾaj|pron}}) is a city in the [[Central Anatolia Region, Turkey|Central Anatolia]] region of [[Turkey]]. It is the seat of [[Aksaray Province]] and [[Aksaray District]].<ref name=il>[https://www.e-icisleri.gov.tr/Anasayfa/MulkiIdariBolumleri.aspx İl Belediyesi], Turkey Civil Administration Departments Inventory. Retrieved 12 January 2023.</ref> Its population is 247,147 (2021).<ref name=tuik>{{Cite web |title=Address-based population registration system (ADNKS) results dated 31 December 2021|url=https://www.tuik.gov.tr/indir/duyuru/favori_raporlar.xlsx |access-date=12 January 2023|publisher=[[TÜİK]]|language=tr |format=XLS}}</ref> In 2021 the province had an estimated population of 429,069 distributed over about {{Convert|7659|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}.<ref name=tuik/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.harita.gov.tr/uploads/files-folder/il_ilce_alanlari.xlsx|title=İl ve İlçe Yüz ölçümleri|publisher=General Directorate of Mapping|access-date=12 January 2023}}</ref> The average elevation is {{convert|980|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, with the highest point being [[Mount Hasan|Mt. Hasan]] ([[Turkish language|Turkish]]: ''Hasan Dağı'') at {{convert|3253|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}.
'''Aksaray''' ({{IPA|tr|ˈaksaɾaj|pron}}) is a city in the [[Central Anatolia Region, Turkey|Central Anatolia]] region of [[Turkey]]. It is the seat of [[Aksaray Province]] and [[Aksaray District]].<ref name=il>[https://www.e-icisleri.gov.tr/Anasayfa/MulkiIdariBolumleri.aspx İl Belediyesi], Turkey Civil Administration Departments Inventory. Retrieved 12 January 2023.</ref> Its population is 247,147 (2021).<ref name=tuik>{{Cite web |title=Address-based population registration system (ADNKS) results dated 31 December 2021|url=https://www.tuik.gov.tr/indir/duyuru/favori_raporlar.xlsx |access-date=12 January 2023|publisher=[[TÜİK]]|language=tr |format=XLS}}</ref> In 2021 the province had an estimated population of 429,069 distributed over about {{Convert|7659|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}.<ref name=tuik/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.harita.gov.tr/uploads/files-folder/il_ilce_alanlari.xlsx|title=İl ve İlçe Yüz ölçümleri|publisher=General Directorate of Mapping|access-date=12 January 2023}}</ref> The average elevation is {{convert|980|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, with the highest point being [[Mount Hasan|Mt. Hasan]] ([[Turkish language|Turkish]]: ''Hasan Dağı'') at {{convert|3268|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}.


The city of Aksaray has a long history and was an important stopover point on the [[Silk Road]] that transited [[Anatolia]] for centuries. It is a pleasant mid-sized city with the [[Melendiz River|Melendiz river]] running through it and several monuments dating back to the pre-Ottoman era as well as some impressive examples of government buildings from the early Turkish Republic that are gathered around the main square.
The city of Aksaray has a long history and was an important stopover point on the [[Silk Road]] that transited [[Anatolia]] for centuries. It is a mid-sized city with the [[Melendiz River|Melendiz river]] running through it and several monuments dating back to the pre-Ottoman era as well as some impressive examples of government buildings from the early Turkish Republic that are gathered around the main square.


The nearest airport is [[Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport|Kapadokya Nevşehir Airport]] (NAV) which is 62.1 km away from the city.
The nearest airport is [[Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport|Kapadokya Nevşehir Airport]] (NAV) which is 62.1&nbsp;km away from the city.


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
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==History==
==History==

[[File:AksaraySquare.jpg|left|thumb|Aksaray Provincial Government House is one of a trio of examples of the First National Architectural movement in Aksaray square.]]

===Hittite period===
First mentioned as '''Šinaḫuttum-Šinuhtu''' in ancient [[Hittites|Hittite]] texts, and later '''Nenaşşa''', (also spelled as '''Nenessa''' and ''Nenossós'' in [[Ancient Greek]] texts) and '''Kurşaura'''.

===Iron Age===
====Šinuḫtu Kingdom====
⚫
[[File:Stele Aksaray02.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Aksaray Stele|Aksaray stele]], a [[Syro-Hittite states|Syro-Hittite]] stele in [[Aksaray Museum]].]]

The [[Aksaray Stele|Aksaray Stela]] was written in Luwian Hieroglyphs and was dedicated by king '''Kiyakiyas '''who described his prosperity in his reign and the benevolence of the weather god [[Tarḫunz|Tarhunzas]]. Kiyakiyas may be identical with king '''Kiyakki of Šinuḫtu''', who ruled prior to 718 BC. At that time [[Šinuḫtu]] was taken, the king was seized and deported by the Neo-Assyrian king [[Sargon II]].

The Hittite name '''Kurşaura '''underwent a sound change to '''Garsaura'''. The /k/ became voiced and turned into a /g/ consonant, while the /u/ became /a/.<ref>[https://aksaray.ktb.gov.tr/TR-243539/antik-cagda-kursauradan-garsauraya.html]https://aksaray.ktb.gov.tr/TR-243539/antik-cagda-kursauradan-garsauraya.html</ref> Strabon mentions Garsaura in his work (V/4 and VI/1).

===Classical period===
The town of '''Garsaura''' was renamed '''Archelaïs''' ({{langx|el|{{lang|grc|Ἀρχελαΐς}}}}) by [[Archelaus of Cappadocia]], the last Cappadocian king. In [[Roman Empire|Roman]] times, the town was known as '''Colonia''' and became a bishropric.

⚫
Of its bishops, Euphrasius was at the [[First Council of Nicaea]] in 325; Bosporus (who is mentioned in the correspondence of [[Basil the Great]] and [[Gregory of Nazianzus]]) at the [[First Council of Constantinople]] in 381; Daniel at the [[Council of Ephesus]] in 431; Aristomachus (who was also a signatory of the letter of the bishops of the [[Roman province]] of [[Cappadocia Tertia]], to which Colonia belonged, to [[Byzantine Emperor]] [[Leo I the Thracian]] about the killing of [[Proterius of Alexandria]] in 458) at the [[Council of Chalcedon]] in 451; Alexander at a [[Council of Constantinople (536)|council in Constantinople]] called by [[Patriarch Menas of Constantinople]] in 536; and Conon at the [[Trullan Council]] of 692.<ref>Michel Lequien, [https://books.google.com/books?id=0agp0mJFG_sC ''Oriens christianus in quatuor Patriarchatus digestus''], Paris 1740, Vol. I, coll. 413-416</ref><ref>Raymond Janin, v. ''2. Colonia'', in [http://booksnow.scholarsportal.info/ebooks/oca2/4/dictionnairedhis13bauduoft/dictionnairedhis13bauduoft.pdf ''Dictionnaire d'Histoire et de Géographie ecclésiastiques''], vol. XIII, Paris 1956, col. 326</ref><ref>Pius Bonifacius Gams, [http://www.wbc.poznan.pl/dlibra/doccontent?id=65154&dirids=1 ''Series episcoporum Ecclesiae Catholicae''], Leipzig 1931, p.&nbsp;440</ref> No longer a residential bishopric, Colonia in Cappadocia is today listed by the [[Catholic Church]] as a [[titular see]].<ref>''Annuario Pontificio 2013'' (Libreria Editrice Vaticana 2013 {{ISBN|978-88-209-9070-1}}), p. 873</ref> Colonia is also a titular Turkish metropolis of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople]].

