Introduction
For other uses, see Aksaray (disambiguation).
For the neighbourhood in Istanbul, see Aksaray, Istanbul.
Municipality in TurkeyAksarayMunicipalityClock Tower in Aksaray Square
Coat of armsAksarayLocation in TurkeyShow map of TurkeyAksarayAksaray (Turkey Central Anatolia)Show map of Turkey Central AnatoliaCoordinates: 38°22′27″N 34°01′44″E / 38.37417°N 34.02889°E / 38.37417; 34.02889CountryTurkeyProvinceAksarayDistrictAksarayGovernment • MayorEvren Dinçer (AK Party)Elevation980 m (3,220 ft)Population (2025)327.575Time zoneUTC+3 (TRT)Postal code68100Area code0382Websitewww.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. Its population is 327,575 (2025). In 2025 the province had an estimated population of 441,136 distributed over about 7,659 km2 (2,957 mi2). 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 known as Archelais Garsaura, later attested as Taksará and Aksará, which is a rendering of Garsáoura.
The modern name Aksaray is derived from Turkish, meaning "White Palace" (ak = white, saray = palace), and is traditionally associated with a Seljuk-era palace attributed to Sultan II. Kılıçarslan.
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.
Historical affiliations
Hittites c. 1600–1200 BC
Phrygia c. 800–695 BC
Achaemenid Empire c. 547–333 BC
Macedonian Empire 333–323 BC
Kingdom of Cappadocia c. 320–17 BC
Roman Empire 17 BC–395 AD
Byzantine Empire 395–1071
Seljuk Empire 1071–1077
Sultanate of Rum 1077–1243
Ilkhanate 1243–1335
Eretna Beylik 1335–1381
Karamanids c. 1381–1470s
Ottoman Empire 1470s–1922
Turkey 1923–present
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/. Strabo 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. No longer a residential bishopric, Colonia in Cappadocia is today listed by the Catholic Church as a titular see. 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.
At some point between 1081 and 1084, the town was part of the domain of Suleiman ibn Qutalmish according to Ibn al-Athīr. 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." The city was raided by the Mongols in 1277 and they killed or enslaved 6,000 of its residents.
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.
Demographics
[edit]
Aksaray is the administrative centre of Aksaray Province and is one of the main urban settlements of Central Anatolia. The city's population has grown steadily in recent decades due to rural migration from surrounding districts and villages.
According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, the population of the city is over 200,000, while the wider province has a population of over 400,000.
Migration patterns from rural areas to the city centre have contributed to rapid urban expansion, particularly since the late 20th century.
Historical population of Aksaray
Year
Pop.
2009
171,423
2010
177,419
2011
183,757
2012
186,599
2013
189,977
2014
193,489
2015
198,907
2016
205,865
2017
220,459
2018
228,088
2019
233,919
2020
243,747
2021
247,147
2022
253,112
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.
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.
The Luna Park, also known as Kültürpark is a large amusement theme park in the city centre of Aksaray.
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.
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.
The II. Kılıçarslan Türbesi ve Köşkü, a recently restored Seljuk-era tomb and mansion on Kırk Kızlar Hill overlooking the city.
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.
The Kapalı Çarşı, meaning "Covered Market" is a Grand Bazaar in the city centre of Aksaray.
The Aksaray Observation Deck is an observation deck overlooking the city of Aksaray.
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. It sits adjacent to the Zincirye Medresesi. It currently operates as a museum.
The Paşa Hamam, an Ottoman-era Turkish hamam built by Hacı Ali Pasha.
The Kılıçaslan Hamam, a recently restored Turkish hamam in the city centre.
The Aksaray Highschool, or Aksaray Lisesi, is the location of the former Roman thermae or bathhouse.
A newer attraction is Hünkarland, a large theme park with artificial waterfalls, which is a popular venue for Aksaray wedding parties.
Around Aksaray[edit]
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.
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.
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).
Caravanserais[edit]
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.
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.
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.