===Middle Ages===
[[File:Kısıl Kilise (Sivrihisar) 01.jpg|thumb|[[Kizil Kilise]] (“[[Kizil Kilise|Red Church]]”), formerly known as [[Saint Spyridon|St. Spyridon]] Church near [[Güzelyurt]].]]
[[File:Kısıl Kilise (Sivrihisar) 01.jpg|thumb|[[Kizil Kilise]] (“[[Kizil Kilise|Red Church]]”), formerly known as [[Saint Spyridon|St. Spyridon]] Church near [[Güzelyurt]].]]
During Byzantine times, the town was known as '''Koloneia''' (Κολώνεια) was an important military center, holding an imperial ''[[aplekton]]''.{{sfn|Beihammer|2017|p=228}}
⚫
[[File:Stele Aksaray02.jpg|thumb|left|the [[Aksaray Stele|Aksaray stele]], a [[Syro-Hittite states|Syro-Hittite]] stele in [[Aksaray Museum]].]]
⚫
First mentioned as '''Šinaḫuttum-Šinuhtu''' in ancient [[Hittites|Hittite]] texts, and later '''Nenaşşa''', (also spelled as '''Nenessa''' and ''Nenossós'' in [[Ancient Greek]] texts) and '''Kurşaura''', The town of '''Garsaura''' was named '''Archelaïs''' ({{lang-el|{{lang|grc|Ἀρχελαΐς}}}}) by [[Archelaus of Cappadocia]], the last Cappadocian king. In [[Roman Empire|Roman]] times, the town was known as '''Colonia''' (Κολώνεια). When Aksaray became part of the [[Sultanate of Rum|Seljuk Empire]], its name was changed to '''Taksará''' and Aksará, which is a rendering of Garsáoura. Colonia was a bishopric and an important military centre, holding an imperial ''[[aplekton]]''. Of its bishops, Euphrasius was at the [[First Council of Nicaea]] in 325; Bosporus (who is mentioned in the correspondence of [[Basil the Great]] and [[Gregory of Nazianzus]]) at the [[First Council of Constantinople]] in 381; Daniel at the [[Council of Ephesus]] in 431; Aristomachus (who was also a signatory of the letter of the bishops of the [[Roman province]] of [[Cappadocia Tertia]], to which Colonia belonged, to [[Byzantine Emperor]] [[Leo I the Thracian]] about the killing of [[Proterius of Alexandria]] in 458) at the [[Council of Chalcedon]] in 451; Alexander at a [[Council of Constantinople (536)|council in Constantinople]] called by [[Patriarch Menas of Constantinople]] in 536; and Conon at the [[Trullan Council]] of 692.<ref>Michel Lequien, [https://books.google.com/books?id=0agp0mJFG_sC ''Oriens christianus in quatuor Patriarchatus digestus''], Paris 1740, Vol. I, coll. 413-416</ref><ref>Raymond Janin, v. ''2. Colonia'', in [http://booksnow.scholarsportal.info/ebooks/oca2/4/dictionnairedhis13bauduoft/dictionnairedhis13bauduoft.pdf ''Dictionnaire d'Histoire et de Géographie ecclésiastiques''], vol. XIII, Paris 1956, col. 326</ref><ref>Pius Bonifacius Gams, [http://www.wbc.poznan.pl/dlibra/doccontent?id=65154&dirids=1 ''Series episcoporum Ecclesiae Catholicae''], Leipzig 1931, p.&nbsp;440</ref> No longer a residential bishopric, Colonia in Cappadocia is today listed by the [[Catholic Church]] as a [[titular see]].<ref>''Annuario Pontificio 2013'' (Libreria Editrice Vaticana 2013 {{ISBN|978-88-209-9070-1}}), p. 873</ref> Colonia is also a titular Turkish metropolis of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople]].
⚫
[[File:AksarayUmbrellaStreet.jpg|thumb|The Umbrella Street, better known as "Şemsiyeli Sokak" is a popular attraction in Aksaray.]]
⚫
During Ottoman times, the town was prosperous in part because of its proximity to Tuz Gölü ([[Lake Tuz]]), which was a primary source of salt for Anatolia.<ref>Swan, Suzanne (2012) [1st pub. 2003], ''Eyewitness Travel Turkey'', London, UK: Dorling Kindersley Ltd., {{ISBN|978-1-40536-888-9}}</ref>


The region came under the control of the [[Seljuk Turks]] after the [[Battle of Manzikert]] in 1071. The [[Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate]] then founded and left important landmarks in and around Aksaray. The Moroccan traveller [[Ibn Battuta]]. who visited the region in the 14th century, was impressed by the class of Muslim traders that had emerged in Aksaray and noted the urban centre as "a beautiful city, surrounded by waterways and gardens, with a water supply coming right to the houses of the city."
At some point between 1081 and 1084, the town was part of the domain of [[Suleiman ibn Qutalmish]] according to [[Ibn al-Athir|Ibn al-Athīr]].{{sfn|Beihammer|2017|p=228}} This would later become the [[Sultanate of Rum]] and the Sultans founded and left important landmarks in and around the town. Its name also changed over time to '''Taksará''' and Aksará, which is a rendering of Garsáoura. The Moroccan traveller [[Ibn Battuta]]. who visited the region in the 14th century, was impressed by the class of Muslim traders that had emerged in Aksaray and noted the urban centre as "a beautiful city, surrounded by waterways and gardens, with a water supply coming right to the houses of the city."


===Ottoman Empire===
[[File:Aksaray_Ulu_Cami_3109.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Aksaray Grand Mosque]] in Aksaray city centre, built during the reign of the Karamanids.]]
In 1470 Aksaray was incorporated into the [[Ottoman Empire]] by [[İshak Pasha]] after a protracted struggle against the [[Karamanids]]. Many inhabitants of the city were relocated to [[Constantinople]] (recently captured by the Ottomans) where they were settled in a part of the city that also came to be named [[Aksaray (Istanbul)|Aksaray]].
In 1470 Aksaray was incorporated into the [[Ottoman Empire]] by [[İshak Pasha]] after a protracted struggle against the [[Karamanids]]. Many inhabitants of the city were relocated to [[Constantinople]] (recently captured by the Ottomans) where they were settled in a part of the city that also came to be named [[Aksaray (Istanbul)|Aksaray]].

⚫
During Ottoman times, the town was prosperous in part because of its proximity to Tuz Gölü ([[Lake Tuz]]), which was a primary source of salt for Anatolia.<ref>Swan, Suzanne (2012) [1st pub. 2003], ''Eyewitness Travel Turkey'', London, UK: Dorling Kindersley Ltd., {{ISBN|978-1-40536-888-9}}</ref>


==Attractions==
==Attractions==
[[File:Aksaray_Ulu_Cami_3109.jpg|thumb|left|the [[Aksaray Grand Mosque]] in Aksaray city centre.]]
[[File:AksaraySquare.jpg|left|thumb|Aksaray Provincial Government House is one of a trio of examples of the First National Architectural movement in Aksaray square.]]
⚫
[[File:AksarayUmbrellaStreet.jpg|thumb|The Umbrella Street, better known as "Şemsiyeli Sokak" is a popular attraction in Aksaray.]]


=== In Aksaray ===
=== In Aksaray ===
The '''[[Aksaray Grand Mosque]]''', also known as the '''Karamanoğlu Camii''' or '''Ulu Camii''', is a large mosque right in the city centre dating back to 1408-09 and the Karamanoğlu dynasty. It has a detached minaret erected in 1925.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ulu Camii (Karamanoğlu Mehmed Bey Camii) - Aksaray|url=https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/aksaray/gezilecekyer/ulu-camii-karamanoglu-mehmed-bey-camii}}</ref><ref name=inside>{{Cite web |title=AKSARAY |url=http://www.turkeyfromtheinside.com/places-to-go/a/260-aksaray-sp-17802419.html |access-date=2022-09-29 |website=www.turkeyfromtheinside.com}}</ref>
The '''[[Aksaray Grand Mosque]]''', also known as the '''Karamanoğlu Camii''' or '''Ulu Camii''', is a large mosque right in the city centre dating back to 1408-09 and the Karamanoğlu dynasty. It has a detached minaret erected in 1925.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ulu Camii (Karamanoğlu Mehmed Bey Camii) - Aksaray|url=https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/aksaray/gezilecekyer/ulu-camii-karamanoglu-mehmed-bey-camii}}</ref><ref name=inside>{{Cite web |title=AKSARAY |url=http://www.turkeyfromtheinside.com/places-to-go/a/260-aksaray-sp-17802419.html |access-date=2022-09-29 |website=www.turkeyfromtheinside.com}}</ref>


The '''[[Red Minaret Mosque]]''', also known as the Eğri Minare Mosque, (Leaning Minaret Mosque) has a [[Seljuk Turk]]ish minaret dating back to 1236 and the reign of [[Kayqubad I|Aläettin Keykubat]]. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Eğri Minare - Aksaray |url=https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/aksaray/gezilecekyer/egri-minare-kizil-minare}}</ref>
The '''[[Red Minaret Mosque]]''', also known as the Eğri Minare Mosque, (Leaning Minaret Mosque) has a [[Seljuk Turk]]ish minaret dating back to 1236 and the reign of [[Kayqubad I|Aläettin Keykubat]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eğri Minare - Aksaray |url=https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/aksaray/gezilecekyer/egri-minare-kizil-minare}}</ref>


The '''Luna Park''', also known as Kültürpark is a large amusement theme park in the city centre of Aksaray. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Lunapark hizmet vermeye başladı|url=https://aksarayegemengazetesi.com/lunapark-hizmet-vermeye-basladi/}}</ref>
The '''Luna Park''', also known as Kültürpark is a large amusement theme park in the city centre of Aksaray.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lunapark hizmet vermeye başladı|url=https://aksarayegemengazetesi.com/lunapark-hizmet-vermeye-basladi/}}</ref>


The '''Zincirye Medresesi''' (Chained School) was a Koranic school with a typical soaring and elaborate [[Seljuq dynasty|Seljuk]] portal. It was built by the bey of [[Karamanids|Karaman]] in 1345 and is now used as the local library. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Zinciriye Medresesi - Aksaray|url=https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/aksaray/gezilecekyer/zinciriye-medresesi}}</ref><ref name=inside/>
The '''Zincirye Medresesi''' (Chained School) was a Koranic school with a typical soaring and elaborate [[Seljuq dynasty|Seljuk]] portal. It was built by the bey of [[Karamanids|Karaman]] in 1345 and is now used as the local library.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zinciriye Medresesi - Aksaray|url=https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/aksaray/gezilecekyer/zinciriye-medresesi}}</ref><ref name=inside/>


The '''Kurşunlu Mosque''', also known as the Kurşunlu Camii, and formerly the Hacı Bektaş Mosque, is a mosque in the city center of Aksaray. It is believed to have been built in 1325 by the [[Sultanate of Rum|Seljuks]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AKSARAY |url=https://www.yeniakit.com.tr/foto-galeri/buyuk-bir-saheser-aksaray-kursunlu-camiisi-15546|access-date=2023-01-11 |website=www.yeniakit.com.tr}}</ref>
The '''Kurşunlu Mosque''', also known as the Kurşunlu Camii, and formerly the Hacı Bektaş Mosque, is a mosque in the city center of Aksaray. It is believed to have been built in 1325 by the [[Sultanate of Rum|Seljuks]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AKSARAY |url=https://www.yeniakit.com.tr/foto-galeri/buyuk-bir-saheser-aksaray-kursunlu-camiisi-15546|access-date=2023-01-11 |website=www.yeniakit.com.tr}}</ref>


The '''Hakiki Yusuf Baba complex''', also known as '''Somunca Baba Complex''', contains the tombs of the 14th-century Islamic leader [[Somuncu Baba]] and the scholar [[Cemaleddin'i Aksaray]].<ref name=inside/>
The '''Hakiki Yusuf Baba complex''', also known as '''Somunca Baba Complex''', contains the tombs of the 14th-century Islamic leader [[Somuncu Baba]] and the scholar [[Cemaleddin'i Aksaray]].<ref name=inside/>
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The '''Kapalı Çarşı''', meaning "Covered Market" is a Grand Bazaar in the city centre of Aksaray.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aksaray kapalı carsı map|url=https://mapio.net/pic/p-2830019/}}</ref>
The '''Kapalı Çarşı''', meaning "Covered Market" is a Grand Bazaar in the city centre of Aksaray.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aksaray kapalı carsı map|url=https://mapio.net/pic/p-2830019/}}</ref>


The '''Aksaray Observation Deck''' is an observation deck overlooking the city of Aksaray. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Aksaray Seyir Terası|url=https://peakvisor.com/peak/aksaray-seyir-terasi.html?yaw=-12.80&pitch=2.81&hfov=76.60}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aksaray Seyir Terası Restaurant ve Kafe|url=https://restaurantguru.com/Seyir-Terasi-Restaurant-ve-Kafe-Aksaray}}</ref>
The '''Aksaray Observation Deck''' is an observation deck overlooking the city of Aksaray.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aksaray Seyir Terası|url=https://peakvisor.com/peak/aksaray-seyir-terasi.html?yaw=-12.80&pitch=2.81&hfov=76.60}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aksaray Seyir Terası Restaurant ve Kafe|url=https://restaurantguru.com/Seyir-Terasi-Restaurant-ve-Kafe-Aksaray}}</ref>


The '''Azmi Milli Museum''', also known as the Azm-i Milli T.A.Ş. Un Fabrikası, is a historic stone building built in the 1930s on the commands of [[Mustafa Kemal Atatürk]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AZMİ MİLLİ UN FABRİKASI Atatürk'ün talimatıyla kurulmuştu, 98 yıldır ayakta|url=https://www.yeniaksaray.com.tr/gundem/azmi-milli-un-fabrikasi-ataturk-un-talimatiyla-kurulmustu-h12158.html}}</ref> It sits adjacent to the Zincirye Medresesi. It currently operates as a museum.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ANADOLU'DA BİR ENDÜSTRİ MİRASI: AKSARAY AZMİ MİLLİ UN FABRİKASI|url=https://www.academia.edu/38302579}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BAŞKAN DİNÇER AZMİ MİLLİ MÜZESİNİ TRT EKRANLARINDA TANITTI|url=https://aksaray.bel.tr/HaberDetay.aspx?icerikId=3874&BASKAN-DINCER-AZMI-MILLI-MUZESINI-TRT-EKRANLARINDA-TANITTI}}</ref>
The '''Azmi Milli Museum''', also known as the Azm-i Milli T.A.Ş. Un Fabrikası, is a historic stone building built in the 1930s on the commands of [[Mustafa Kemal Atatürk]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AZMİ MİLLİ UN FABRİKASI Atatürk'ün talimatıyla kurulmuştu, 98 yıldır ayakta|url=https://www.yeniaksaray.com.tr/gundem/azmi-milli-un-fabrikasi-ataturk-un-talimatiyla-kurulmustu-h12158.html}}</ref> It sits adjacent to the Zincirye Medresesi. It currently operates as a museum.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ANADOLU'DA BİR ENDÜSTRİ MİRASI: AKSARAY AZMİ MİLLİ UN FABRİKASI|url=https://www.academia.edu/38302579}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BAŞKAN DİNÇER AZMİ MİLLİ MÜZESİNİ TRT EKRANLARINDA TANITTI|url=https://aksaray.bel.tr/HaberDetay.aspx?icerikId=3874&BASKAN-DINCER-AZMI-MILLI-MUZESINI-TRT-EKRANLARINDA-TANITTI}}</ref>


The '''Paşa Hamam''', a Ottoman-era Turkish hamam built by Hacı Ali Pasha.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Paşa Hamamı - Aksaray|url=https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/aksaray/gezilecekyer/pasa-hamami}}</ref>
The '''Paşa Hamam''', an Ottoman-era Turkish hamam built by Hacı Ali Pasha.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Paşa Hamamı - Aksaray|url=https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/aksaray/gezilecekyer/pasa-hamami}}</ref>


The '''Kılıçaslan Hamam''', a recently restored Turkish hamam in the city centre.<ref>{{Cite web |title=KALORİFER SİSTEMLİ II. KILIÇARSLAN HAMAMI 800 YAŞINDA|url=https://aksaray.bel.tr/HaberDetay.aspx?icerikId=2194&KALORIFER-SISTEMLI-II.-KILICARSLAN-HAMAMI-800-YASINDA}}</ref>
The '''Kılıçaslan Hamam''', a recently restored Turkish hamam in the city centre.<ref>{{Cite web |title=KALORİFER SİSTEMLİ II. KILIÇARSLAN HAMAMI 800 YAŞINDA|url=https://aksaray.bel.tr/HaberDetay.aspx?icerikId=2194&KALORIFER-SISTEMLI-II.-KILICARSLAN-HAMAMI-800-YASINDA}}</ref>

The '''Aksaray Highschool''', or Aksaray Lisesi, is the location of the former [[Roman Empire|Roman]] [[thermae]] or bathhouse.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Selçuklu Ve Beylikler Döneminde Aksaray Şehri|url=https://www.altayli.net/selcuklu-ve-beylikler-doneminde-aksaray-sehri.html}}</ref>