Transport
[edit]
Aksaray occupies a strategic position in Central Anatolia, located along historical trade routes that once formed part of the Silk Road. Today, the city is connected to major regional centres such as Ankara, Konya, and Nevşehir via a network of state highways.
Although Aksaray does not currently have an active passenger railway station, it is served by regional road transport and is located near major railway corridors in neighbouring provinces. The nearest airport is Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport.
The city’s location between Central Anatolia and the Mediterranean region contributes to its role as a regional logistics and transit point.
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 among the main local crops, with wheat production being the most dominant. Agriculture in the province is supported by the fertile plains of the Melendiz basin and irrigation projects developed in the region.
Carpet and rug weaving were traditionally important, especially in the area around Sultanhanı, reflecting the region’s historic position along trade routes of central Anatolia. In recent decades, production has shifted away from large-scale weaving toward carpet repair, restoration, and repurposing of older textiles.
Small-scale industry and manufacturing are present in Aksaray city, including food processing, textiles, and automotive supply industries, supported by the Aksaray Organized Industrial Zone, which has expanded in recent decades.
Although Ihlara Valley, Güzelyurt, and other major tourist attractions of Cappadocia are located nearby, Aksaray itself has not historically attracted large numbers of visitors compared to neighbouring tourism centres such as Nevşehir and Kayseri. Tourism remains a developing sector, with efforts focused on improving infrastructure and visibility of local heritage sites.
Automobile sector[edit]
Aksaray has developed a significant automotive manufacturing sector centered on heavy commercial vehicle production. The Mercedes-Benz Türk Aksaray Truck Plant, established in 1986, produces heavy-duty trucks including the Actros and Arocs series, and functions as one of the major production and export facilities of Daimler Truck in Turkey.
The plant employs over 1,600 people and forms a key part of the regional industrial base, with production contributing to both domestic supply and exports to international markets. In addition to manufacturing, the facility also includes engineering, testing, and development activities, reinforcing Aksaray’s role within Turkey’s automotive and heavy vehicle production network.
Culture
[edit]
Aksaray’s culture reflects its position as a historical crossroads between Central Anatolia, Cappadocia, and the Mediterranean basin. Traditional Anatolian customs, folk music, and seasonal village festivals remain part of the region’s cultural identity.
The city is associated with rural folk traditions, including storytelling, music performed with the bağlama, and communal gatherings that reflect long-standing Anatolian social practices.
Local cultural life is also shaped by its proximity to Cappadocia, which influences tourism-related cultural expression and heritage preservation efforts.
Education
[edit]
Higher education in Aksaray is provided primarily by Aksaray University, a public university established in 2006. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, social sciences, health sciences, and vocational studies, and serves students from across the region.
The presence of the university has contributed to the city’s development as an educational centre in Central Anatolia.
Aksaray Museum
[edit]
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.
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.
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 2023Lowest recorded temperature:−29.0 °C (−20.2 °F) on 7 February 1991
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 snowy days
6.09
3.27
3.09
0.82
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.91
3.33
17.51
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
54.5
Mean monthly sunshine hours
96.7
130.2
173.8
212.2
279.3
324.6
366.8
342.5
278.5
214.9
149.2
92.6
2,661.4
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
Source 2: NOAA NCEI(humidity, sun 1991-2020), Meteomanz (snowy days 2013–2024)
Archaeology
[edit]
The region around Aksaray has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of settlement dating back to the Neolithic period at nearby sites such as Aşıklı Höyük, one of the earliest known village settlements in Anatolia.
During antiquity, the region formed part of ancient Cappadocia and was successively ruled by the Hittites, Persians, Hellenistic kingdoms, Romans, and Byzantines. Archaeological remains, including rock-cut settlements and underground cities in the wider region, reflect its long continuity of habitation.
The nearby Ihlara Valley also contains important Byzantine-era cave churches and monastic settlements, demonstrating the region’s religious and cultural significance during the medieval period.
Sports
[edit]
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.
Twin towns – sister cities
[edit]
Aksaray is twinned with:
Hwaseong, South Korea
Kahramanmaraş, Turkey