A newer attraction is Hünkarland, a large [[theme park]] with [[artificial waterfall]]s, which is a popular venue for Aksaray wedding parties.
A newer attraction is Hünkarland, a large [[theme park]] with [[artificial waterfall]]s, which is a popular venue for Aksaray wedding parties.
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==== Caravanserais ====
==== Caravanserais ====
[[File:Sultanhanı_Kervansaray._Sultanhanı.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Monumental entrance of the [[Sultan Han]]]]
[[File:Sultanhanı_Kervansaray._Sultanhanı.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Monumental entrance of the [[Sultan Han]]]]
Several monumental [[caravanserai]]s straddle the trade route linking [[Konya]] to Aksaray that once continued to [[Iran|Persia]] (the ''Uzun Yolu''). The best known and most impressive is [[Sultan Han]], located in [[Sultanhanı|Sultanhan]] village about {{convert|40|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} west of Aksaray. A date on this fortified structure indicates that it was built in 1229, during the reign of the [[Seljuq dynasty|Seljuk]] Sultan [[Kayqubad I]], by the Syrian architect Mohammed Bin Havlan El Dimaski (the word Dimasci indicating [[Damascus]]) . After it was partially destroyed by a fire, it was restored and extended in 1278 by the governor Seraceddin Ahmed Kerimeddin bin El Hasan during the reign of Sultan [[Kaykhusraw III]]. It was then the largest caravanserai in Turkey. Today, it is one of the best surviving examples of [[Anatolia|Anatolian]] [[Seljuk architecture]].<ref name=branning>{{Cite web |last=Branning |first=Katherine |title= Sultan Han Aksaray |url=http://www.turkishhan.org/sultanaksaray.htm}}</ref>
Several monumental [[caravanserai]]s straddle the trade route linking [[Konya]] to Aksaray that once continued to [[Iran|Persia]] (the ''Uzun Yolu''). The best known and most impressive is [[Sultan Han]], located in [[Sultanhanı|Sultanhan]] village about {{convert|40|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} west of Aksaray. A date on this fortified structure indicates that it was built in 1229, during the reign of the [[Seljuq dynasty|Seljuk]] Sultan [[Kayqubad I]], by the Syrian architect Mohammed Bin Havlan El Dimaski (the word Dimasci indicating [[Damascus]]) . After it was partially destroyed by a fire, it was restored and extended in 1278 by the governor Seraceddin Ahmed Kerimeddin bin El Hasan during the reign of Sultan [[Kaykhusraw III]]. It was then the largest caravanserai in Turkey. Today, it is one of the best surviving examples of [[Anatolian Seljuk architecture]].<ref name=branning>{{Cite web |last=Branning |first=Katherine |title= Sultan Han Aksaray |url=http://www.turkishhan.org/sultanaksaray.htm}}</ref>


The monumental entrance to the han is on the east side and is a 13m-high marble portal (''[[pishtaq]]'') projecting from the 50m wide front wall. The gate is enclosed by a pointed arch decorated with [[muqarnas]] and elegant geometric patterns. The open courtyard (44 x 58 m) was lined with arcades with stables beneath the accommodation. Outdoor areas were used in the summer, while the covered rooms (''iwans'') on either side were used during the winter. In the middle of the courtyard stands a square stone kiosk-mosque (''kösk mesçidi''), the oldest example in Turkey. The mosque on the second floor sits on a construction of four carved barrel-vaulted arches.<ref name=branning/>
The monumental entrance to the han is on the east side and is a 13m-high marble portal (''[[pishtaq]]'') projecting from the 50m wide front wall. The gate is enclosed by a pointed arch decorated with [[muqarnas]] and elegant geometric patterns. The open courtyard (44 x 58 m) was lined with arcades with stables beneath the accommodation. Outdoor areas were used in the summer, while the covered rooms (''iwans'') on either side were used during the winter. In the middle of the courtyard stands a square stone kiosk-mosque (''kösk mesçidi''), the oldest example in Turkey. The mosque on the second floor sits on a construction of four carved barrel-vaulted arches.<ref name=branning/>
Line 92: Line 114:
{{main|Aksaray Museum}}
{{main|Aksaray Museum}}
[[File:Aksaray Museum02.jpg|thumb|[[Aksaray Museum]].]]
[[File:Aksaray Museum02.jpg|thumb|[[Aksaray Museum]].]]
Aksaray Museum exhibits the [[Aksaray Stele]], a Late Hittite monument discovered in the city in 1976. The stone block is 88cm high, and 90cm wide but the top half is missing. It portrays a weather god, facing right and wearing pointed shoes. On the reverse are the last five lines of a text in [[Luwian hieroglyphs]] including a dedication by King Kiyakiya who describes the prosperity of his reign and the benevolence of the weather god [[Tarhunzas]]. Kiyakiya is believed to be the same as King Kiakki of [[Šinuḫtu]], who is mentioned in Assyrian texts and ruled in 718 BC. He was then deported by the Neo-Assyrian king [[Sargon II]]. He is also mentioned in the [[Topada rock inscription]] ([[:de:Felsinschrift von Topada]]) as one of the kings who were allied with [[Wasusarma]] of [[Tabal]]. It is near the bus station.
Aksaray Museum exhibits the [[Aksaray Stele]], a Late Hittite monument discovered in the city in 1976. The stone block is 88&nbsp;cm high, and 90&nbsp;cm wide but the top half is missing. It portrays a weather god, facing right and wearing pointed shoes. On the reverse are the last five lines of a text in [[Luwian hieroglyphs]] including a dedication by King Kiyakiya who describes the prosperity of his reign and the benevolence of the weather god [[Tarhunzas]]. Kiyakiya is believed to be the same as King Kiakki of [[Šinuḫtu]], who is mentioned in Assyrian texts and ruled in 718 BC. He was then deported by the Neo-Assyrian king [[Sargon II]]. He is also mentioned in the [[Topada rock inscription]] ([[:de:Felsinschrift von Topada]]) as one of the kings who were allied with [[Wasusarma]] of [[Tabal (state)|Tabal]].


== Aksaray Castle ==
== Aksaray Castle ==
[[File:Two-panel Aksaray kilim, ex-VOK collection, 18th century (52200534532).jpg|thumb|350px|Aksaray [[kilim]], 18th century. Likely made by settled Hotamis Turkmen in the Aksaray region. Size 185 x 100 cm.]]
[[File:Two-panel Aksaray kilim, ex-VOK collection, 18th century (52200534532).jpg|thumb|350px|Aksaray [[kilim]], 18th century. Likely made by settled Hotamis Turkmen in the Aksaray region. Size 185 x 100 cm.]]
the Aksaray Castle was a four-cornered, stone-built, solidly built castle on a large area, on the edge of the [[Melendiz River|Melendiz river]]. It was built in the middle of the city. The bastion and its towers were not very high. With all their bastions, teeth and bodies, their crenellated holes and their calculated towers always faced each other. During the siege, the strong warriors of each tower guarded the towers with rifles. There were five gates on the side of the fortresses. Küçükkapı faces west. Demirkapı (Sídero Porta) opens to the qibla. Keçikapısı (Gida Porta) also opens towards the qibla. Ereğlikapısı (Herakleia Porta) opens to the south and Konyakapısı (Ikónion Porta) opens to the west. The guards of these gates are the tax collectors. A warehouse was built in the castle to store wheat during the rebels' time. It has no arsenal. Their were big balls thrown during Ramadan and other festivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/392971|title=AKSARAY KALESİ - The Citadel of Aksaray|access-date=2021-10-13|author=Bekir DENİZ|language=tr}}</ref>
the Aksaray Castle was a four-cornered, stone-built, solidly built castle on a large area, on the edge of the [[Melendiz River|Melendiz river]]. It was built in the middle of the city. The bastion and its towers were not very high. With all their bastions, teeth and bodies, their crenellated holes and their calculated towers always faced each other. During the siege, the strong warriors of each tower guarded the towers with rifles. There were five gates on the side of the fortresses. Küçükkapı faces west. Demirkapı (Sídero Porta) opens to the qibla. Keçikapısı (Gida Porta) also opens towards the qibla. Ereğlikapısı (Herakleia Porta) opens to the south and Konyakapısı (Ikónion Porta) opens to the west. The guards of these gates are the tax collectors. A warehouse was built in the castle to store wheat during the rebels' time. It has no arsenal. There were big balls thrown during Ramadan and other festivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/392971|title=AKSARAY KALESİ - The Citadel of Aksaray|access-date=2021-10-13|author=Bekir DENİZ|language=tr}}</ref>


The southern interior of the castle is now where Aksaray Square stands. The Kurşunlu Mosque is where Ereğlikapısı use to be. It also encompasses the [[Aksaray Grand Mosque]] to the North-East of where the castle once stood. The Zinciriye Medresesi lies at the West entrance of the castle. The existence of the castle dates back to the first ages but was also very prominent during the [[Middle Ages]]. The castle continued to exist in [[Roman Empire|Roman]] and [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] times.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://e-sehir.aksaray.edu.tr/2021/01/13/aksaray-kalesi/|title=Encyclopedia about Aksaray Castle|access-date=2021-10-13|author=Aksaray e-Ansiklopedi|language=tr}}</ref>
The southern interior of the castle is now where Aksaray Square stands. The Kurşunlu Mosque is where Ereğlikapısı used to be. It also encompasses the [[Aksaray Grand Mosque]] to the North-East of where the castle once stood. The Zinciriye Medresesi lies at the West entrance of the castle. The existence of the castle dates back to the first ages but was also very prominent during the [[Middle Ages]]. The castle existed in [[Roman Empire|Roman]] and [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] times.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://e-sehir.aksaray.edu.tr/2021/01/13/aksaray-kalesi/|title=Encyclopedia about Aksaray Castle|access-date=2021-10-13|author=Aksaray e-Ansiklopedi|language=tr}}</ref>


== Economy ==
== Economy ==
[[File:NoraCity.jpg|270px|thumb|[[Nora (Cappadocia)|Nora]] City AVM is a shopping centre in the city of Aksaray]]
[[File:NoraCity.jpg|270px|thumb|[[Nora (Cappadocia)|Nora]] City AVM is a shopping centre in the city of Aksaray]]
Seventy percent of the local workforce is engaged in [[Agriculture in Turkey|agriculture]] and animal husbandry. Barley, sugar beet, vetch, corn, potatoes, onions, beans, flax, hemp, grapes and apples are the main local crops, with wheat production being most dominant. Carpet and rug weaving were traditionally important, especially in the area around Sultanhanı but these days the weavers mainly focus on repairing and repurposing old carpets. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Historic carpets gains a new face in Turkish town |url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/historic-carpets-gains-a-new-face-in-turkish-town-23368 |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=Hürriyet Daily News |language=en}}</ref>There is also some industry in Aksaray city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aksaray Belediyesi|url=http://www.aksaray.bel.tr/ekonomik-durumu-124|access-date=2021-05-18|website=www.aksaray.bel.tr}}</ref>
Seventy percent of the local workforce is engaged in [[Agriculture in Turkey|agriculture]] and animal husbandry. Barley, sugar beet, vetch, corn, potatoes, onions, beans, flax, hemp, grapes and apples are the main local crops, with wheat production being most dominant. Carpet and rug weaving were traditionally important, especially in the area around Sultanhanı but these days the weavers mainly focus on repairing and repurposing old carpets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historic carpets gains a new face in Turkish town |url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/historic-carpets-gains-a-new-face-in-turkish-town-23368 |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=Hürriyet Daily News |language=en}}</ref> There is also some industry in Aksaray city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aksaray Belediyesi|url=http://www.aksaray.bel.tr/ekonomik-durumu-124|access-date=2021-05-18|website=www.aksaray.bel.tr}}</ref>


[[Ihlara Valley]] and the other tourist attractions of [[Cappadocia]] may be nearby but Aksaray has not had much success in attracting visitors to the city itself.
[[Ihlara Valley]] and the other tourist attractions of [[Cappadocia]] may be nearby but Aksaray has not had much success in attracting visitors to the city itself.


==Climate==
==Climate==
Aksaray has a [[cold semi-arid climate]] (BSk) under the [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] classification and a hot-summer [[continental climate]] (Dca) under the [[Trewartha climate classification|Trewartha]] classification.
Aksaray has a [[cold semi-arid climate]] (BSk) under the [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] classification and a hot-summer [[continental climate]] (Dca) under the [[Trewartha climate classification|Trewartha]] classification.

Highest recorded temperature:{{Convert|40.8|C|F|abbr=on}} on 15 August 2023<br>Lowest recorded temperature:{{Convert|-29.0|C|F|abbr=on}} on 7 February 1991<ref name=eather1/>


{{Weather box
{{Weather box
| location = Aksaray (1991–2020, extremes 1929–2020)
| location = Aksaray (1991–2020, extremes 1929–2023) (Elevation: 970m, coordinates:{{coord|38|22|14|N|33|59|55|E}}
| metric first = Yes
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
| single line = Yes
| collapsed = y
| collapsed = y
| Jan record high C = 19.4
| Jan record high C = 20.4
| Feb record high C = 21.8
| Feb record high C = 21.8
| Mar record high C = 29.0
| Mar record high C = 29.0
| Apr record high C = 31.8
| Apr record high C = 31.8
| May record high C = 34.1
| May record high C = 34.4
| Jun record high C = 36.9
| Jun record high C = 36.9
| Jul record high C = 40.0
| Jul record high C = 40.0
| Aug record high C = 38.8
| Aug record high C = 40.8
| Sep record high C = 38.7
| Sep record high C = 38.7
| Oct record high C = 34.5
| Oct record high C = 34.5
| Nov record high C = 29.5
| Nov record high C = 29.5
| Dec record high C = 22.0
| Dec record high C = 22.0
| year record high C = 40.0
| year record high C =
| Jan high C = 5.8
| Jan high C = 5.8
| Feb high C = 8.1
| Feb high C = 8.1
Line 193: Line 217:
| Dec precipitation mm = 44.8
| Dec precipitation mm = 44.8
| year precipitation mm = 349.4
| year precipitation mm = 349.4
| Jan precipitation days = 11.33
| Jan precipitation days = 10.57
| Feb precipitation days = 10.23
| Feb precipitation days = 10.23
| Mar precipitation days = 11.63
| Mar precipitation days = 10.93
| Apr precipitation days = 11.60
| Apr precipitation days = 10.23
| May precipitation days = 12.07
| May precipitation days = 10.9
| Jun precipitation days = 7.50
| Jun precipitation days = 5.97
| Jul precipitation days = 2.20
| Jul precipitation days = 1.53
| Aug precipitation days = 2.53
| Aug precipitation days = 1.93
| Sep precipitation days = 3.70
| Sep precipitation days = 2.97
| Oct precipitation days = 7.67
| Oct precipitation days = 6.3
| Nov precipitation days = 7.77
| Nov precipitation days = 7.1
| Dec precipitation days = 10.93
| Dec precipitation days = 10.93
| year precipitation days = 99.2
| year precipitation days =
| Jan humidity =69.8
| Feb humidity =64.4
| Mar humidity =58
| Apr humidity =53.4
| May humidity =51.9
| Jun humidity =47.4
| Jul humidity =40.5
| Aug humidity =40.9
| Sep humidity =43.6
| Oct humidity =53.3
| Nov humidity =62
| Dec humidity =69.5
| year humidity =
| Jan sun = 96.1
| Jan sun = 96.1
| Feb sun = 130.0
| Feb sun = 130.0
Line 211: Line 248:
| Apr sun = 213.0
| Apr sun = 213.0
| May sun = 279.0
| May sun = 279.0
| Jun sun = 327.0
| Jun sun = 324.0
| Jul sun = 372.0
| Jul sun = 368.9
| Aug sun = 347.2
| Aug sun = 341.0
| Sep sun = 279.0
| Sep sun = 279.0
| Oct sun = 217.0
| Oct sun = 213.9
| Nov sun = 150.0
| Nov sun = 150.0
| Dec sun = 93.0
| Dec sun = 93.0
Line 224: Line 261:
| Aprd sun = 7.1
| Aprd sun = 7.1
| Mayd sun = 9.0
| Mayd sun = 9.0
| Jund sun = 10.9
| Jund sun = 10.8
| Juld sun = 12.0
| Juld sun = 11.9
| Augd sun = 11.2
| Augd sun = 11.0
| Sepd sun = 9.3
| Sepd sun = 9.3
| Octd sun = 7.0
| Octd sun = 6.9
| Novd sun = 5.0
| Novd sun = 5.0
| Decd sun = 3.0
| Decd sun = 3.0
Line 239: Line 276:
| language = tr
| language = tr
| access-date = 26 June 2021}}</ref>
| access-date = 26 June 2021}}</ref>
| source 2 = [[NCEI|NOAA NCEI]](humidity)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-6-WMO-Normals-9120/Turkiye/CSV/Aksaray_17192.csv |title=World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020: Aksaray |access-date=23 June 2024 |website=ncei.noaa.gov |publisher=[[NOAA|National Oceanic and Atmosoheric Administration]] |no-pp=y |format=CSV}}</ref>
}}
}}


Line 248: Line 286:
*[[Piri Mehmed Pasha]] Ottoman Grand Vizier 1518–1523
*[[Piri Mehmed Pasha]] Ottoman Grand Vizier 1518–1523


==References==
==International relations==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Turkey}}

Aksaray is [[town twinning|twinned]] with:

* {{flagicon|Azerbaijan}} [[Ganja, Azerbaijan|Ganja]], [[Azerbaijan]]
* {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Venice]], [[Italy]]
* {{flagicon|Austria}} [[Graz]], [[Austria]]
* {{flagicon|Austria}} [[Sankt Pölten]], [[Austria]]
* {{flagicon|France}} [[Lons-le-Saunier]], [[France]]
* {{flagicon|France}} [[Ajaccio]], [[France]]
* {{flagicon|Hungary}} [[Hódmezővásárhely]], [[Hungary]]
* {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Osaka]], [[Japan]]
* {{flagicon|Slovakia}} [[Banska Bystrica]], [[Slovakia]]
* {{flagicon|Slovakia}} [[Košice]], [[Slovakia]]
* {{flagicon|Slovenia}} [[Slovenska Bistrica]], [[Slovenia]]
* {{flagicon|Bulgaria}} [[Burgas]], [[Bulgaria]]
* {{flagicon|Russia}} [[Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky]], [[Russian Federation]]
* {{flagicon|Eritrea}} [[Dekemhare]], [[Eritrea]]

'''Possible sister cities'''

* {{flagicon|Comoros}} [[Bandaressalam]], [[Comoros]]
* {{flagicon|Brunei}} [[Bandar Seri Begawan]], [[Brunei]]
* {{flagicon|GEO}} [[Akhalkalaki]], [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]

'''Proposed sister cities'''

* {{flagicon|Rwanda}} [[Kigali]], [[Rwanda]]
* {{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Cork (city)|Cork]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]

==Notes==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==References==
==Sources==
* {{cite book |last1=Beihammer |first1=Alexander Daniel |title=Byzantium and the Emergence of Muslim Turkish Anatolia, ca. 1040-1130 |date=2017 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-138-22959-4}}
* Stierlin, Henry. 1998. Turkey: From the Selçuks to the Ottomans. New York: Taschen, 240.
* Stierlin, Henry. 1998. Turkey: From the Selçuks to the Ottomans. New York: Taschen, 240.
* Yavuz, Aysil Tükel. 1997. The Concepts that Shape Anatolian Seljuq Caravanserais. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J. Brill, 80–95 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20060613015657/http://archnet.org/library/documents/one-document.tcl?document_id=8967 download])
* Yavuz, Aysil Tükel. 1997. The Concepts that Shape Anatolian Seljuq Caravanserais. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J. Brill, 80–95 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20060613015657/http://archnet.org/library/documents/one-document.tcl?document_id=8967 download])

Latest revision as of 12:34, 5 November 2024

For other uses, see Aksaray (disambiguation).
For the neighbourhood in Istanbul, see Aksaray, Istanbul.
Aksaray
Municipality
Clock Tower in Aksaray Square
Clock Tower in Aksaray Square
Aksaray is located in Turkey
Aksaray
Aksaray
Location in Turkey
Aksaray is located in Turkey Central Anatolia
Aksaray
Aksaray
Aksaray (Turkey Central Anatolia)
Coordinates: 38°22′27″N 34°01′44″E / 38.37417°N 34.02889°E / 38.37417; 34.02889
CountryTurkey
ProvinceAksaray
DistrictAksaray
Government
 • MayorEvren Dinçer[1] (AKP)
Elevation
980 m (3,220 ft)
Population
 (2021)[2]
247,147
Time zoneUTC+3 (TRT)
Postal code
68100
Area code0382
Websitewww.aksaray.bel.tr

Aksaray (pronounced [ˈaksaɾaj]) is a city in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. It is the seat of Aksaray Province and Aksaray District.[3] Its population is 247,147 (2021).[2] In 2021 the province had an estimated population of 429,069 distributed over about 7,659 km2 (2,957 sq mi).[2][4] The average elevation is 980 m (3,215 ft), with the highest point being Mt. Hasan (Turkish: Hasan Dağı) at 3,268 m (10,722 ft).

The city of Aksaray has a long history and was an important stopover point on the Silk Road that transited Anatolia for centuries. It is a mid-sized city with the Melendiz river running through it and several monuments dating back to the pre-Ottoman era as well as some impressive examples of government buildings from the early Turkish Republic that are gathered around the main square.

The nearest airport is Kapadokya Nevşehir Airport (NAV) which is 62.1 km away from the city.

Etymology

[edit]

In antiquity the area was named Archelais Garsaura, which was mutated to Taksara during the Seljuk Turkish era, and then to Aksaray. Aksaray means "White Palace" in Turkish.

History

[edit]

Hittite period

[edit]

First mentioned as Šinaḫuttum-Šinuhtu in ancient Hittite texts, and later Nenaşşa, (also spelled as Nenessa and Nenossós in Ancient Greek texts) and Kurşaura.

Iron Age

[edit]

Šinuḫtu Kingdom

[edit]
The Aksaray stele, a Syro-Hittite stele in Aksaray Museum.

The Aksaray Stela was written in Luwian Hieroglyphs and was dedicated by king Kiyakiyas who described his prosperity in his reign and the benevolence of the weather god Tarhunzas. Kiyakiyas may be identical with king Kiyakki of Šinuḫtu, who ruled prior to 718 BC. At that time Šinuḫtu was taken, the king was seized and deported by the Neo-Assyrian king Sargon II.

The Hittite name Kurşaura underwent a sound change to Garsaura. The /k/ became voiced and turned into a /g/ consonant, while the /u/ became /a/.[5] Strabon mentions Garsaura in his work (V/4 and VI/1).

Classical period

[edit]

The town of Garsaura was renamed Archelaïs (Greek: Ἀρχελαΐς) by Archelaus of Cappadocia, the last Cappadocian king. In Roman times, the town was known as Colonia and became a bishropric.

Of its bishops, Euphrasius was at the First Council of Nicaea in 325; Bosporus (who is mentioned in the correspondence of Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus) at the First Council of Constantinople in 381; Daniel at the Council of Ephesus in 431; Aristomachus (who was also a signatory of the letter of the bishops of the Roman province of Cappadocia Tertia, to which Colonia belonged, to Byzantine Emperor Leo I the Thracian about the killing of Proterius of Alexandria in 458) at the Council of Chalcedon in 451; Alexander at a council in Constantinople called by Patriarch Menas of Constantinople in 536; and Conon at the Trullan Council of 692.[6][7][8] No longer a residential bishopric, Colonia in Cappadocia is today listed by the Catholic Church as a titular see.[9] Colonia is also a titular Turkish metropolis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Middle Ages

[edit]
Kizil Kilise (“Red Church”), formerly known as St. Spyridon Church near Güzelyurt.

During Byzantine times, the town was known as Koloneia (Κολώνεια) was an important military center, holding an imperial aplekton.[10]

At some point between 1081 and 1084, the town was part of the domain of Suleiman ibn Qutalmish according to Ibn al-Athīr.[10] This would later become the Sultanate of Rum and the Sultans founded and left important landmarks in and around the town. Its name also changed over time to Taksará and Aksará, which is a rendering of Garsáoura. The Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta. who visited the region in the 14th century, was impressed by the class of Muslim traders that had emerged in Aksaray and noted the urban centre as "a beautiful city, surrounded by waterways and gardens, with a water supply coming right to the houses of the city."

Ottoman Empire

[edit]
The Aksaray Grand Mosque in Aksaray city centre, built during the reign of the Karamanids.

In 1470 Aksaray was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire by İshak Pasha after a protracted struggle against the Karamanids. Many inhabitants of the city were relocated to Constantinople (recently captured by the Ottomans) where they were settled in a part of the city that also came to be named Aksaray.

During Ottoman times, the town was prosperous in part because of its proximity to Tuz Gölü (Lake Tuz), which was a primary source of salt for Anatolia.[11]

Attractions

[edit]
Aksaray Provincial Government House is one of a trio of examples of the First National Architectural movement in Aksaray square.
The Umbrella Street, better known as "Şemsiyeli Sokak" is a popular attraction in Aksaray.

In Aksaray

[edit]

The Aksaray Grand Mosque, also known as the Karamanoğlu Camii or Ulu Camii, is a large mosque right in the city centre dating back to 1408-09 and the Karamanoğlu dynasty. It has a detached minaret erected in 1925.[12][13]

The Red Minaret Mosque, also known as the Eğri Minare Mosque, (Leaning Minaret Mosque) has a Seljuk Turkish minaret dating back to 1236 and the reign of Aläettin Keykubat.[14]

The Luna Park, also known as Kültürpark is a large amusement theme park in the city centre of Aksaray.[15]

The Zincirye Medresesi (Chained School) was a Koranic school with a typical soaring and elaborate Seljuk portal. It was built by the bey of Karaman in 1345 and is now used as the local library.[16][13]

The Kurşunlu Mosque, also known as the Kurşunlu Camii, and formerly the Hacı Bektaş Mosque, is a mosque in the city center of Aksaray. It is believed to have been built in 1325 by the Seljuks.[17]

The Hakiki Yusuf Baba complex, also known as Somunca Baba Complex, contains the tombs of the 14th-century Islamic leader Somuncu Baba and the scholar Cemaleddin'i Aksaray.[13]

The Kapalı Çarşı, meaning "Covered Market" is a Grand Bazaar in the city centre of Aksaray.[18]

The Aksaray Observation Deck is an observation deck overlooking the city of Aksaray.[19][20]

The Azmi Milli Museum, also known as the Azm-i Milli T.A.Ş. Un Fabrikası, is a historic stone building built in the 1930s on the commands of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.[21] It sits adjacent to the Zincirye Medresesi. It currently operates as a museum.[22][23]

The Paşa Hamam, an Ottoman-era Turkish hamam built by Hacı Ali Pasha.[24]

The Kılıçaslan Hamam, a recently restored Turkish hamam in the city centre.[25]

The Aksaray Highschool, or Aksaray Lisesi, is the location of the former Roman thermae or bathhouse.[26]

A newer attraction is Hünkarland, a large theme park with artificial waterfalls, which is a popular venue for Aksaray wedding parties.

Around Aksaray

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Hasan Dağı is a 3,000m volcano between Aksaray and Niğde, visible from the city. The (presumed) ancient Roman and Byzantine city of Nora, in the village of Helvadere, is on the slopes of Mt Hasan, in close proximity to Aksaray.[27]

Çanlı Kilise ('Bell Church"), southeast of Aksaray city.
St. Analipsis Church, also known as the "High Church" (Yüksek Kilise).

The area around the city also contains several höyüks. Aşıklı Höyük is a burial mound 25 km (16 mi) east of the city. Acemhöyük is an early Bronze Age settlement, 18 km (11 mi) north-west of the city.

The Ihlara Valley is a popular tourism destination.

The dramatic Ihlara Canyon, 40 km (25 mi) southeast of the city, was carved out by the Melendiz river and its walls are riddled with Byzantine frescoed churches dating back to the early Middle Ages. It runs from Selime village in the north to Ihlara township in the south and is a popular destination for tour groups visiting Cappadocia.[28]

Near Ihlara, Güzelyurt is a pretty Cappadocian town with rock-cut churches and even a rock-cut mosque as well as many find stone houses from the 19th century. Nearby are the remains of the Red Church (Kızıl Kilise) and the High Church (Yüksek Kilise).[29]

Caravanserais

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Monumental entrance of the Sultan Han

Several monumental caravanserais straddle the trade route linking Konya to Aksaray that once continued to Persia (the Uzun Yolu). The best known and most impressive is Sultan Han, located in Sultanhan village about 40 km (25 mi) west of Aksaray. A date on this fortified structure indicates that it was built in 1229, during the reign of the Seljuk Sultan Kayqubad I, by the Syrian architect Mohammed Bin Havlan El Dimaski (the word Dimasci indicating Damascus) . After it was partially destroyed by a fire, it was restored and extended in 1278 by the governor Seraceddin Ahmed Kerimeddin bin El Hasan during the reign of Sultan Kaykhusraw III. It was then the largest caravanserai in Turkey. Today, it is one of the best surviving examples of Anatolian Seljuk architecture.[30]

The monumental entrance to the han is on the east side and is a 13m-high marble portal (pishtaq) projecting from the 50m wide front wall. The gate is enclosed by a pointed arch decorated with muqarnas and elegant geometric patterns. The open courtyard (44 x 58 m) was lined with arcades with stables beneath the accommodation. Outdoor areas were used in the summer, while the covered rooms (iwans) on either side were used during the winter. In the middle of the courtyard stands a square stone kiosk-mosque (kösk mesçidi), the oldest example in Turkey. The mosque on the second floor sits on a construction of four carved barrel-vaulted arches.[30]

At the other side of the courtyard is another equally decorative arched entrance with muqarnas, joggled voussoirs and interlocking geometric designs. It leads into a stable covered with a barrel vault with transverse ribs. A short tower, capped by a dome, stands over the crossing area. This dome has an oculus, providing light and air to the stable.[30]

Aksaray Museum

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Main article: Aksaray Museum
Aksaray Museum.

Aksaray Museum exhibits the Aksaray Stele, a Late Hittite monument discovered in the city in 1976. The stone block is 88 cm high, and 90 cm wide but the top half is missing. It portrays a weather god, facing right and wearing pointed shoes. On the reverse are the last five lines of a text in Luwian hieroglyphs including a dedication by King Kiyakiya who describes the prosperity of his reign and the benevolence of the weather god Tarhunzas. Kiyakiya is believed to be the same as King Kiakki of Šinuḫtu, who is mentioned in Assyrian texts and ruled in 718 BC. He was then deported by the Neo-Assyrian king Sargon II. He is also mentioned in the Topada rock inscription (de:Felsinschrift von Topada) as one of the kings who were allied with Wasusarma of Tabal.

Aksaray Castle

[edit]
Aksaray kilim, 18th century. Likely made by settled Hotamis Turkmen in the Aksaray region. Size 185 x 100 cm.

the Aksaray Castle was a four-cornered, stone-built, solidly built castle on a large area, on the edge of the Melendiz river. It was built in the middle of the city. The bastion and its towers were not very high. With all their bastions, teeth and bodies, their crenellated holes and their calculated towers always faced each other. During the siege, the strong warriors of each tower guarded the towers with rifles. There were five gates on the side of the fortresses. Küçükkapı faces west. Demirkapı (Sídero Porta) opens to the qibla. Keçikapısı (Gida Porta) also opens towards the qibla. Ereğlikapısı (Herakleia Porta) opens to the south and Konyakapısı (Ikónion Porta) opens to the west. The guards of these gates are the tax collectors. A warehouse was built in the castle to store wheat during the rebels' time. It has no arsenal. There were big balls thrown during Ramadan and other festivals.[31]

The southern interior of the castle is now where Aksaray Square stands. The Kurşunlu Mosque is where Ereğlikapısı used to be. It also encompasses the Aksaray Grand Mosque to the North-East of where the castle once stood. The Zinciriye Medresesi lies at the West entrance of the castle. The existence of the castle dates back to the first ages but was also very prominent during the Middle Ages. The castle existed in Roman and Byzantine times.[32]

Economy

[edit]
Nora City AVM is a shopping centre in the city of Aksaray

Seventy percent of the local workforce is engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. Barley, sugar beet, vetch, corn, potatoes, onions, beans, flax, hemp, grapes and apples are the main local crops, with wheat production being most dominant. Carpet and rug weaving were traditionally important, especially in the area around Sultanhanı but these days the weavers mainly focus on repairing and repurposing old carpets.[33] There is also some industry in Aksaray city.[34]

Ihlara Valley and the other tourist attractions of Cappadocia may be nearby but Aksaray has not had much success in attracting visitors to the city itself.

Climate

[edit]

Aksaray has a cold semi-arid climate (BSk) under the Köppen classification and a hot-summer continental climate (Dca) under the Trewartha classification.

Highest recorded temperature:40.8 °C (105.4 °F) on 15 August 2023
Lowest recorded temperature:−29.0 °C (−20.2 °F) on 7 February 1991[35]

Climate data for Aksaray (1991–2020, extremes 1929–2023) (Elevation: 970m, coordinates:38°22′14″N 33°59′55″E / 38.37056°N 33.99861°E / 38.37056; 33.99861
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 20.4
(68.7) 		21.8
(71.2) 		29.0
(84.2) 		31.8
(89.2) 		34.4
(93.9) 		36.9
(98.4) 		40.0
(104.0) 		40.8
(105.4) 		38.7
(101.7) 		34.5
(94.1) 		29.5
(85.1) 		22.0
(71.6) 		40.8
(105.4)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 5.8
(42.4) 		8.1
(46.6) 		13.3
(55.9) 		18.4
(65.1) 		23.5
(74.3) 		27.7
(81.9) 		31.3
(88.3) 		31.3
(88.3) 		27.2
(81.0) 		21.4
(70.5) 		13.7
(56.7) 		7.7
(45.9) 		19.1
(66.4)
Daily mean °C (°F) 0.9
(33.6) 		2.6
(36.7) 		7.1
(44.8) 		11.9
(53.4) 		16.7
(62.1) 		21.0
(69.8) 		24.5
(76.1) 		24.4
(75.9) 		19.8
(67.6) 		14.2
(57.6) 		7.4
(45.3) 		2.8
(37.0) 		12.8
(55.0)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −3.0
(26.6) 		−2.0
(28.4) 		1.7
(35.1) 		6.0
(42.8) 		10.3
(50.5) 		13.9
(57.0) 		17.1
(62.8) 		17.0
(62.6) 		12.3
(54.1) 		7.7
(45.9) 		2.1
(35.8) 		−1.2
(29.8) 		6.8
(44.2)
Record low °C (°F) −26.4
(−15.5) 		−29.0
(−20.2) 		−19.0
(−2.2) 		−7.5
(18.5) 		−0.2
(31.6) 		2.9
(37.2) 		6.8
(44.2) 		5.9
(42.6) 		1.0
(33.8) 		−6.0
(21.2) 		−14.0
(6.8) 		−21.9
(−7.4) 		−29.0
(−20.2)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 41.7
(1.64) 		32.2
(1.27) 		39.7
(1.56) 		40.4
(1.59) 		43.1
(1.70) 		24.7
(0.97) 		8.2
(0.32) 		6.2
(0.24) 		12.4
(0.49) 		25.9
(1.02) 		30.1
(1.19) 		44.8
(1.76) 		349.4
(13.76)
Average precipitation days 10.57 10.23 10.93 10.23 10.9 5.97 1.53 1.93 2.97 6.3 7.1 10.93 89.59
Average relative humidity (%) 69.8 64.4 58 53.4 51.9 47.4 40.5 40.9 43.6 53.3 62 69.5 54.6
Mean monthly sunshine hours 96.1 130.0 176.7 213.0 279.0 324.0 368.9 341.0 279.0 213.9 150.0 93.0 2,664.6
Mean daily sunshine hours 3.1 4.6 5.7 7.1 9.0 10.8 11.9 11.0 9.3 6.9 5.0 3.0 7.3
Source 1: Turkish State Meteorological Service[35]
Source 2: NOAA NCEI(humidity)[36]

Sports

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The Runfire Cappadocia Ultramarathon, a multiday track running ultramarathon of desert concept, has been held every July since 2012. Over six days, the race takes in a circuit of 244 km (152 mi), passing through several areas of Cappadocia including Lake Tuz.[37]

Notable residents

[edit]

References

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  1. ^ "Aksaray Election Results – March 31 2019 Aksaray Local Election results". Yeni Şafak. 26 November 2019. Retrieved 2019-11-26.
  2. ^ a b c "Address-based population registration system (ADNKS) results dated 31 December 2021" (XLS) (in Turkish). TÜİK. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  3. ^ İl Belediyesi, Turkey Civil Administration Departments Inventory. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  4. ^ "İl ve İlçe Yüz ölçümleri". General Directorate of Mapping. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  5. ^ [1]https://aksaray.ktb.gov.tr/TR-243539/antik-cagda-kursauradan-garsauraya.html
  6. ^ Michel Lequien, Oriens christianus in quatuor Patriarchatus digestus, Paris 1740, Vol. I, coll. 413-416
  7. ^ Raymond Janin, v. 2. Colonia, in Dictionnaire d'Histoire et de Géographie ecclésiastiques, vol. XIII, Paris 1956, col. 326
  8. ^ Pius Bonifacius Gams, Series episcoporum Ecclesiae Catholicae, Leipzig 1931, p. 440
  9. ^ Annuario Pontificio 2013 (Libreria Editrice Vaticana 2013 ISBN 978-88-209-9070-1), p. 873
  10. ^ a b Beihammer 2017, p. 228.
  11. ^ Swan, Suzanne (2012) [1st pub. 2003], Eyewitness Travel Turkey, London, UK: Dorling Kindersley Ltd., ISBN 978-1-40536-888-9
  12. ^ "Ulu Camii (Karamanoğlu Mehmed Bey Camii) - Aksaray".
  13. ^ a b c "AKSARAY". www.turkeyfromtheinside.com. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  14. ^ "Eğri Minare - Aksaray".
  15. ^ "Lunapark hizmet vermeye başladı".
  16. ^ "Zinciriye Medresesi - Aksaray".
  17. ^ "AKSARAY". www.yeniakit.com.tr. Retrieved 2023-01-11.
  18. ^ "Aksaray kapalı carsı map".
  19. ^ "Aksaray Seyir Terası".
  20. ^ "Aksaray Seyir Terası Restaurant ve Kafe".
  21. ^ "AZMİ MİLLİ UN FABRİKASI Atatürk'ün talimatıyla kurulmuştu, 98 yıldır ayakta".
  22. ^ "ANADOLU'DA BİR ENDÜSTRİ MİRASI: AKSARAY AZMİ MİLLİ UN FABRİKASI".
  23. ^ "BAŞKAN DİNÇER AZMİ MİLLİ MÜZESİNİ TRT EKRANLARINDA TANITTI".
  24. ^ "Paşa Hamamı - Aksaray".
  25. ^ "KALORİFER SİSTEMLİ II. KILIÇARSLAN HAMAMI 800 YAŞINDA".
  26. ^ "Selçuklu Ve Beylikler Döneminde Aksaray Şehri".
  27. ^ "Hasan Dağı - Aksaray".
  28. ^ Borges, Jason. "Ihlara Valley (Overview)".
  29. ^ Borges, Jason. "The Masonry Churches of Cappadocia".
  30. ^ a b c Branning, Katherine. "Sultan Han Aksaray".
  31. ^ Bekir DENİZ. "AKSARAY KALESİ - The Citadel of Aksaray" (in Turkish). Retrieved 2021-10-13.
  32. ^ Aksaray e-Ansiklopedi. "Encyclopedia about Aksaray Castle" (in Turkish). Retrieved 2021-10-13.
  33. ^ "Historic carpets gains a new face in Turkish town". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 2022-09-28.
  34. ^ "Aksaray Belediyesi". www.aksaray.bel.tr. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  35. ^ a b "Resmi İstatistikler: İllerimize Ait Mevism Normalleri (1991–2020)" (in Turkish). Turkish State Meteorological Service. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  36. ^ "World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020: Aksaray" (CSV). ncei.noaa.gov. National Oceanic and Atmosoheric Administration. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  37. ^ "Elite Athletes to run at The Runfire Cappadocia". Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau. July 2013. Archived from the original on 2013-08-05. Retrieved 2013-11-28.

Sources

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[edit]
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Aksaray.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aksaray.
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